Meetings

Developments

Agreed points:

State level
1) Cease-fire
2) Open liaison offices
3) To officially form the representative teams leading up to Union-Level peace talks, coordinate date, time and place for meetings

Union Level:

1. To discuss the demarcation of controlled territories, define military camp locations and movement
2. To hold talks with all ethnic ceasefire groups, organisations and political parties
3. Formation of a local monitoring group made up of approved members representing both sides
4. Formation of observer group made up of approved members representing both sides
5. Agree to stop fighting in all areas of Kayah state
6. Cooperate with INGOs and NGOs on health, education and social development, communicate with the Kayah state government
7. Kayah state government will form an observer group to survey public opinion about construction of a govt military training school
8. Release all KNPP members and affiliates
9. KNPP will cooperate with the government’s Human Rights Commission, both sides agree to form a locally based human rights monitoring group
10. Cooperate with State and Union government to eradicate drug production and implement drug rehabilitation
11. Both sides will discuss the systematic resettlement of IDPs; the government will assist in the resettlement of KNPP families providing support for business ventures

In March, 2012 the KNPP submitted a 20 point position paper for consideration from the Union government’s. They agreed in principle to 14 of these points in May; the remaining contentious issues related to demarcation and separation of troops, and large scale development projects. A KNPP statement that said the political party would focus on improving living standards for its constituents as opposed to business opportunities was well received.

Ongoing issues:

1. Salween Dam (Ywa Thit hydro-electric dam)
2. Withdrawal of government’s forces from Kayah state
3. KNPP demands to transform a military training center into a social center
4. CBOs will form an observer group for careful monitoring of large development projects in the state

Ongoing clashes

June 27, 2012: Fighting broke out between government troops and the KNPP near Mawchi area, highlighting the need for both parties to focus on resolving military conflicts in upcoming peace talks. http://www.bnionline.net/index.php/news/kantarawaddy/13840-karenni-peace-talks-must-include-two-key-points-to-preserve-ceasefire.html

Fourteen Myanmar army battalions are permanently based in Kayah State. In addition. there are 6 roving battalions from neighbouring Shan state, plus 1 special battalion that provides security for Ywa-thit dam. With the cessation of hostilities, government soldiers are frequenting villages near their bases much more. Security regulations previously required off-duty soldiers to remain in the barracks between 4 – 9 am, but many communities have reported soldiers are now staying in villages well into the night. This interaction might help build trust, but the increased troop presence is also increasing anxieties. (TBC 2012)

Statements

Nov 17, 2020 – KNPP released a statement regarding travel restriction

Sept 03, 2020 – KNPP released a statement regarding Covid 19

Mar 27, 2020 – KNPP appeal to Myanmar government, Tatmadaw, and all relevent Ethnic Armed Resistance Organizations (Bur)

Mar 27, 2020 – KNPP appeal to Myanmar government, Tatmadaw, and all relevent Ethnic Armed Resistance Organizations (Eng)

Nov 30, 2019 – KNPP released a statement regarding six Karen Youth’s trial

July 01, 2019 – KNPP released a statement regarding cancelation of literature discussion event

Dec 24, 2018 – KNPP released a statement regarding Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services

Aug 08, 2015 – UNFC released  a statement on bi-annual meeting of KNPP (Bur)

Aug 08, 2015 – UNFC released  a statement on bi-annual meeting of KNPP (Eng)

Mar 03, 2015 – KNPP released a statement after holding the 12th party congress (Eng)

Mar 03, 2015 – KNPP released a statement after holding the 12th party congress (Bur)

Jan 12, 2015 – KNPP sent a letter against the heavy weapon shooting training near Dawtama Gyi village

Oct 23, 2013 – 7 points agreement between KNPP and UPWC

Aug 08, 2013 – KNPP leader U Yee Mahn Htoo interview by KT times

Mar 3, 2012 – KNPP Statement-on Ceasefire Talks

Jun 1, 2012 – KNPP stated that the “peace roadmap” put forward by Naypyidaw won’t be successful on its own. Only an alliance based on the policies of the United Nationalities Federal Council can ensure that the ceasefire will endure.

Jul 31, 2011 – KNPP demanded that the govt hold dialogue for national reconciliation, resolving the conflict and a ceasefire with all ethnic armed groups.

Partnerships

KNPP, KNLP, KNPLF (cooperation on health programs)

Leaders of 88-Generation Student Group and KNPP will cooperate to create a genuine Union’ in which all ethnic nationalities will have the power to create their own destinies. A 88-Generation delegation led by student leader Mya Aye met with a KNPP delegation at the KNPP liaison office in Loikaw, Kayah state to discuss the current political climate in Myanmar (11/9/12). A six-point joint statement was issued that called for genuine peace talks and urged the government to stop all fighting in Kachin state as soon as possible. The two groups will cooperate with all the groups that support democracy.

Derek Mitchell, US ambassador to Myanmar, and Jerry White, deputy assistant secretary for Partnerships and Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations met with a KNPP delegation in Loikaw to discuss the development of the peace process between the government and KNPP. The ambassador said the US will provide humanitarian assistance. They also discussed removing landmines in the state. (26/10/2012)

Business concessions:

Since September, 2012 KNPP started the Kayah Htarnay (Kayah Land) company (lead exploration) and Tamaw Htar (import/export of teak wood).

Reference: Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process – A Reference Guide (2021 – 2022)