AAKachin Rising (36 images)

In the mountainous north of Burma, bordering China and extending to India, lays the land of the Kachin, a distinct ethnic group in Burma that have been at odds with the central government since 1962.
As with many other conflicts in the region the original root derives from the British Empire. The Kachin lands were given to the new nation of Burma during the British hand over even though the Kachin have no historic ties or shared history with the Burmese.
The Kachin however did...
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In the mountainous north of Burma, bordering China and extending to India, lays the land of the Kachin, a distinct ethnic group in Burma that have been at odds with the central government since 1962.
As with many other conflicts in the region the original root derives from the British Empire. The Kachin lands were given to the new nation of Burma during the British hand over even though the Kachin have no historic ties or shared history with the Burmese.
The Kachin however did agree to a new federation of Burma under the Panlong agreement in 1947 which guaranteed them autonomy and the option to secede from the Burmese federation after 10 years. When the military seized power in Burma, the Panlong agreement was discarded and the guerilla war began.
It lasted until 1994. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the military wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), signed a cease fire with the Burmese regime, bringing a time of peace and profit for the people of Kachin State. The area under KIO control was developed and today many parts resemble their northern neighbor China more then other ethnic controlled parts of Burma.
Those days have since ended. The Burmese declared that all independent armies join their Border Guard Force (BGF) and come under their direct control. The Kachin steadfastly declined to join the BGF and the ceasefire was called off.
Now the Kachin prepare for war. New recruits train at KIA boot camp, villagers under go militia training, reinforcements head to the frontline, and the Kachin people ready themselves for what may come. Though they are the second largest ethnic army in Burma with 10,000 soldiers, they face incredible odds against the Burma Army's estimated 500,000 soldiers.
The Kachin refuse to fire the first shot and want only to live in peace, but they are braced for when the war is brought back to their doorstep by the Burmese junta; ready to defend their homes, protect their people, and if needed, die for their land.
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