The Karenni People’s Defense Force (KPDF) will officially join Battalion-9 of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) as Company-6, according to the statement dated 8 May released on its two-year anniversary of the founding of the KPDF.
The KPDF is making military activities in Demoso Township of Karenni State.
About the official merger of the KPDF with the KNDF, De De, Secretary-1 of the KNDF said: “We can’t cancel the revolution although we cancel the name. Now it is clear. We have recognized the KPDF since its establishment. It would be better as the KNDF continues to fight under a name. Collective fighting makes us stronger. The KNDF has more power.”
The KPDF said it will continue to participate in the revolution until the dictatorship falls.
Since August, 2021, the KPDF has been carrying out joint military activities with the KNDF. Now it officially merges with the KNDF.
The merger is aimed for more effectiveness of revolution under a change of command, an official of the KPDF said.
“Even the military council’s troops are systematically working on the battle fields under a change of command. The fact that there are so many different groups can become a weakness for us. It will be better for us to work collectively. Like us, other small groups should have such desires. I think working collectively under a change of command will be more effective for our comrades in the frontlines. I think we will win more victories,” an official of the KPDF said.
The name of the KPDF will not be used any longer. Plan is under way to change the KPDF Facebook page into a logistics page, he added. Badge and all military activities will be under the management of the KNDF.
“The KPDF has been under the directive of the KNDF. The official merger is good. In the revolution, the difference in badge and flag is not crucial. It is required for all groups to cooperate in the revolution. However, it will steadfastly stand as a battalion of the KNDF,” an information officer of the KNDF said.
The KPDF was formed with 11 members. Now it has a strength of around 100, an official of the KPDF said. Till date since its establishment, the KPDF has engaged in over 150 battles. Five members of the KPDF have been killed.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times