KNU commemorates 67th Resistance Day

01 February 2016
KNU commemorates 67th Resistance Day
Photo: Karen National Union HQ

The Karen National Union (KNU) commemorated its 67th Karen Resistance Day at Law KeeLah, Karen State, on 31 January.
Conflict officially broke out between the Burma Army and the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) on the 31 January 1949 after Karen forces took over Insein due to a number of unprovoked attacks on Karen civilians by Burma Government created Sitwunduns (militia).
The struggle continued to rage and became one of the longest-running conflicts in recent history.
In his address, KNU Chairman Mutu Say Poe wrote, ‘The KNU has continuously borne the duty entrusted to it since its formation in 1947 for the fulfilment of the entire Karen people's political objectives and aspirations. In addition to facing difficulties, it has to make great sacrifices. The successive leaders of the organization (KNU) have called on successive governments to cease the battles and hold talks. However, the previous successive governments had ignored such demands.’
He continued, ‘It is necessary to establish unity within the Karen people to perform in unity, stage by stage, in accordance with results of the developing political dialogue, issues relating to our Karen nationals in education, health, land rights and other rights.
The ethnic armed organizations, the political parties and responsible members of the new government, which is coming to shoulder duties of the State, have to cooperate for the amendment of the Constitution to make it have guarantees for all the ethnic nationalities and all the citizens. Moreover, the anxieties of the majority of the public and views of the leaders elected by the people also must be included for consideration, in the political dialogue and discussions.’
The Karen National Union was one of eight armed ethnic organisations that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement on 15 October 2015.