Renewed Military Tensions in the N hka Ga Village Area of Putao, Local Residents Concerned

Pajau Media

January 19, 2026

In the N hka Ga village area of Brigade No. (1) under the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), tensions have once again escalated as mutual military standoffs continue between the military junta forces and KIA troops, causing concern among local residents in the area, according to sources.

In eastern Putao, all roads remain closed at present. Local residents who have been stranded since the road closures had been planning to return via the N hka Ga route; however, renewed military tensions have raised serious concerns among the local population, sources said.

“We haven’t been able to return to our village for a long time. We planned to go back via the N hka Ga route. From Machanbaw, we would take a small motorboat along the Malikha River to N hka Ga, and then walk back on foot. That’s the only option left. No one knows when the Htang Ga route will reopen,” said a resident from Marawt village.

Clashes also occurred last week along the N hka Ga front in Brigade No. (1) territory. As military tensions remain high, local residents are worried about using the N hka Ga route for travel, according to sources.

Currently, clashes are ongoing across Kachin State, including on the Bhamaw, Hpakant, and Waimaw fronts, as well as in the Putao-N hka Ga area under Brigade No. (1) and the Lapu Hka area under Brigade No. (2).

Between January 12 and January 18, a total of 12 clashes were reported across Kachin State, during which the military junta carried out repeated attacks.

News: Pilan U