22 April 2012— Kachin State Government has presented cash assistance to KIA members led by Corporal Kyaw Hsan of Brigade (5) of KIA who exchanged arms for peace on 16 April as they are not willing to engage in meaningless armed struggle.

The ceremony to provide them with assistance in cash was held at Basic Education High School (Branch) at the village of Talawgyi in Myitkyina Township on 20 April and it was attended by Myitkyina District Deputy Commissioner U Khin Maung Cho, Myitkyina Township Administrator U Than Zaw Oo, Commander of Myitkyina District Police Force Police Lt-Col Aye Than and officers from Northern Command, members of the group who exchanged arms for peace and local people totaling 1500.

At the ceremony, on behalf of Kachin State Government, District Deputy Commissioner U Khin Maung Cho extended greetings and welcomed the members of the KIA and explained peace making efforts of Kachin State Government. Officials presented K 4.3 million provided by Kachin State Government, K 8.6 million, 67 bags of rice, 120 viss of edible oil, 250 viss of gram and 24 viss of salt provided by Northern Command and aids from Relief and Resettlement Department to the members of KIA.

At the ceremony, the leader of the group disclosed how they were recruited forcibly while they were working at farmland, received military training unwillingly, rape cases, exchanged arms for peace after contacting the Tatmadaw and their commitment to defending the country while joining hands with the Tatmadaw. He also expressed thanks for warm welcome by Kachin State Government, the Tatmadaw and the people and cash and aids for the members of the group and families.

Afterwards , townselder U Than Shwe spoke words of thanks for providing the members of KIA with cash and aids by Kachin State Government, the Tatmadaw and the people. Local Shan ethnic women and men entertained the members of KIA with songs and the ceremony ended.