KNU Secretary, Pado Mahn Mahn, says that though they are willing to participate in de-mining work, they can only execute Mine Risk Education which is the first in three stages of de-mining.

“As for me, current ceasefire has no concrete guarantee and assurance, so until today we still have not completed demining in our areas until we get such assurance and guarantee from the government,” he told Mizzima this week.

Mine risk education involves rough designation of mine risk areas, erecting warning signs, and restricting movement in such areas. While the first stage is well under way, the KNU has also adopted their policy on a continuation of a ‘Stage 2’, but have yet to begin on the final de-mining step.

The KNU GHQ has instructed all subordinate brigades, districts and regions to implement de-mining work in accordance with their own plans.

Pado Mahn Mahn added that they would start de-mining work in their controlled area starting from the workable areas and they would invite technical assistance from the international community if and when needed.

While it seems like steps are taken for the de-mining progress in the Kayin state, government responses are not entirely in sync for the Karenni.

The KNPP has been unable to launch the de-mining action plan since the government was still uncertain and unclear in the same regard.

KNPP Vice-Chairman Khu Oo Reh says his party has discussed with Union Minister Aung Min on de-mining procedures but it turns out the government is still in drafting process for Landmine Law. According to the minister, de-mining work can only be carried out based on the drafted law after getting approval from the President Thein Sein.

“I don’t know if Landmine law is actually necessary for de-mining but Aung Min told us that they were drafting this law. But we plan to start de-mining when the refugees have to be resettled in these areas,” he told Mizzima.

In Kayah State, only the mine risk education committee has been formed and technical experts are only able to partially complete the second stage. A concrete action plan is needed from the government in order to facilitate formation of a work committee and completion of de-mining work.

Khu Oo Reh said that a lot is still under negotiation at a time when they should be at the final stage of de-mining.

However, Khu Oo Reh says despite the confusion, they have reached an agreement with the government to carry out a pilot project on de-mining in Shadaw Township on the Thai-Myanmar border in cooperation between local army units from both sides.