The Lasang Awng Wa Group is the newest and least well-known of the Kachin armed factions. It is also sometimes called the “Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army Splinter Group”. It was formed by an ex-Kachin Independence Organization Intelligence Chief, Colonel Lasang Awng Wa, after a 2004 coup attempt led to his expulsion from the KIO. His relatively small group has reportedly agreed to peaceful coexistence with the Burmese authorities.
At the recent Myitkyina Manau marking the founding of the Kachin State, the Lasang Awng Wa Group came by the hundreds. Compared to the much larger contingents of both KIA and New Democratic Army – Kachin troops they were heavily out-numbered. Their presence was, nonetheless, a strong sign of the tensions that have boiled over in Kachin politics in recent years.
If readers are interested I have many more pictures of the Lasang Awng Wa Group in action at the Manau. In the coming days, and in response to reader comments, I will make a substantial post on the various armed groups (including the tatmadaw) that had troops at the festivities.
And some were not just carrying printed scarves…
Yes, more pictures and commentary would be welcome, as would information about interactions of all the contending ceasefire groups and their interactions with the Burmese military.
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Thanks Aiontay,
More is on the way! As for the interactions of the contending ceasefire groups and the tatmadaw – there was an interesting dynamic. And there is much to say…
For most of the Manau, Burmese troops were stationed around the whole site in all the most important locations. At times they even patrolled the dancing area itself. Their presence was particularly marked during the period on 10 January when the Northern Commander, Major-General Ohn Myint, attended.
However, at other times – and particularly during the showpiece dance by the KIO/A on the 10th – these Burmese troops largely melted away. During their dance, the KIA held the middle ground with its own (armed) security for its senior officials. The Burmese troops who had been everywhere earlier in the day (and the USDA goons who supported them) went elsewhere and Kachin marshalls controlled the crowd.
Furthermore, as far as I could see troops from the KIO/A, NDA-K and the Lasang Awng Wa Group were generally kept well apart. They each had a scheduled dance slot (all on different days) to strut their stuff in front of the Manau poles. These were all very separate. Of these dancing sessions the one organised by the KIO/A was far and away the most emotional and best attended.
I am very happy to answer more questions and will have further posts in coming days.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
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You mentioned Shans from the Shan State being there. I presume there were Kachins from the Shan State there as well. Did the KDA make an appearance as well?
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Yes, Aiontay, there were substantial Kachin contingents who came from the Shan State.
However, as far as I am aware there was no official KDA presence. And, unless I missed something (which is certainly possible), there were no KDA soldiers at the Manau. Some official Manau materials – which do note donations from the KIO/A, Lasang Awng Wa Hpung and the NDA-K – are silent on KDA involvement.
That the festivities were so focussed on the “Kachin State” and “Kachin State Day” is one explanation for this. I guess there are others too…
Best wishes to all,
Nich
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Hi Nicholas,
These photos are very interesting.
I am trying to find out more about Sipsongpanna etc for a possible fiction book.
Kyi May
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Thanks Kyi May,
If you have a search around you will find some New Mandala material about south-western China, and even some on Sipsongpanna itself.
Off the top of my head we have, over the years, had some particularly interesting posts about Yunnanese tea, about festivals along the Sino-Burmese border, on art at the Dai-Jingpo Cultural Park, and on ethnicity and modernity in the Tai areas.
There is much to browse through. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Best wishes to all,
Nich
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