KACHIN STATE – After KIA seized control of Panwah Town, China shut down the border gates connected to KIA controlled territories on the same night, reported KIA and Kachin news sources.
China reportedly shut down the Naban-Laiza Gate, Xiema-Licene Gate and Khashan Gate that are connected to KIA controlled Maijaryang and Laiza regions on October 18 midnight, giving out the excuse that it is for maintenance and also did not mention when the gates will be reopened.
“China probably shut down the gates to put pressure on KIA to not launch offensive on Bhamo and Myitkyina. China closed off the gates in Maijaryang and Laiza. It must be their way of pressuring (KIA) to cease offensives,” said a Kachin news source.
A KIA source also revealed that just recently China met with several leaders of KIA and pressured them to stop the battles.
From March 7 this year to October 19, KIA led revolutionary forces conducted offensives in Kachin State and northern Shan State and have captured 14 towns and over 200 camps of the junta council.
