Many of the IDPs yesterday attempted to flee across the Chinese border to seek sanctuary but were turned back by the Chinese authorities.

The Tatmadaw appears to be pressing its advantage in Kachin State after conquering the Gidon mountaintop outpost, held until earlier this month by the Kachin Independence Army near the group’s Laiza headquarters, with a statement from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing proclaiming the capture of point 768, known by the KIA as Lai Hpawng, on Tuesday.

“Arakanese people would never join such a demonstration. It is damaging to ethnic unity and we denounce it," said a senior monk.

“We can tell that the marchers in Shan attire are not really Shan ... They looked ridiculous to anyone familiar with Shan dress!”

The Kia says its frontline outpost in Myitkyina District was attacked by two fighter jets as Burmese ground troops simultaneously launched artillery strikes.

Hundreds of people gathered in the Kachin State capital Myitkyina on Monday to call on the Burmese army to end its offensive against the KIA.