Naw Ohn Hla is a former political prisoner and a former member of the National League for Democracy, the political party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. She was sentenced in 2009 to two years in Taungoo Prison and was released in 2011. Naw Ohn Hla spoke to Karen News.
Q: There is conflict among KNU leaders. Who does it hurt the most?
A: It affects all the Karen people. There should not be conflict among our leader. If there is split among the senior leaders, then there will be a split among our youth too. I see its impact on the whole Karen community.
Q: Is there any pros and cons to be gained for the Karen people from this conflict?
A: We see the leaders have been able to control the problem. The problem is temporary and it will cool down. A firm result will come out from the congress [KNU].
Q: Are the KNU moving forward politically and in national affairs?
A: I want KNU to stand strongly in accordance with their policies and beliefs. I can say that the Karen people from inside Burma are proud of the KNU’s role in the peace-talks.
Q: How should KNU go about implementing the peace process?
A: The KNU policies are a key starting point. For example, they should stand for peace that is built on justice. The important thing to remember is that there is no reason for the KNU to accept the other party if it is acting in an unjust way in the ‘talks’. There should not only be only one side who gets to control the negotiations. If this happens – it cannot bring peace. All sides in the peace negotiations should have equal rights and be just. The peace won’t be long lasting if they are not based on equal rights.
