Karenni (Kayah) youths have been conducting surveys in villages in the Karenni State to oppose the state government’s plan to erect Bogyoke Aung San statue in Gandha Hay Wun Park in Loikaw.
The Karenni youths have been conducting the surveys under three aims.
“We have three aims for our objection. Our objection is based on our history, nationalism, and peace,” Khun John Than from the Kayan New Generation Youth (KNGY) said while he was conducting surveys in the villages.
According to him, the objectors believe the Karenni State is an independent state but they are not saying that it should secede from the union and they are only trying to reveal the truth.
While the adults accept the distribution of notices on the Karenni history, the state government has refused to accept national equality, he said as he explained the second aim.
The third aim is to urge the state government to peacefully solve the issue of the Karenni youths’ protest over the killing of three Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) soldiers by the Tatmadaw last November, Khun John Than continued.
He explained that the public will be caught in the middle if the KNPP fires back at the Tatmadaw.
While the Karenni youths are carrying out the surveys, the state government has also been carrying out surveys via ward and village administrators to find out whether the public supports or opposes the plan.
The youths and the state government will meet on July 20 to discuss the results of the surveys.
“The government hasn’t done anything to carry out the surveys. We are [public] servants so we are busy. We will meet with the youths on the 20th. We will discuss based on their decision. There aren’t any difficulties,” U Kyaw Moe, administrator of Loikaw Township General Administration Department, said on July 17.
He added that the state government has not given instruction to any associations to support Bogyoke statue and the philanthropic associations and social assistance associations from the state are releasing the statements to show support of their own accords.
“What should we do if the government continues [the plan]? Will something happen to our state?” said a resident of Daung Ngan Yauk Village.
The Karenni youths said they will continue to carry out activities within the state if the public supports the government in the surveys.
During a meeting held between the state government and youth protesters at the state government office on July 7, the state chief minister said the government will not neglect the desire of the minority.
The Karenni youths said they will carry out another program if they cannot approach using a situation. Kayan, Kayah, Kayaw, Monu (Kawyaw), and Yintale youths are currently collecting the surveys in their areas.
