An interview with an official of the Karenni Generation-Z (KGZ) Volunteer Fighters
July 20th, 2022
On April 6th, 2022, the Karenni Revolution Union (KRU) was formed with six revolutionary forces which emerged after the coup, namely the Karenni Generation-Z (KGZ), the Karenni Democratic Front (KDF), the Fight for Justice (JPDF), the GZ-21 (Loikaw), Medic Unit and the Southern Shan People Defense Force (SSPDF).
On July 16th, the Karenni Generation Z (KGZ) Volunteer Fighters announced that it withdrew from the KRU. The Kantarawaddy Times (KT) interviewed an official of the KGZ about the reason for withdrawal.
Q: When was the KGZ formed? May I know the reason for its establishment?
A: On May 26th, our KGZ was set up. The purpose is that we don’t like the dictatorship and the intrusion of our territory. We are resentful of the military’s intrusion. At that time, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) had been formed. The National Unity Government (NUG) was in a nascent position. At that time, we contacted the NUG. However, we did not reach the final agreement. On May 26th, we issued a statement about our participation in the revolution as a volunteer.
Q: May I know the fundamental principles of the KGZ?
A: We pay attention to No.4 and No.5 of the fundamental principles. We have nothing to do with it in the post-revolution period. Our coalition in Karenni State is composed of all ethnic people. As it includes four or five ethnics, we will not do the acts which may tarnish the images of the Karenni people. This is No.4. No.5 is they will implement their plans after they get territory and power. We will monitor it. We help support the rehabilitation after the revolution as much as we can. We will carry out disarmament at once if the public demands it after the restoration of regional security.
Q: Why did the KGZ join the KRU?
A: In fact, we joined the KRU with the thought that our coalition’s strength, weapons, technology and mechanism would become stronger. Since coordination, we said we have nothing to do with politics.
Q: Why did the KGZ withdraw from the KRU two months after the formation of the KRU?
A: We will stand ourselves as a volunteer if the governments are supported. The KGZ has planned to carry out disarmament after the revolution. So we will do it as planned. We are worried that the inclusion in the KRU may be linked to the political processes. There is no other problem. We withdrew after the coordination. We will continue to cooperate in military affairs.
Q: Which sectors will the KRU continue to cooperate in although your force has withdrawn from it?
A: For the current battlefield cooperation, fighting is a top priority. We will cooperate with the KRU if they invite us. In addition to it, we will cooperate with other PDFs and organizations.
Q: Does the KGZ cooperate with the NUG?
A: No. We ourselves are doing our work as much as we can. I think the NUG itself is doing its work as much as it can. At present, the NUG is not in a position to fund us as there are a lot of forces. We have to stand on our own feet. We will not interfere in political affairs even if they invite us. We are ready to cooperate if the NUG offers us to participate in the fighting. At present, we are cooperating with other organizations on the ground.
Sent by Maw Mi Myar (Kantarawaddy Times)
