KNU urges end to Kayin State fighting
KNU urges end to Kayin State fighting
Myanmar Times, 14 Sep 2016
URL: http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/22513-knu-urges-end-to-kayin-state-fighting.html
The powerful Karen National Union (KNU) has called for a cessation of hostilities between the Tatmadaw, a Border Guard Force (BGF) group and a splinter faction of the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), following recent clashes in the Mae Tha Wor area of Kayin State’s Hpapun township.
The KNU, the political wing of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), said yesterday that the uptick in troop movements and clashes pitting the Tatmadaw and an aligned BGF against the DKBA faction were a cause for concern, and could undermine the public’s faith in the peace process. The two sides have been fighting since August 28.
KNU joint secretary Padoh Thaw The Bwe said his organisation had implored the government to resolve renewed conflict in areas under Tatmadaw and BGF control, but that this had not yet been addressed.
“Mae Tha Wor is an area under our control,” he said, explaining that he was concerned that locals might mistake the skirmishes for KNLA activity. “Therefore, we object and urge a stop to the fighting.”
Clashes are continuing in the Mae Tha Wor area, with upward of 3400 residents of Hlaingbwe Township having fled and taken refuge at the Mying Gyi Ngu monastery. They are reliant on government and public donations for support.
U Saw Lin, who is close to the abbot of Mying Gyi Ngu monastery, U Thuzana, said the sayadaw was engaged in negotiations between the three armed groups yesterday. Despite commanding immense respect from the warring DKBA and BGF factions, U Thuzana’s intervention has apparently not yet yielded a result.
State Minister for Social Affairs U Min Tin Win told The Myanmar Times yesterday that the state government was monitoring the flow of displaced civilians, and that there would be an increased security presence in Hlaingbwe township.
“We have [communicated] with the state government since the fighting started. We also sent medical teams for the refugees,” he said, adding that private donations were currently meeting the requirements of those displaced.
The KNU, the political wing of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), said yesterday that the uptick in troop movements and clashes pitting the Tatmadaw and an aligned BGF against the DKBA faction were a cause for concern, and could undermine the public’s faith in the peace process. The two sides have been fighting since August 28.
KNU joint secretary Padoh Thaw The Bwe said his organisation had implored the government to resolve renewed conflict in areas under Tatmadaw and BGF control, but that this had not yet been addressed.
“Mae Tha Wor is an area under our control,” he said, explaining that he was concerned that locals might mistake the skirmishes for KNLA activity. “Therefore, we object and urge a stop to the fighting.”
Clashes are continuing in the Mae Tha Wor area, with upward of 3400 residents of Hlaingbwe Township having fled and taken refuge at the Mying Gyi Ngu monastery. They are reliant on government and public donations for support.
U Saw Lin, who is close to the abbot of Mying Gyi Ngu monastery, U Thuzana, said the sayadaw was engaged in negotiations between the three armed groups yesterday. Despite commanding immense respect from the warring DKBA and BGF factions, U Thuzana’s intervention has apparently not yet yielded a result.
State Minister for Social Affairs U Min Tin Win told The Myanmar Times yesterday that the state government was monitoring the flow of displaced civilians, and that there would be an increased security presence in Hlaingbwe township.
“We have [communicated] with the state government since the fighting started. We also sent medical teams for the refugees,” he said, adding that private donations were currently meeting the requirements of those displaced.