By Kantarawaddy Times
The Interim Executive Council of Karenni State (IEC) announced its official formation on 12 June. Following instructions from the Karenni State Consultative Committee (KSCC), the IEC was established on 6 June 2023 with six members.
“We’re very proud of the youths across the country, including the Karenni youths, who are sacrificing their lives and facing many hardships in the jungles to end the military dictatorship in this country. They’re fighting bravely against the military junta. On the other hand, we don’t know when this revolution will end. We don’t want their future dreams and goals to be lost. That is why we’re have formed the IEC, even though we have many more challenges to face,” said chair Khu Oo Reh, in his speech.
At the launch, Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the Government of National Unity Government, remarked that forming the IEC was no easy task, which was only possible after many “sacrificed their lives and blood for Karenni State”.
He said, “Karenni State is a very special state during the Spring Revolution. Even its a small state, the Karenni people can defend themselves well against the Burma army. We’re very surprised that the soldiers of Karenni State have been so brave and steadfast in this revolution.”
Various ethnic armed organisations and resistance groups sent their support letters to the IEC during the launching ceremony.
In a concluding speech, Khun Bedu, deputy-chair of the IEC as well as chairperson of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force, promised that the IEC will continue to gather the forces of the resistance groups to protect the people from the military junta. It’ll also provide public services such as police, prison and rule of law in Karenni State through its 12 departments, which will systematically manage state resources and provide public services to the people under the KSCC’s policies.
The IEC has requested all professionals and experts who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement against the dictatorship to join it to work for the people. It promises to work with various groups across the country for the transformation of new political system in Burma. After a new Karenni government with full self-determination has been formed, the IEC will be dissolved.
Khu Plu Reh is IEC’s general secretary, Ma Zue Padonmar is its first secretary, U Banyar Khun Aung is the second secretary and Maw Poe Myar is the treasurer.
