Myanmar Spring Chronicle – January 28 Overview
MoeMaKa, January 29, 2025
Conflicts in Kachin and Ta’ang (Palaung) Controlled Areas
In recent days, disputes and confrontations have been occurring between lower-level units of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) regarding the establishment of checkpoints and administrative offices in territories controlled by each group. A particular incident where a KIA soldier and a TNLA soldier engaged in a one-on-one fight has gone viral on social media through videos and photos. Some news agencies reported that the event took place in a village near Mong Wi, located south of Namkham in northern Shan State.
The viral video shows about 50 to 60 armed members from both sides watching and cheering as two soldiers fought barehanded. The fight lasted for a while, and eventually, both soldiers stopped and parted ways. Some social media users commented that the fight was conducted under an agreement where the losing side would have to withdraw from the contested area. However, the accuracy of this claim cannot be verified.
A day before the Mong Wi incident, another confrontation took place at Nam Phat Kar, a location between Lashio and Muse on the Union Highway. KIA had recently seized control of the area, and a struggle occurred between KIA and TNLA forces. A video of this incident has also been circulating online. Additionally, in recent days, more videos have emerged showing KIA and TNLA forces engaging in disputes in other villages, as well as discussions between lower-level commanders of both groups.
Closure of the Shweli Bridge
Another report from today states that the KIA and TNLA have separately blocked the Shweli Bridge, near Namkham on the border of Kachin and Shan States, preventing any movement across. Namkham is located in northern Shan State, and just northwest of the town, the Shweli River is crossed by the bridge, which connects to southeastern Kachin State, leading to Mansi.
Public Perception and Growing Tensions
Many Myanmar Facebook users have praised the barehanded fight as a peaceful way to resolve disputes between allied ethnic armed groups. Some view this as an alternative to armed conflict, appreciating that no gunfire or weapons were used in the dispute.
However, the underlying issue remains unresolved. The disputes between KIA and TNLA over territorial control, taxation, military recruitment, and checkpoints have been escalating. Observers note an increasing frequency of incidents, including disputes over military bases and taxation rights. It is unclear whether senior leadership from both groups are engaging in negotiations to address these tensions.
The conflict is gaining wider attention, with territorial control, taxation rights, and recruitment efforts at contested border areas fueling the disputes. In northern Shan State, beyond just KIA and TNLA, the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) is also a significant armed group. The SSPP operates in areas between Namkham and Muse, as well as regions like Kyaukme and Hsipaw.
Political Leaders’ Statements
Prior to these recent incidents, both KIA and TNLA leaders had made statements indicating that the tensions were mainly territorial disputes and should be resolved politically. A KIA leader emphasized that political solutions were the way forward and that expanding territories through armed force was no longer viable. A TNLA leader also acknowledged the efforts of other ethnic armed groups in securing territory and stated that areas seized by revolutionary forces should be respected.
These statements highlight the importance of political solutions, but the ongoing localized conflicts between lower-level troops remain a challenge. The frequent spread of such incidents on social media has raised concerns, as it could fuel ethnic hatred and escalate tensions into a broader armed conflict.