By Kantarawaddy Times
U Aung San Myint, Secretary 1 of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), has emphasized the need for unity among armed groups in Karenni State to work together in building a federal democratic state.
At a joint press conference held on November 5, the National Unity Government (NUG), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and the Chin National Front (CNF) discussed their unified stance and joint efforts toward dismantling the military dictatorship and establishing a federal democratic union. They also addressed their political cooperation and recent developments in their collaboration.
“The first priority on our path toward a new federal nation is to end the oppressive military regime. To achieve this, we need all groups to move forward together in unity,” stated U Aung San Myint.
Karenni State, with a population of about 300,000, now has over seven armed groups following the 2021 military coup, up from at least five before the coup. Recently, on October 29, 2024, the Kayan National Army (KNA) was formally established. These armed groups share the common objective of building a federal democratic union.
However,the growing number of armed groups has raised concerns among Karenni residents about the potential for unwanted problems. A local resident in Pruso Township expressed apprehension:
“I worry they might misuse the call to eliminate the dictatorship for their own agendas. Will they truly listen to the people’s voices and wishes? Or will they simply pursue their own objectives? At a time when the community is already under intense pressure, residents don’t want additional issues or disputes among these groups.”
In the Spring Revolution, armed groups from Karenni State have been jointly fighting against the military council. However, the widespread presence of armed groups has led to personal disputes and incidents of gun violence in 2024, causing fear among the Karenni people.
