Hsu/ Munich (NSS) - June 5

The political circles have analyzed that the upper part of Myanmar, particularly Sagaing and Magway regions, are being used as buffer zones by the KIA (Kachin insurgents) and AA (Rakhine insurgents) armed groups. This situation may lead to a complete breakdown of social and economic development in these areas.

Since the military took over the state power in February 2021, numerous armed insurrections and terrorists known as PDF and other groups have emerged in the upper regions; and clashes occur almost daily.

Sagaing Region shares borders with areas where the KIA operates while Magway Region borders areas where the Rakhine group AA operates.

During the political changes in Myanmar in 2021, the KIA and AA groups provided military and destructive training and weapons support the PDF terrorists.

The political circles are analyzing that the areas in the central part of Myanmar are currently being used as buffer zones by various insurgent and terrorist groups including the Kachin insurgents KIA, Rakhine insurgents AA, and Chin armed groups effectively serving as active war zones.

A leader of a domestic political party, as quoted in The NSS, stated: "When armed groups based on the Chin and Kachin, such as the KIA, enter the scene, Sagaing will become a buffer zone between the mainland and the Kachin and Chin regions. As a result, Sagaing will largely become a frontline for encounters and clashes, effectively a battleground. Similarly, Magway could also face a similar situation. Sagaing could become a no man's land caught between the military strategies of both sides."

It is known that there are currently hundreds of local PDF groups operating in the central Myanmar. Reports indicate that the KIA members are also participating in the battles being waged by these PDF forces.

In these region, frequent clashes occur between the military and PDF terrorists, and there has also been an increase in incidents of violence, looting, and abductions. 

A leader of a political party continued, "We generally hear that the KIA is sending trained PDFs and others from the mainland into this region. Similarly, the ULA/AA is sending forces into the Magway region to protect their territory (AA’s bases). They have to provide security beyond their designated areas. Likewise, the government is also using Sagaing to penetrate KIA territories. Finally, Sagaing has become a buffer zone for armed conflicts. As a result, the rural population is caught in the crossfire between both sides' military operations, leading to increased encounters and casualties."

The ongoing civil war in the conflict zone has caused immense suffering for the local population, who are caught in the crossfire between warring groups.

“To speak frankly, look at the direction of the three northern insurgent groups. First, to eradicate the online spam and second, to suppress the dictatorial regime. This direction invites all armed revolutionary groups including those related to the NUG and the PDF groups, to join this operation. Actually, the main focus is on fighting against the military. In Sagaing, ethnic Myanmar people, including the youth, are armed for this purpose. They are supported by the other side with weapons, and they are trained to handle them. The KIA also creates a buffer zone to prevent attacks on their side. In that zone, KIA leaders train PDF members. Then, the Myanmar military is hindered from entering their side. Thus, it becomes a contested battlefield. When both sides fight, villages catch fire. When one side retreats, the other side takes shelter there. If bullets are fired from there, they will shoot back. This leads to the total destruction of villages," said the politician.

In Myanmar, since February 2021, over 8,000 people have been violently killed with most incidents occurring in the central regions, according to reports released by the State Administration Council. 

At least 75 incidents of mass killings, involving three or more victims, have been documented after emerging of various insurrections within the country.  

Additionally, due to clashes among armed groups in the central regions, numerous towns and villages have been damaged, and many locals have been displaced, fleeing from the conflict. 

"Now, it's impossible to move freely from one village to another. People no longer trust each other. Even at work, people are accused of not supporting this or that side. Violent arrests and killings are happening. It's increasingly unsafe. Many villages have been burned. There are numerous landmines on roads and in villages. This has affected agricultural activities. It's not safe to travel. It’s very difficult," said a local from Madaw village, Khin-U township, Sagaing Region, to The NSS. 

In the 2023-2024 academic year, it was reported that 4,077 basic education schools in Sagaing Region could not be opened.

To overcome the suffering of the people, the politicians have suggested that these conflicts should be resolved politically by SAC.

"This must be resolved politically. Rural people caught in the armed conflict are suffering; their homes are destroyed, they become refugees, and flee the war. As a result, health and education services are disrupted, and communication is affected. The only solution is through political means. As refugees understand this, the problem can gradually be resolved. The government should also expand the political framework," said a leader of a political party.  

Currently, the SAC has declared martial law in at least 16 townships in the central region, including Pale, Khin-U, Taze, and Myaung townships. 

Last but not least, Sagaing and Magway regions are the places where Buddhism is blooming; many venerable Buddhist Sayadaws are emerged from those regions; and many Tatmadaw personnels are produced from those areas.