Myanmar gov't.: More troops into Kachin

Myanmar's government is preparing for peace talks with the Kachin Independence Organization but also beefing up defense forces in Kachin state. Military observers on the border recently reported increased government troop movements into Kachin state. The government sent the KIO a letter Sunday proposing the resumption of peace talks with Aung Thaung is leading the government team for talks with the KIO. Last Saturday, however, new battalions from the 44th Light Infantry Division arrived at Myitkyina. The high command is also preparing to send the 66th Light Infantry Division into Kachin state, the Shan Herald news agency reported. U Aung Kyaw Zaw, a military observer on the border remarked, "The 88th Light Infantry Division suffered 356 dead and injured during a three-month period. It will be replaced by the 66th Light Infantry Division." He said that defense chief Min Aung Hlaing went to Pyay where the 66th Light Infantry Division is based and told them "not to fail like the 88th," Shan Herald reported.