In Karen State’s Kyarinnseikkyi township, several Mon villages are concerned as troops affiliated with the Karen National Union (KNU) have arrived, raising fears of potential conflict.
On May 26 at 8:00 a.m., troops from the 6th Battalion of the KNU Brigade, numbering more than 30, entered Vaishali West village. They stationed themselves in the village and departed only at noon on May 28, according to the residents.
On May 28, KNU troops entered Bokataw village and have remained stationed there, up to the present day.
Furthermore, eyewitnesses reported that approximately 30 KNU troops established a campsite and set up tents along the road that leads from Katonsu village to the outskirts of Welkalon village
“Currently, when I go there, they don’t ask me anything. There is also traffic. There are some who do not travel because they are afraid. They didn’t ask anything. ” They say the tents are just there for them to rest,” said one resident.
Local residents are concerned about the movement and deployment of KNU troops in their villages. They fear the possibility of conflict in the area, leading some to relocate and causing hesitation among others to visit their rubber farms.
Kyarinnseikkyi Township is located within the control area of the Mawlamyine District of the New Mon Party and Dupalaya District of the KNU.
The villages where KNU troops are currently active fall under the control areas of the New Mon State Party. Previously, when KNU troops passed through, they used to notify the New Mon State Party.
The Independent Mon News Agency has not been able to independently verify if Mawlamyine district officials of the New Mon Party have met with the KNU regarding their troop movements and deployment in area villages.
