An interview with singer Novem Htoo who is in the revolutionary territory in Karenni State.
Currently, singer Novem Htoo has arrived in the revolutionary territory in Karenni State. The Kantarawaddy Times interviewed him about his view on Karenni youths’ revolution, expectations for Karenni State which sees intensifying war and revolutionary voices for the public.
Q: Please tell me about the reason why you came to Karenni State.
A: The purpose of coming to Karenni State is clear. I want to know the situations on the ground. I want to encourage my comrades. I want to listen to what they need and what they want to say. To be clear, I want to get encouragement from them.
Q: May I know the current military situation in Karenni State?
A: I am very encouraged. As Ko Mar Wi (Deputy military chief of Karenni Nationalities Defense Force -KNDF), the resistance force has taken control of some areas in Karenni State. Twenty per cent of the area is under the control of the military council. Twenty per cent of the area is forests. No one can stay there. I was very encouraged when I myself visited the frontline areas. Because I like their fighting pattern. I saw their trust in their faces. The Karenni Army (KA) which is the mother battalion is fighting in the frontline battles. There is a mutual understanding between youths and adults. It is certain that youths are allowed to do their work. Building understanding is very good. In a war, the Change of Command (COC) is crucial. There is the full comradeship spirit between leaders and comrades. Obedience and strategies are very good. I am very encouraged to listen to the Karenni songs filled with energy when comrades come back from the frontline. They entertain themselves with songs.
Q: What is the difference between what you heard before you arrived in Karenni State and when you reached the ground now?
A: I myself stayed in the southern area. I experienced battles. I saw the planes flying in the front line I recently visited. I’ve never experienced such a situation in other places. There is a very oppressive situation here. I am very sorry to see the bombardments of hospitals and schools. It’s a very oppressive situation. The situation is really bad to see the excessive use of heavy weapons on the ground when I myself experience the frontline battle. It is identical to what I see in the photos. However, I am more amazed.
Q: May I know your view on the armed organizations in Karenni State?
A: There is no discrimination. There is no racism, religionism and colorism. It is heartening to see it. We are welcome wherever we come from. The combined force includes the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), Karenni Army (KA) and other local People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). They have to take a lot of time to collect and build it. Now I see that it has reached the best position.
Q: What would be the most inspiring thing in Karenni State?
A: I like their leadership very much. I saw brotherhood spirits between seniors and juniors in the funfairs. Both seniors and juniors have to do push-ups. Those who lose the contest have to do 30 push-ups. What I want to say is this is just a small one. Building understanding between them is very good. That’s what makes it different from anything else. We have full understanding of each other. It is found that they have full comradeship among them.
Q: What do you expect from Karenni State?
A: It is certain that Karenni State will become a liberated area. It is found that the IDPs withstand the difficult situation. We should not underestimate the IDPs. I had a chat with some IDPs. Among the IDPs are business persons. Their lives were ruined. However, they continue to smile. They mock the vicissitudes. They have accepted the ups and downs of life. They also believe that this is the last battle.
Q: May I know your view on the heath condition and the availability of food for the IDPs in Karenni State?
A: The availability of ration is difficult. We have to rely on the public. We also make efforts for military affairs. We have to collectively solve the plights of the IDPs. People with beautiful hearts such as volunteers from Clean Yangon and doctors like the Spring group have gathered here. They all are collectively working for the liberation of the whole country by sacrificing their lives. So, they have difficulties. They are not stealing the public’s funds. They have to share food among them. The military council has blocked the transport of medicines. There are a lot of necessities. They continue to withstand.
Q: How do you want to give encouragement to comrades and the public?
A: Comrades don’t even need encouragement. I am encouraged to see them. Anyway, I’m happy to see them. There is only one thing they said, “Let the people stand with them. Give them encouragement.” Even in the time of Praying. The public also needs not to forget that I have told such things. While the comrades were fighting for the liberation of the state after sacrificing their lives and suffering all kinds of hardships, I would like to call on them to continue to strive for armed resistance. There is still much to be done. If we pay attention to the army’s threats, we will be according to its will. I would like to encourage them to continue to find a comprehensive solution on how they can continue to participate amid the military council’s blockage.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times