Myanmar Spring Chronicle – March 5 Overview
MoeMaKa, March 6, 2025
6 Killed as MNDAA Troops Open Fire on KIA Members and Villagers Opposing Gold Mining in Mongsi Village, Kutkai
On March 5, an incident occurred in Mongsi village, Kutkai District, where MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) troops opened fire on KIA (Kachin Independence Army) members and local villagers who were protesting gold mining activities near their village. As a result, 6 villagers were killed and 6 others were injured.
In the past year, MNDAA has taken control of the area, including Mongsi and nearby villages. The conflict arose when KIA members and local residents opposed gold extraction at the village’s water source, a resource crucial to the local community.
This incident marks the first known case in which a member of an ethnic armed group fighting against military rule has used firearms against another resistance group over natural resource extraction disputes.
Gold Mining Controversy and Rising Tensions
According to local reports and social media, gold mining authorized by MNDAA near Pying Hkam village has raised concerns as it affects the main water supply for several villages. Residents opposed the mining due to environmental and livelihood concerns.
This event also highlights tensions among ethnic armed groups (EAOs) that have seized territories from the military during Operation 1027. Some of these territories historically belonged to other ethnic groups, which could lead to long-term conflicts over land and resource control. Instead of resolving disputes through legal frameworks, armed confrontation is becoming a growing concern.
Competition for Resource-Rich Territories
Ethnic armed groups often find regions rich in gold, timber, gemstones, oil, minerals, and border trade taxes more strategically valuable than purely agricultural lands. This makes resource control a key point of contention, leading to rivalries and clashes between different armed factions.
In northern Shan State, at least four major ethnic armed groups are active. During Operation 1027, conflicts arose not only against the Myanmar military but also among these groups.
- In recent months, tensions escalated between KIA and TNLA (Ta’ang National Liberation Army), with reports of KIA members being beaten by TNLA forces.
- TNLA forcibly relocated a Shan armed group’s checkpoint, indicating internal power struggles.
- More recently, areas like Kutkai and Namphaka have witnessed frequent disputes and armed confrontations between KIA and TNLA troops.
The Future of Ethnic Armed Groups and Resource Control
The control of land and natural resources is a sensitive issue for ethnic armed groups, as it directly impacts their financial stability and military operations. These factors are deeply tied to the broader resistance movement and could lead to further internal conflicts, even among allied groups.
For the resistance movement to succeed, it is crucial for ethnic armed groups to not only focus on building self-governed territories but also to respect the rights and lands of other ethnic communities.
As territories are solidified, disputes over land ownership and resource extraction will inevitably arise. Without a clear conflict resolution framework, these disagreements could escalate into violent clashes among resistance forces.
The Need for a Civilian-Governed Future
In conflict zones, armed groups often act as de facto authorities, but a long-term transition to civilian governance is essential.
If such transitions do not take place, incidents like the Mongsi village shooting could become more frequent, where armed groups suppress local opposition with force instead of dialogue.
Communities should have the right to voice their concerns and protest peacefully against activities that harm their environment and livelihoods. Using violence against local dissent contradicts the ideals of the resistance movement and could undermine its legitimacy.