An interview with IEC Secretary-2 U Banyar about the plan to issue pass cards for non-state residents entering Karenni State.
The Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) announced that non-residents visiting Karenni (Kayah) state are required to have a pass card. The IEC further stated that it will supervise the entry and exit from Karenni State by issuing interstate pass cards.
Foreigners and residents from other regions and states will be permitted to enter Karenni State only after obtaining an interstate pass card from the IEC. This plan is set to be implemented after March of this year.
Network Media Group (NMG) interviewed U Banyar, Secretary-2 of the IEC, regarding the plan to issue pass cards to non-residents entering Karenni State.
Q: What is the purpose of the plan to issue pass cards for the entry and exit of non-Karenni residents?
A: This is not a restriction; it is intended for supervision. It does not mean banning people from entering the state. Everyone is welcome to come. We will issue a temporary card to individuals, whether from outside the state or from other countries, after they register their basic information. The goal is to supervise the entry and exit. We want to emphasize that this initiative is not a restriction.
Q: Does this mean that people from Karenni State do not need a pass card?
A: This does not apply to the people within our state. What I want to emphasize is that the pass card has no impact on residents of the state. People within the state can move freely as usual. The primary focus is on individuals coming into the state for business, visiting, working on social projects, or conducting research. Our goal is to ensure systematic management of data.
Q: Can it be said that the main reason for issuing the pass card is to ensure the security of the state?
A: The system will provide both mental and physical security for the people by ensuring a more organized process for those entering and exiting the state. It will also give individuals a more legitimate form of identification. By registering their data, we enhance safety for everyone. This process is viewed as a win-win situation by the community, as everyone knows each other and can help each other. We want to emphasize that this is not a restriction—we do not aim to limit people.
Q: When did the IEC begin implementing the plan for the interstate pass card? and how is the process carried out?
A: The main focus is that we will only supervise the right to travel outside our state. We have specific terms for passage. Those entering the state will be subject to different criteria, such as individuals working in humanitarian aid, CSOs, NGOs, or in education and health sectors. The important point is that we have a separate plan in place for them.
This is not related to the red travel permit that is currently in use. There is a special arrangement for those individuals. We will continue to provide updates from time to time. Currently, this needs to be done urgently. Our plan is to issue cards for individuals coming from outside the state or abroad who visit the state for business or other purposes, with the cards being valid for 10 to 15 days.
Q: Is there anything else important you’d like to add about this topic?
A: In fact, we only implemented this after completing the entire process. I want to clarify that this was not something we introduced suddenly. First, there are several categories to consider. Later, we have a separate plan for managing data about our people within the state. Our current goal is to ensure the systematic management of passage. Once again, I want to emphasize that this wasn’t done abruptly. We have established this as an immigration process, aimed at ensuring that everyone can enter and exit the state safely.
After the formation of the IEC, we established the Immigration Department under the Home Affairs Department. We have been working on this consistently. We have published the information as we are ready. The details will be released gradually, following the creation of the various categories.
Sent by NMG.