An interview with Pado Saw Kwal Htoo Win, Vice-Chair of the KNU.
December 26th, 2021
Fighting has been taking place between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the junta troops since December 15th after the junta troops arrested some MPs and CDM staff who are taking shelter in Lay Kay Kaw, a new town built by the Nippon Foundation of Japan as a symbol of peace.
Due to the fighting, more than 10,000 IDPs have fled the town. In the statement issued on December 20th, the KNU’s CEC committee said the KNU called on the UN to designate a no-fly zone as the military was carrying out increased deployments of troops and was likely to carry out aerial surveillance and airstrikes. The MNA interviewed the KNU’s Vice-Chair Pado Saw Kwal Htoo Win about the ways of how to deal with the ongoing conflict.
Q: We have got the news that the KNU is coordinating with the military council to reduce fighting. May I know that situation?
A: I don’t exactly know it as I am away. There is no such coordination. We have called for an end to the ongoing fighting in Lay Kay Kaw. There is no response from the other side. We have called for an end to increased deployments and offensive operations. Another point is the KNU and international community have called on the army not to use heavy weapons and carry out airstrikes as the military commonly uses heavy weapons to reinforce infantry troops in the battle fields.
Q: Which organizations are providing aid to the people displaced by fighting?
A: In common, the KNU and international organizations are still making coordination on the delivery of aid. But, the UN agencies and international organizations are providing aid to the IDPs through the KNU and social organizations. They are not in a position to directly provide aid to them. The IDPs are taking shelter on the Thai side as well as on the Myanmar side. We are working on a plan which enables the IDPs to cross the border into Thailand and get aid.
Q: The news that all KNLA brigades have been ordered to fire was circulated on social media. May I know the KNU central’s comment?
A: I don’t exactly know. At present, there is no such directive. Since its inception, the KNU has stuck to the principle of self-defense about the invasion of the KNU-controlled territory. The KUN has given such a directive to all brigades since the beginning. There is no new directive.
Q: Which measures will you take to solve the current political problem? May I know your suggestion about it?
A: The root cause of armed conflict is the political problem. It is impossible to solve the political problem through armed struggle and bloodshed. We can solve it by political means. But the military must first make a ceasefire to solve the problem by political means. For a ceasefire, we need the government elected by the public to hold a political dialogue. In practice, it is not in a position to hold political dialogues with the Tatmadaw. But it is in a position to hold ceasefire talks to avoid fighting.
Q: Which organizations are we required to negotiate to avoid the current problems and ongoing fighting? May I know your view on it?
A: In reality, the KNU had been solving the problem by taking up arms for over 60 years before signing the bilateral agreement with the Tatmadaw in 2012. During 10 years, we signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and held a series of talks. We can hold talks without any medium if we have a burning desire to work for the interest of the country and the public.
But according to the current situation, international involvement is required. Only then, will there be impartiality. According to our experience, a medium or a coordination team is required in order that the dialogue is impartial. Having a coordination team is better. The team will be acceptable to the Tatmadaw.
Q: Which comments do you want to give on the ongoing battles and the current political problem in Karen State?
A: We have been living under the military dictatorship and the military rule since the coup by the Tatmadaw in 1962. Years 2010 and 2011 are said to be the quasi-civilian government favored by the Tatmadaw. In 2015, the NLD-led government came to power. The NLD-led government made reforms to a certain extent. We are not in a position to agree to the military dictatorship after the coup. We must build a federal-based Union for the development of the country, the interest of the public, democracy and peace. So, we all need to make collective efforts to make changes. In doing so, we may face difficulties. But, we can abolish the undesirable system and overcome these difficulties only when the entire people cooperate. Only then can we end it. In my view, the entire people are required to cooperate as much as they can.
Sent by the MNA.
