KIA/KIO officers gathering around to read the latest news story written about the renewed fighting in Kachin State
In June 2011, the ceasefire was broken, leading to the renewal of the fighting. During the very first week, emotions and patriotism ran very high throughout the city of Laiza.
In this photo, KIA / KIO officers are excited to read the latest international news. They are curious to know what the world is sharing about their situation, how it is reacting to them, and whether it is interested at all.
The photo was shot in the Laiza hotel, which the KIO completely rented to move their headquarters since it is located just 20 metres away from China’s border. Before the KIO headquarter was in A Len Bum.