Burmese Army despatching more arms to Kachin State
- Written by KNG
The end of November has seen the regime stepping up the despatch of various kinds of weapons and military equipment made in China in more than 12 trucks from Mandalay the second largest city in Burma to Bhamo (Manmaw in Kachin) Township the second biggest city in Kachin State said, local eye witnesses.
The trucks carting the weapons are continuing to head towards Laiza the headquarters of KIO, said residents of Bhamo.
“There were 10 trucks carrying an assortment of machine guns and heavy weaponry. Four or five soldiers were guarding each truck,” said residents.
Yesterday evening, at least five trucks transporting heavy weapons entered the city and more weapons are coming in ships from Mandalay, said residents of Bhamo.
People, who saw the weapons being transported, are in a state of panic. They fear war breaking out between the Burmese Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of KIO, said a local.
“In the past they (junta) have resorted to threatening civilians by showing off their weapons. These arms were not from lower Burma but from the military camps based in the state,” said a resident.
The junta has gone about reinforcing its troops and increasing arms supply in its army camps close to the KIO/KIA headquarters. Earlier the regime ordered the closure of all KIO liaison offices across the country.
The junta has also prohibited all trade on the China-Burma border areas controlled by the KIO, including at the trade point near Laiza over the last two weeks.
After the border trade ban the Kachin ethnic armed group KIO has been told to shift all businessmen living in Laiza.
