August 18th, 2021
In order to overthrow the dictatorship, bring about self-determination and ensure the emergence of a federal democratic union, the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) will continue its armed resistance under the leadership of the Karenni Army (KA) till the revolution prevails, according to the message sent to the 73rd Karenni Army Day which falls on August 17th.
A spokesperson of the KNDF said: “We know that the KNPP is better than us in terms of over 70 years of military and political experience. We have understood that it is impossible for us to achieve success in the revolution when our youths ourselves lead it. That’s why we need an organization which can provide guidance to us. Now all people here give favour to the KA. We believe that the KA will lead our military affairs. So, the KA is a mother revolutionary organization rather than being the KNDF’s ally. The KNDF has decided to constantly work under the leadership of the KA until our revolution prevails.”
“Among many EAOs in the Karenni State, the KA is the only organization which has been engaging in the armed revolution for more than 70 years, to overthrow the military dictatorship and ensure the emergence of a federal Union. The KNDF is present thanks to the KNPP,” he added.
Khu Daniell, Secretary-1 of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) said: “With the aim of enabling the people to enjoy equal rights and building up a federal country by overthrowing the military dictatorship, the Spring Revolution has erupted after the military coup. Overthrowing the military dictatorship and building up a federal union is the KNPP’s objective. Our Karenni people have been engaging in the revolution against the military for more than 70 years. Our revolution and the Spring Revolution are different. For fighting, the KNPP will affiliate with all people who defy the military dictatorship. including the PDFs, across the country. Cooperation is to be made with the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) in terms of politics.”
Since the military coup, the PDFs in the Karenni State have been carrying out armed resistances against the military council in cooperation with the KA. The KA also gave basic military training to youths. The KNDF is revolutionizing the military council through the unity and cooperation between the local PDFs and the EAOs, the statement said.
Sent by Maw Oo Myar (the Kantarawaddy Times)
