June 4th, 2022
No.2 Brigade-2 of the Karen National Union (KNU) issued a statement dated June 2nd, warning Brig-Gen Ko Ko Lwin, Commander of No.20 Military Operation Command the military council not to interfere in the administrative affairs of the Brigade-2 (Taungoo) District.
This statement came after the commandants’ bi-annual meeting of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) under No.2 Brigade of the KNU.
Brig-Gen Saw Dae Pho, the Brigade Commander of the KNU told the KIC: “The military wants to interfere in the KNU’s plan to build the schools for 12 villages in Bawgali region in Htantabin and Thandaung Townships which are under the control of the KNU’s Brigade-2. The military has threatened us that it would respond if the KNU builds the schools. These villages are Karen villages established by the KNU nearly 70 years ago. The military is making threats to locals as they refuse to accept the military’s administration.”
The KNU issued this warning letter, totally opposing the military’s attempt to interfere in the administrative sector of the KNU.
The KNU also warned the military council not to disrupt travelling and the transportation of rations.
“Locals from Bawgali area have to go to downtown Taungoo to buy rations. They have to show NRC cards. The military does not allow to carry a lot of rations. Locals have to carry rations as the roads will be damaged in the rainy season. The military asks the trucks to carry military rations, Brig-Gen Saw Dae Pho added.
No.2 Brigade has warned that the KNU would take no responsibility for consequences if the military council continues to do disruptions and interference.
The military council has threatened that it would respond by means of airstrikes and ground offensive, the KNU says.
Sent by the KIC.