(Mizzima) – The Burmese army is sending more troops to the conflict zone in Kachin State, a border observer told the Shan Herald new agency. The move comes as the government is preparing for more peace talks with the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
On December 18, the government sent the KIO a letter to resume peace talks. The day before, new battalions under the 44th Light Infantry Division arrived at Myitkyina. The high command will also send the 66th Light Infantry Division, according to U Aung Kyaw Zaw, a military observer on the border.
"The 88th suffered 356 dead and injured during a three-month period. It will be replaced by the 66th,” said the analyst. He said defense chief Min Aung Hlaing went to Pyay where the 66th division is based and told them “not to fail like the 88th.”
Government peace negotiator Aung Thaung is leading the team to hold talks with the KIO.
There are about 120 infantry battalions in Kachin and Shan State (North) aligned against the military wing of the KIO.
