Pajau Media
15th January, 2025
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and its allied forces have launched an assault on Zay Khan village, resulting in the local population seeking refuge in bomb shelters due to the ongoing airstrikes conducted by the State Administration Council (SAC).
A resident of Zay Khan expressed, "At times, I experience fear. I feel apprehensive when I see aircraft. I am concerned about the potential impact on those who might be harmed if a bomb were to drop. When an aircraft approaches, I must seek refuge in a bomb shelter, and we can only return home once the aircraft has left."
The village of Zay Khan, located in WaingMaw Township, is presently under the control of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). However, residents remain concerned about potential airstrikes from the State Administration Council (SAC), with reports indicating that some individuals have sustained injuries and incurred damage to their residences.
The SAC has, conversely, enhanced security measures in certain villages, such as WaingMaw, restricting movement to specific hours. Furthermore, residents of WaingMaw report a notable rise in interrogations and military operations in recent days.
The SAC has established a checkpoint at the intersection of Mote Loi Village on the periphery of WaingMaw town, permitting pedestrians, vehicle operators, and motorcyclists to pass through for a restricted duration.
A resident reported that vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, are subject to a toll when passing through the checkpoint. Furthermore, it was noted that the checkpoint does not operate continuously; it is open only from 6 to 9 AM in the morning and from approximately 3 to 5 PM in the evening.
“The checkpoint operates on an alternating schedule, opening for one hour and then closing for another. There are specific intervals during which it remains closed. The gate is typically opened when a significant number of individuals are present to pass through, and on occasion, personnel may request payment from drivers in order to facilitate access,” said a local.
The SAC has recently conducted airstrikes targeting Hpakant, Ta Nai, and various other regions. Local sources indicate that the figures for injuries, fatalities, and destroyed homes resulting from these attacks are rising daily.
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