Irrawaddy-Oct 25
The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has vowed to convert its suffering over a deadly regime airstrike into courage to escalate its battle against Myanmar’s junta, while its allies called on other ethnic armed organizations to step up the fight. KIO information officer Colonel Naw Bu confirmed to The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that civilians as well as officials of KIO’s armed wing, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), were among nearly 50 people killed on Sunday evening when junta warplanes attacked a music concert being held to mark the KIO’s 62nd anniversary at a village near Hpakant, Kachin State. At least 55 were injured in the attack and the death toll is expected to rise. The KIO is a powerful Kachin political organization that has been fighting the Myanmar government and military for greater state autonomy. “We will turn this mournful event into revolutionary courage, accelerating efforts to topple the military regime,” said a statement released by the KIO central committee. The junta’s military confirmed on Tuesday it was responsible for the attack, calling it “necessary action” against the KIA for collaborating with anti-regime resistance groups to attack regime targets in Kachin State. The KIA has been launching military operations alongside People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) in Kachin State since the coup last year. The Northern Alliance military coalition warned all civilians to beware, as the regime’s actions were worsening day by day, and called on the international community to take urgent action. The alliance includes the KIA, Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). “Now is the time to be mindful of the regime’s tricks, and other ethnic armed groups should act decisively [against the junta] in unity,” said the alliance. Read more at: https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/following-deadly-airstrike-ethnic-armed-groups-call-for-unified-fight-against-myanmar-junta.html
