With the Karenni Nationalities People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF) transformed to the Border Guard Force (BGF), people in Karenni State will face severe problems such as torture by Burmese Army soldiers and hardships in terms of daily survival, KNPP said.
Changing into the BGF makes it mandatory that officers and other ranks be inducted from the Burmese Army into the KNPLF. There will be more troops deployed in the border areas and locals will be used as forced labour, KNPP chairperson Khu Htae Bu Peh said.
"Since the KNPLF has accepted transformation to the BGF they have to put up with Burmese Army soldiers. Some of the KNPLF soldiers are getting on in years and they will soon retire with pension. Some of the KNPLF soldiers will be sent to border areas and other places. Only the junta’s soldiers will remain inside the country and will continue to oppress people," he added.
The junta held an official ceremony, during the transformation of the KNPLF to the BGF, in Pan Tein and Sup Pai area on November 8. U Htun Kyaw, his colleagues and 400 civilians attended the ceremony. Gen. Yar Pyay, chairperson of the Shan State Peace and Development Council and Brigadier Gen. Win Myint, chairperson of the Kayah State Peace and Development Council delivered speeches at the ceremony. Even though there were differences in the KNPLF over the transformation, it became difficult to oppose it because they were afraid, a source close to the ceasefire group said.
"High ranking officials were appointed before transforming into BGF. Therefore, it was just shaking hands with the military regime for power. It is tantamount to wanting ministers at the state level, positions in the upper house and posts in the state administration," he said.
Khu Htae Bu Peh said that the transformation of the KNPLF to the BGF is for its survival, power and riches but not for the people or for national issues.
In the BGF controlled by the Burmese Army, there are 326 soldiers in a battalion. Four officers and 26 from other ranks will be inducted in each BGF battalion from the junta’s army. The regime will provide rations and salaries.
KNPLF split from KNPP in 1978 led by U Sandar and U Htun Kyaw. They signed a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese military regime in 1994. KNPLF has 1609 soldiers.
