Burmese troops and KIA repeatedly clash in southern Kachin state

Fighting between government forces and troops form the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) took place nearly every day last week in the Manwing area of southern Kachin state. The fighting began shortly after a military column entered into an area controlled by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the KIO's armed wing.

Police question Kachin Baptist leader after peace demonstration

KBC president Rev. Gyung Hkawng (left) and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Samson (right) led a peaceful demonstration on 3rd anniversary of Kachin war in northern Burma, which fell on June 9,2014. Photo : Kachin News Group

Police authorities in Myitkyina, the Kachin state capital questioned Reverend Samson, general secretary of Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) following a church led demonstration marking the 3rd anniversary of the Kachin war which fell on June 9th, according to church officials.

Villagers in northern Shan state suffer after Tatmadaw's Kachin offensive

A  Htay from Nam Jarng village being carried away on May 29 after she was reportedly shot by Burma army soldiers from LIB 88. She died the next day from her injuries (Cred SHRF)

Life has become extremely difficult for large numbers of villagers in northern Shan state who have had to endure great hardship since April 10th when Burma's military launched an offensive against the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The offensive which took place in parts of northern Shan state and southern Kachin state close to the Chinese border, involved more than 1,000 troops from Light Infantry Division 88, according to a recent report released by the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF).

Kachin activists mark third year of war

Kachin in London hold a protest in front of the Burmese Emabassy on June 9th 2014 (photo countesy Burma Campaign UK)

Over the past few days Kachin people around the world took part in events to mark the third anniversary of the Kachin conflict which fell on Monday June 9th. On Sunday many Kachin gathered in Rangoon’s Maha Bandoola Park where community leaders gave speeches calling for peace. Kachin youth in Myitkyina also took part in a similar peace themed event in the Kachin state capital.

Dr. Tu Ja says Burma constitution must be amended but not on Thein Sein's terms

Dr. Manam Tu Ja, leader of the Kachin State Democracy Party (KSDP) tells the Kachin News Group (KNG) that Burma’s military-backed constitution must be amended in line with the people’s will and in a democratic manner which is different from what has been proposed by the government.

Outgoing UN rights Envoy to Burma concerned about Kachin situation

Tomas Ojea Quintana

In a statement released on Friday outgoing UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, expressed his concerns about the ongoing conflict in Kachin and northern Shan state and recent reports of attacks on civilians by the Burma army.