Ethnic nationalities must fight against unjust political system: KNU chief

By DMG 31 Dec 2021

DMG Newsroom
31 December 2021, Hpa-an, Kayin State

In a message marking the Karen National New Year, which will fall on January 2, 2022, the chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU) said Myanmar’s ethnic nationalities must fight against the unjust political system as their rights have been violated. 

The KNU leader, Saw Mutu Say Poe, said the perpetuation and development of an ethnic group is directly related to the respectful recognition of its language, culture and literary traditions. 

Saw Mutu Say Poe said that in order for modern development to be achieved with dignity, it is necessary to fight against unjust political systems that are obstacles to the rights and development of the Karen people.  

The KNU chief also said the ethnic armed group had held peace talks with the Myanmar military because it knew it would not be possible to build internal peace without a ceasefire and talks with the Tatmadaw. 

Thousands of civilians in Kayin State have fled to the banks of the Thaungyin River, as well as to the Thai border town of Mae Sot and the Phalulay IDP camp on the Myanmar side, since fighting first flared between the Myanmar military and KNU forces on December 15. 

Clashes between joint military and Border Guard Force (BGF) contingents and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), an armed wing of the KNU, in Bilin Township, Mon State, have forced at least 1,000 locals to flee. 

Fighting has been raging on the Kawkareik-to-Myawaddy stretch of the Asia Highway, in territory controlled by KNU Brigade Nos. 6 and 7, since December 18, disrupting traffic. 

Political and military observers have speculated that clashes with the Myanmar military could escalate further as KNU brigades have been instructed to open fire when junta troops cross clear lines of territorial control. 

At least 100 clashes occurred between the KNLA and Myanmar military in Papun, an area in Kayin State controlled by the KNU’s Brigade No. 5, in March.