An interview with Khu Re Yal, Secretary-3 of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF)
August 16th, 2022
Karenni State sees a higher inclusion ratio of women in the revolution after the coup. Among the revolutionary forces, the KNDF which frequently clashes with the military council has many female comrades. The Kantarawaddy Times (KT) interviewed Khu Re Yal, Secretary-3 of the KNDF about the role of women in the revolution.
Q: May I know the inclusion of the ratio of females in the KNDF?
A: It is difficult to describe the inclusion ratio in terms of figure. However, what I want to say is the KNDF always opens the door to women. Any woman can join the KNDF if they meet the qualifications. I want to say more than that. At present, it is difficult to say it in terms of percentage. However, roughly speaking, looking at the female inclusion in 21 battalions of the KNDF, the number of female members will be around 20 to 30.
Q: As you said, anybody who meets designated qualifications can join the KNDF. How does the KNDF designate the qualifications?
A: This is an army. The qualification is linked to military affairs. The KNDF has designated essential qualifications for a member. For instance, can a person who wants to join the KNDF follow designated rules and regulations and implement our policies? All members including females must undergo training. The female cannot get an exemption.
Q: In which role are the females mainly playing?
A: It depends on her capabilities. To what extent can she do it? She will get promotions according to her qualifications. She can be a battalion commander and a colonel if she actually can perform duties and dare to do and has qualifications and capabilities. The KNDF has no policies that the battalion commander and colonel must be males. The KNDF values gender equality. As I said before, a female will get suitable ranks as much as she tries.
Q: The KNDF’s battalion-5 has the female only company. How is the grouping of females in the respective battalions? Which battalion is the strongest one?
A: I cannot reveal the information about the strength of the battalions as it is a military security affairs. However, every battalion has female members. As I said before, the female-only battalion like Battalion-5 is the first of its kind in the KNDF. I encourage and support it. Especially, it clearly showcases how the women are capable to do and how important the role of women in the revolution is. I want to say this is the best thing.
Q: To what extent, does the KNDF give encouragement to the inclusive role of women in the revolution? Are you satisfied with the inclusion of women? May I know your view on the requirements?
A: The female inclusion ratio should be higher than that. Because we believe that the capabilities of women are high. I would like to urge women to carry out increased participation in the revolution. We conduct the organizing campaigns for more inclusion of women in the revolution. We encourage and support it by holding the meetings. So, the KNDF opens the door to women. Any women who meet the qualifications can join the KNDF at any time.
Q: The next question is how the KNDF assigns duties to the female members at respective battalions?
A: As I said earlier, it depends on their capabilities. They will get a role based on their capabilities. We don’t discriminate between men and women. Women and men are on an equal footing. They will get their roles according to their capabilities.
Q: Can women participate in the battles by keeping abreast of men?
A: Yes. The female members of the KNDF participate in the frontline battles. But they are not in a position to fight together with males. However, the females go to the frontlines for medical services. These are the differences. They are not in a position to fight with the enemy by holding arms. Taking a look at the health sector, the number of the female members who are on the frontlines for medical services is higher than that of male members.
Q: To what extent does the KNDF expect the inclusion of women in the revolution?
A: We have not set policies, rules and regulations for the inclusion percentage of women in the revolution. In my view, women should play a greater role in the revolution. Here I would like to encourage and invite women to participate in the revolution.
Q: Mostly, what are the types of the female members of the KNDF? Are most of the members youths?
A: Yes. Most of the members are youths. Most of the youths in the KNDF are females. As I said before, most of the members are educated youths.
Sent by Maw Mi Myar (Kantarawaddy Times)