The Chair of the Mon State Defense Force (MSDF), Dr. Thiri Mon Chan, announced that the Karen National Union (KNU) has not yet resolved a case involving the shooting and killing of MSDF troops.
On April 29th, a team led by Nai Tamaw Chan, initiated a meeting with the officers of KNU’s 4rth Brigade and 11th Battalion, with the aim to foster cooperation in the revolution.
On April 30th, at approximately 7:00 am as they were returning from the meeting near Bokpyin Township, Myeik District, Tanintharyi Region (estimated milepost - 23), the KNU 4rth Brigade troops ambushed the MSDF, resulting in the killing of an MSDF company commander and another member.
Nai Tamaw Chan and his team retreated and at around 12:00 noon near Pyikyi Mandai village (estimated milepost - 26), the KNU 4rth Brigade, and the 11th Battalion both launched a second ambush. The attack killed one MSDF soldier and one civilian driver.
Subsequently, the MSDF announced that five soldiers went missing along with their weapons.
The KNU 4rth Brigade seized one AK-16, one 357 assault rifle, three M-16s, two HK-16s, two folding shotguns, and hand grenades from the MSDF.
Shortly after this incident the central officials of the Karen National Union (KNU) sent a letter urging an investigation into the incident and called for swift action to be taken against the perpetrators.
However, more than two months have passed without any resolution, according to Dr. Thiri Mon Chan, MSDF Chairman.
"First, we sent an email to the 4th Brigade and another one to the forest center. The 4th Brigade's response assured us that they would report the incident to their superiors. However, since then, we have received no further replies. We also reached out to the KNU central spokeswoman, Saw Kale Say, -- the result was no different. We are currently awaiting the reports from other commanders. But, it has been months now, and we haven't heard anything back," he explained.
Independent Mon News Agency contacted Karen National Union (KNU) central officials regarding the matter, but they did provide a response.
Dr. Thiri Mon Chan emphasized that allied forces must not act against each other.
"In this matter, our Mon forces and nationals are resolute. As allies, we must refrain from engaging in hostile or unfriendly actions while fighting against a common enemy. It is essential that issues arising at the lower levels are addressed by those in charge, including commanders, and KNU leaders, so that major problems can be minimized, and smaller issues can be resolved," he concluded.
