A Tepid War (Myanmar)
The Kachin conflict opposing the Kachin Independence Army to the Burmese army started in 1963. A cease-fire agreement was signed in 1994, but fighting resumed in 2011, partly fueled by ambitions to secure access to areas rich in natural resources (jade, gold, teak) or suitable for hydroelectric dam projects. Since 2011, more than 100, 000 people have been internally displaced and more than 1000 people died in the conflict. From their stronghold in Laiza near the Chinese border, the Kachin Independence Organization rules over large pockets of land, and takes in their hands key regalian responsabilities such as justice, police, and also the provision of public services.
