The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade (1) and People's Defense Force (PDF) jointly launched an attack on the police station in Kinmunchaung Village, Kyaikhto Township, Mon State. During the assault, the police station was destroyed by fire, and tragically, two fighters from the joint forces lost their lives.
On the 22 October, commencing at 5:00 am, resistance forces launched an attack on the Kinmunchaung police station, utilizing a combination of heavy and small weapons. The ensuing firefight between the opposing sides endured for nearly an hour.
A source from KNLA Brigade (1) said, "The conflict erupted at 5 am in the early morning. We were compelled to withdraw once we reached the front gate of the police station. Therefore, we did not manage to capture the police station, and we are currently assessing the casualties on the opposing side."
The casualties on the Military Council's side are still under investigation. Reports indicate that two soldiers from the joint forces were killed when they were struck by a 60 mm mortar shell fired by the Military Council while the resistance forces were in the process of retreating.
The Kinmunchaung Police Station, situated at the foot of Kyaik Htee Yoe Mountain, is facing frequent attacks from the People's Defense Forces.
On 29 October, which marks the full moon day of Thadingyut, the Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda – popularly known as the Golden Rock Pagoda - is set to reopen. Local residents have reported that there will be a significant influx of pilgrims in the upcoming days.
The Kyaikhto Revolutionary Force (KRF) has warned about possible clashes near the Golden Rock Pagoda due to the presence of a Military Council police station and gates. They advise against visiting the Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda and state that they will not be responsible for any consequences if people disregard the warning and go to the area.
"We've sent out warnings from the beginning, explaining the possible consequences if pilgrims go ahead despite the risks. We've stressed the importance of staying away from Military Council soldiers, and we won't be responsible for what happens," said an official from the KRF.
On 12 October 2022, a gunfight between the Military Council and revolutionary forces near the Kyaik Htee Yoe bus station in Kinmunchaung Village resulted in the deaths of three women from Yangon who were on a pilgrimage. Several others were injured in the incident.
