Karen won't leave dam site
Peace Council of the Karen National Union (KNU) told the press on Monday it will retaliate if government troops take any action in relation to the Hat Gyi dam project. The Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) also backed KNU's stance.
Col Saw El Kaw Htoo said the KNU would not tolerate action taken by the army to shoo away DKBA troops. The DKBA’s Col Saw San Aung said his group had received a directive from the state army on May 2 telling them to move out of the dam area by midnight on May 4. But he said they would do no such thing, as it was a source of mounting tension between both sides.
Things became tense after clashes between a border guard force comprised of DKBA members and Maj-General Saw La Pwe’s faction in late April, after which the government ordered troop withdrawal. Both parties said the press conference was being held to tell the government of their intent.
RELATED