Fighting broke out between the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) and Burmese government forces on Wednesday morning, said Daw Bawk Ja, an MP and the National Democratic Force (NDF).
The skirmish between Kachin troops and the government army lasted for one hour and civilians were forced to evacuate their homes in the Hpakant Township in the Gin Si village, she said. This follows President Thein Sein's January 19 directive for a ceasefire.