Burma Army reinforcements run into Karen minefield – six dead
A Karen military source has confirmed to Karen News that the Burma Army is building up reinforcements and re-supplying its bases despite a KNU delegation and government representatives agreeing in principle to a ceasefire on January 12.
The Karen National Liberation Army, estimate that there have been at least thirteen Burma Army landmines casualties in Karen State since ceasefire talks were held between Burma’s government and Karen leadership three weeks ago.
The Burma Army was sending reinforcements and food supplies to the Bawgali area, Thandaung Township Karen state, when they ran into a landmine area. The incident killed six soldiers, and left seven others injured.
An officer from the Karen National Union told Karen News that the commander of Infantry Battalions 80, Lt. Colonel Myo Min Thant, was among the dead. All the casualties were from Burma Army Battalion Infantry Battalions 80, division 66.
The Karen National Union joint secretary, Saw Hla Ngwe, spoke to Karen News about the incident.
“Both sides are trying to maintain peace and avoid problems during our peace building time. We told them [Burma Army] to use the main roads in Karen State as we have laid landmines on other that have yet to be cleared. Now, they’ve suffered a number of landmine casualties because they didn’t heed our warning.”
Despite agreeing to a preliminary ceasefire with the Karen National Union earlier this month the Burma Army is transporting food rations, military supplies and reinforcements to KNU controlled areas, that has have troubled local Karen villagers worried about a renewed outbreak of fighting.
A resident of Bawgali village told Karen News.
“Burma Army soldiers are going around the village areas and through the jungle instead of going on the main road. So we are afraid of unexpectedly meeting them and don’t dare to go our plantations or farming while they are there.”
Bawgali villagers also allege that the Burma Army tried to enlist them as forced labourers in order to carry military supplies and rations.
