Karenni National Progressive Party/ Karenni Army – KNPP/KA |
| Founded (KA) – 17 August 1948 Founded (KNPP) – 2 May 1957 Headquarters – Nyar Mu, Shadaw Township, Karenni (Kayah) State Active territories – Loikaw, Demoso, Hpruso, Shadaw, Hpasawng, Mawchi and Bawlake Townships in Karenni (Kayah) State. Size – Over 2,000 Chairman – Khu Oo Reh Vice-Chairman – Khun Abel Tweed General Secretary – Khu Plu Reh Commander-in-Chief (KA) – Major General Aung Myat The KNPP/KA is part of the ERO grouping within the NUCC and plays a leading role in the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC). In addition, KNPP Chairman Khu Oo Reh serves as the chairman of the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), which was formed under the interim arrangements of the KSCC. They welcome “Operation 1027” launched by the 3BHA and have called on other remaining EROs to intensify their participation in the revolution. On 28 October 2023, the KNPP issued a statement saying that they are working together with other revolutionary forces, both within the Karenni State and throughout Myanmar, on military and political cooperation to build a federal democratic union through collective leadership. 1 The KNPP/KA is also part of the C3C, formed by the NUG MOD, Ministry of Home Affairs, and four allied EROs. Along with the KNU/KNLA and NUG, they are involved in the Joint Command and Coordination (J2C) and Joint Operations Command (JOC) for the Southern Military Region, which includes Karen State, Karenni (Kayah) State, Mon State, Tanintharyi Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Yangon Region, and Bago Region, as well as areas connected to Nay Pyi Taw in central Myanmar. Key political and military officials from the member organizations work on political and military strategies and policies, with J2C focusing on discussions and policy-making, while JOC handles on-ground military coordination and operations. 2 Furthermore, the KNPP/KA, along with thee NUG, KIO/KIA, KNU/ KNLA, and CNF/CNA, jointly issued a “Joint Position Statement by Allied Organizations Engaged in Revolutionary Struggle towards Annihilation of Military Dictatorship and Establishment of a Federal Democratic Union” on 31 January 2024. It also states that coordination mechanisms will be established to implement six objectives, nine positions, and a phased action plan to build a federal democratic union with states that have full self-determination, national equality, and democracy, protecting the identities of ethnic groups within the union. 3 On 21 June 2024, the 149th Karenni National Day, the KNPP claimed that the resistance forces in Karenni State had taken control of 90 percent of the territory in Karenni State. Between 24 June 2023 and the end of June 2024, the KNPP/KA, Karenni, KNDF and local Karenni resistance forces captured six towns: Mese, Nan Mei Khon, Moebye, Mawchi, Ywar Thit, and Shadaw. 4 The KNPP/KA leads and guides the armed groups resisting the military in the Karenni Region. They also collaborate with women’s organizations, youth groups, and political groupings on administrative matters. Clashes with the military Between 2020 and 9 July 2024, there were 70 armed clash events with the military. Although the number of direct armed clash events between KNPP/KA and the military appears to be relatively low, the KNPP/KA leads and coordinates the KNDF and other local resistance forces in Karenni State. 1 KNPP welcomes 3BHA’s Operation 1027, calls for all to intensify participation in revolution,” Kantarawaddy Times, 25 July 2024
Contact Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KNPPHQ Reference: Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process – A Reference Guide (2023 – 2024) |
