Lieutenant Saw Sei War told Mizzima on September 17 that they had issued letters stating this demand to the commander –in–chief of the Tatmadaw forces; Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, President U Thein Sein, the Karen Nation Union, the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army and U Aung Min of the Union Peace-making Work Committee.

He said the action came as a response to a similar edict announced by the Tatmadaw on September 14, directed at KNU/ KNLA Peace Council troops and insisting they allow themselves to be checked for weapons when coming in and out of town. 

“According to the policy for peace, one side must only act following negotiation with fellow armed groups. We should show mutual respect and trust but now they have acted unilaterally, when we have acted in good faith,” said the Lieutenant.

The KNU/KNLA Peace Council was formed in 2007 when its leader Major General Saw Htay Maung was dismissed from the KNU for initiating peace talks with the Tatmadaw without prior approval. It is now a member of the National Ceasefire Co-ordination Team, whichis expected to meet with the government’s UWPC for renewed ceasefire talks in Yangon on September 22.