Pado Saw Th’mein Tun, the KNU Central Executive Committee member, posted on his social media page on September 5 that the Karen National Union (KNU) welcomes representatives of the National Unity Government (NUG) and Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) to KNU territory. He clarified that although not invited, they have valid human rights concerns.
“We are not inviting NUG CDM now. They came by themselves. What if we do not accept their arrival? When we talk about democracy… What does it mean if we really want peace in the country? When the military dictator destroys the whole country, what good is it if we do not accept such people?” said Pado Saw Th’min Tun.
He further explained that representatives from the NUG and CDM took refuge in KNU territory after the military coup on February 1, 2021. Pado Saw Th’min Tun added, “we must negotiate with them and fight the military dictator within common ground.”
According to the Pado Saw Th’min Tun, accepting internally displaced persons is a huge responsibility because the military is hostile to the KNU.
“We have a great responsibility with members of the CDM coming to our area. That is why we need to be careful not to make mistakes because the military dictatorship is very hostile to us. So let’s all be careful and not make mistakes.” said Pado Saw Th’min Tun.
The military is planning to disband the KNU. Leaders need to understand this, he added.
During the 1988 uprising against General Ne Win, many people including opposition political parties, student activists also sought refuge in KNU territory.
“We accepted those who oppose the coup because it is in line with international humanitarian law. It is not a small number but it is accepted.” said Pado Saw Taw Ni in August of this year.
