Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), has revealed that the military council is violating its own ceasefire declaration which was announced to be in effect for 20 days from April 2 to April 22. According to Colonel Naw Bu, fighting continues in the regions of Waingmaw, Banmaw, and Indaw, with ongoing airstrikes being conducted by the military council despite their ceasefire announcement. The military council has launched offensive operations by sending troops towards Waingmaw city, resulting in continued clashes, while both day and night aerial bombardments persist in the Banmaw region, and airstrikes continue in the Indaw area.
The military council unilaterally declared the ceasefire without seeking agreement from any other organizations, and their forces are now breaking their own declaration. Colonel Naw Bu explained that fighting is occurring in three locations: Waingmaw, Lower Indaw, and Banmaw, where air attacks are being carried out. The military’s actions demonstrate a complete disregard for their own announced ceasefire, with operations continuing without any restrictions or limitations. Colonel Naw Bu emphasized that the military council has never honored its commitments and continues to launch attacks arbitrarily without any adherence to established boundaries or agreements.
Colonel Naw Bu assessed that the military council’s ceasefire declaration appears to be a strategic move aimed at creating a favorable impression during their participation in the upcoming BIMSTEC meeting in Bangkok and to reduce international pressure. He noted that the military council has repeatedly violated previous ceasefire agreements and has never demonstrated trustworthiness in maintaining their commitments. The pattern of announcing ceasefires while continuing military operations shows the council’s lack of sincerity in pursuing genuine peace, as they continue to engage in unrestricted warfare despite their public declarations of seeking peace.
