The Karen National Union (KNU) has called for a united and collaborative effort to articulate robust and unequivocal political postures, goals, and shared agreements essential for effectively bringing an end to the prevailing military dictatorship in 2024.
Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the spokesperson for KNU, a well-established ethnic armed organization, appealed for unity among various factions employing diverse strategies to overthrow the military dictatorship. This call was made during the delivery of a New Year's message to the public.
He added that "Currently different resistance forces are united in combating a common enemy, and this objective is non-controversial. Looking ahead, we wish to convey to the public that, for the cessation of the military dictatorship system, diverse organizations must collaborate to solidify political stances, objectives, and shared agreements in 2024.”
Padoh Saw Taw Nee underscored that beyond achieving military victories, the imminent challenge involves addressing the administrative sector. The KNU is among the EAOs and PDFs actively preparing to implement stable administrative mechanisms in the secured territories.
He also warned that the Military Council must recognize four political objectives of KNU, which include the imperative for the Myanmar Military to withdraw from political involvement, and function as an institution under the governance of an elected civilian government.
Moreover, Padoh Saw Taw Nee highlighted that throughout the transition phase, the Myanmar Military should accept the application of justice and courts, for all past crimes it committed, emphasizing that individuals engaged in criminal activities should not be exempt from accountability.
"We are considering various issues, including the approach to dealing with perpetrators and addressing the restitution of public property unlawfully seized”, he added.
Also, as the future federal union takes shape, it is imperative to enact a practical and essential new constitution for the country, a step that the Military Council must acknowledge, according to the statement from KNU.
KNU has appealed to the international community to support the public by exerting pressure to dismantle the Military Junta, rendering its operational capabilities entirely ineffective and irreversible.
Throughout the coup period, over 10,000 clashes and battles took place between the Military Council and resistance forces in KNU-controlled territories, leading to a displacement of more than 800,000 individuals, as stated by KNU.
On January 1st, the National Unity Government (NUG) and the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) collectively declared their commitment to making 2024 the year when the people will enjoy the ultimate victory.