The Karen National Union (KNU) is calling on the Tatmadaw to remove military camps that have proliferated in Hpapun District, to the concern of the local population.
On May 29, the KNU’s standing committee urged all organizations to help de-escalate the situation.
Residents from the Pha La Kho area and the Ei Tu Hta IDP camp staged protests on May 15 and May 24 calling for the immediate removal of the Tatmadaw encampments.
Since the KNU signed a preliminary ceasefire in 2012, the number of camps erected by the Tatmadaw’s Brigade 5 in Hpapun district has increased from 65 to 81, according to a statement released by the protesters from the Ei Tu Hta IDP camp.
Major Saw Ka Leh Doh from the KNU’s Hpapun District office, said the residents want the Tatmadaw brigade to leave so that they can feel safe to return to their homes.
“The local residents … want to go back to their areas since we are in the ceasefire era. We believe they made the demands for the withdrawal of the military camps as they believe it is necessary before they can move back,” he said.
The displaced families said with food rations discontinued at the camp, they need find shelter elsewhere, but don’t feel safe to leave if they have to pass through the Tatmadaw’s stomping ground. The statement released by the protesters specifically called for the removal of 17 encampments along the highway.
“There are still military camps in our areas. There are also landmines. The existing military camps are very close to our area. So we are worried about problems returning home. We can only return only after our leaders meet and resolve these issues,” said Saw Nyar Htal, chair of the Ei Tu Hta IDP camp.
P’doh Saw Hla Tun, joint secretary of the KNU, said the KNU will do what it can to meet the request.
“As this issue concerns the [Burmese] military, the Burma Army will need to the lead the solution. We will need to review the issues of resettlement and withdrawing troops during a military meeting,” he said.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron
