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Myanmar gov't troops free 5 kidnapped people

Xinhua, May 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Five people out of seven, kidnapped by Myanmar's Kachin Independence Army (KIA), have been freed following the government troops' clearing of the hideouts of the KIA over the first 10 days of this month, official media reported Thursday.

Seven people were taken captive by the KIA from a village in Hpakant, Kachin state on April 29 and the motive has been confirmed as kidnapping.

The government troops, in its raid on the KIA hideouts, engaged with the KIA for 13 times over the period, seizing various ammunition, the report said.

KIA troops detonated mines in residential areas in Hpakant and fired heavy artillery and grenades at army bases and police stations during the government troops' operation.

The attack caused damage to the township, leaving one woman dead, it said.

Two remaining hostages are still held by the KIA, the report added.

The government is implementing a nationwide peace process which is intended to ensure national reconciliation and national development and bring an end to armed conflicts.

The government and eight ethnic armed groups out of 15 initiated a nationwide ceasefire accord (NCA) on Oct. 15 last year excluding the KIA. Enditem