In response, Myanmar security forces retaliated against the attackers…reports Asian Lite News
The Myanmar military junta has accused an armed ethnic group of launching an attack on a vehicle convoy carrying Chinese military personnel, who were en route to a meeting on border security. However, the rebels have denied these allegations.
The incident took place on Tuesday, when a vehicle convoy consisting of Chinese military representatives and their Myanmar counterparts was fired upon while traveling to Myitkyina in northern Kachin state. According to the junta, the second vehicle in the convoy was hit by gunfire five times.
In response, Myanmar security forces retaliated against the attackers. Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun confirmed in an audio message that members of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) were responsible for the assault. The junta claimed that no casualties or injuries were reported during the incident.
Contradicting the junta’s accusations, KIA Colonel Naw Bu refuted any involvement in the attack. He stated that the KIA did not target any convoy, mentioning that intense clashes had been taking place in the area near where the incident occurred since Monday.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and conflicts within Myanmar, involving various armed ethnic groups and the military junta, as they vie for control and power in the country.
Recently, India’s Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane paid an official visit to Myanmar, holding discussions on matters related to illegal trans-border movements and transnational crimes, the Ministry of Defence stated.
Issues like maintenance of tranquillity in the border areas, and India’s security were also discussed during the visit, and the two sides reaffirmed their commitments towards their respective territories. During his visit, Aramane called on the Chairman of the State Administrative Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, in Nay Pyi Taw. He also called on the Defence Minister of Myanmar Gen (Retd.) Mya Tun Oo and held meetings with Commander-in-Chief, Myanmar Navy, Admiral Moe Aung and Chief of Defence Industries Lt Gen Khan Myint Than.
The visit came as an opportunity for the Defence secretary to raise matters pertaining to India’s security interests with the senior leadership of Myanmar.
During the meetings, the two sides discussed issues related to the maintenance of tranquillity in the border areas, illegal trans-border movements and transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and smuggling.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other.
India shares an approximately 1,700-km-long border with Myanmar. Any developments in that country have a direct impact on India’s bordering regions.
Peace and stability in Myanmar and the well-being of its people, therefore, remain of utmost importance to India, the ministry stated. (with inputs from agencies)