MNDAA invades KIA checkpoint in Kutkai, beats soldier

Mekong, July 9 Sources have reported that tensions have arisen between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Kokang Army (MNDAA) in Kutkai Township, Shan State, after the MNDAA invaded and seized a KIA checkpoint in Mawhan village, claiming to be acting under central orders, and subsequently destroyed the checkpoint. During the invasion and seizure, an MNDAA group also surrounded and beat a KIA soldier inside the checkpoint until he was bleeding, according to the source. The KIA checkpoint, which has been located in Mawhan village for over 10 years, was invaded and destroyed by the MNDAA with a large number of forces on the morning of July 8, yesterday. "The Kokang side is wrong. They not only used force to destroy a checkpoint that has been there for over 10 years, but they also beat and insulted people. If the KIA does not resolve this peacefully, a conflict could arise between the two groups, and the public is also worried. Since the incident, movement in the town has also decreased," said a Kutkai source. The Mawhan checkpoint is located in Mawhan village on the Kutkai-Tamone road and is a checkpoint of KIA's 10th Brigade, 2nd Battalion, and has been in existence for over 10 years, according to the source. In a video file of the two groups arguing, one of the Kokang commanders can be heard saying that they were acting on the orders of the MNDAA central command. "The Kokang side said they invaded because the KIA collected taxes from their military vehicles. The KIA countered that they are collecting taxes under central orders, and that even if they go to the Kokang side, the Kokang army collects taxes on both the outbound and return trips. The Kokang side said they came to destroy the checkpoint under central orders," said a local source. It is reported that after this dispute, officials from both sides met and held negotiations last night, but it is not yet known what agreement was reached, according to the source. Conflicts over territorial control frequently occur between the KIA, TNLA, MNDAA, and SSPP operating in northern Shan State, and negotiations are often held. #MeKongNews #Kutkai #MNDAA #KIA #Checkpoint #Invasion