Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 4 November 2024

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has taken control of Hpimaw Town on the China-Myanmar border, KIO/KIA spokesman Colonel Naw Bu told Narinjara News early on November 4.

He said fighting will go on in the Gawlam and Kangfang areas along the border.

"We have indeed captured Hpimaw Town. We must keep fighting in the Gawlam and Kangfang areas. There's still a lot to do," Colonel Naw Bu said.

The KIA took Hpimaw Town at 7 pm on November 2.

"While Hpimaw is a border crossing, it's not an official trade point. It's a town where people work and mix, but not an official trade spot," he clarified.

The areas of Hpimaw, Gawlam, and Kangfang have been disputed between China and Myanmar since the border was set in 1960.

The KIA seized Hpimaw Town in Kachin Special Region 1 after taking the Kachin BGF's Battalion 1001 base in Nuzungbaung village, near Hpimaw.

Hpimaw Town is important as it has the biggest rare-earth material (REM) production sites run by Chinese businessmen, who got permission from the border guard forces.

The KIA has already taken the BGF's Battalion 1001 base in Nuzungbaung village in the Hpimaw area, the Battalion 1002 base in Lupi village in the Pang War area, and the Battalion 1003 base in Shing Jai village in the Kan Paik Ti area.

Colonel Naw Bu also said that since March 2020, the KIA has taken nearly 300 junta hill camps and posts in Kachin State.

When Narinjara News asked about China's ongoing pressure and closing of border gates, Colonel Naw Bu replied, "You can say China is pressuring us, but they mainly want stability and peace in the border area. As the KIA, we also care about stability there. But real peace can only come if all junta camps are taken. Our main aim is to end military rule, and we must use all possible ways to do that."