CNI News

13 August 2025

If the Myanmar Tatmadaw discussed with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Myitkyina, Kachin State, the KIA would accept to do so, said Lt-Gen Gun Maw of the KIA/KIO. Lieutenant General Gun Maw responded to the BBC's question as above

"The KIO's attitude is not to hold online discussions. If the Myanmar Tatmadaw has a real desire to discuss in Myitkyina, the KIO will send a delegation to Myitkyina in order to discuss there, which the KIO replied. But the KIO has not received any reply." he said.

The KIA made contct with the Myanmar Tatmadaw through the Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG), a Kachin-based organization in Myanmar that facilitates dialogue and negotiations between the Myanmar government, the Myanmar Tatmadaw, and the Kachin Independence Army.

But the Myanmar Tatmadaw replied to the KIA that it would discuss later because the battles were severely taking place in Bhamo, sources close to Naypyidaw told CNI News.

 “The KIO did not initiate the offer. It was a message from Nay Pyi Taw to the PCG (Peace-talk Creation Group) after the peace talks held in Naypyidaw last year.” said Lieutenant General Gun Maw.

He said that the Myanmar Tatmadaw asked the KIA regarding peace talks again through the PCG last month and the KIO replied that its position remained the same as before.

The KIA sent the PCG to Naypyidaw and said through the PCG that it wanted to meet and discuss at the peace talks held in Naypyidaw, but the Myanmar Tatmadaw responded that since the Bhamo Battle was ongoing, if the KIA wanted to discuss, the two sides would start discussing through online and then discuss in person after building mutual trust, according to those close to Naypyidaw.

Currently, battles are severely breaking out between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the KIA in and around Bhamo City. 

The KIA is providing weapons and ammunition to other armed groups fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw, and in collaboration with them, the KIA is fighting against the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Sagaing and Magway Regions.