KNU

A Karen National Union controlled checkpoint is fuelling tension between the Burma Army in southern Burma. The KNU checkpoint at Htee Khee, in Megui/Tavoy District [Tanintharyi Region] had been ordered by the local Burma Army commander to move out last week. The Burma Army order was given twice – first by a Htee Hta based tactical commander from Military Operations…

Soldiers from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, including a battalion commander, reunited with the Karen National Liberation Army 201 Battalion, Brigade 6th on June 17 in Kawkareik Towship Karen State. The DKBA troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Saw Naw Ku, commander of 908 Battalion, the deputy company commander Captain Saw Koo Nu, Platoon commanders Captain Saw Maw Ploe and Captain…

In an effort to resettle and reintegrate internally displaced communities, the Karen National Union’s local officials are using funding from Japan’s Nippon Foundation to build low-cost housing for displaced people forced from their homes during armed conflict. With funding from the Nippon Foundation, a Japanese non-government organisation, 300 low-cost houses are being built in Kyain Seikgyi and Payar Thonzu Townships…

Karen representatives from various parts of Burma and overseas got together in move to prepare for forthcoming national peace talks pointed out that despite Burma having democratically elected government the military continues to hold power under the country’s current constitution. More than 150 Karen representatives traveled to the Karen National Union’s Law Khee Lar, Hpa-an District to discuss major issues…

Karen National Union leaders has called for respective state and regional governments to recognized land rights and policies that are already in place for decades in ethnic areas and agreed to by both ethnic communities and armed groups. Padoh Mahn Mahn, the joint general secretary of the Karen National Union made the call to the government during the launch of…

The Karen Youth Organization celebrated its 27th anniversary at Natchaung Village in Kyainseikgyi Township on 25 May where its leader said that today’s Karen youth are not aware of the important of the organizations existence. The KYO Day was attended by as many as 100 people, including Karen National Union leaders and Karen youth leaders. The Karen Youth organization has…

As part of its policy development intended to contribute to the peace process political negotiations, the Ethnic National Affairs Center (ENAC) held a meeting with Karen political and civil organizations to discuss about the drafted ethnic affair policies. The ENAC, formed in 2013 describes itself as an independent resource, training, and education center supporting the peace process and development of…

In an effort to create more understanding on the proposed hydro-power dam on Baw Ka Hta River in Kyaukyi Township, the Karen National Union held a consultation meeting with community organizations on May 6 in the Thai border town of Mae Sot. The Baw Ka Hta hydro-power dam project, located in the KNU’s Nyaunglebin (Kler Lwee Htu) district in Easter…

Across Myanmar landmines pose a daily threat of death and disability, but five years after the transition to democracy began, an official clearance programme has yet to get underway. KYAUKKYI, Myanmar (Myanmar Now) – Two years ago, Kyar Yin was in the forest near his village collecting bamboo to sell when he stepped on a landmine. Alone and his left…

The Karen State parliament approved six key ministries on April 7 that will be run by two independent academics, a representative of the military, Members of Parliament from the National League for Democracy and the Union Solidarity and Development Party. Nan Khin Htwe Myint, the Chief Minister of Karen State proposed the successful candidates that would lead the six ministries.…