The Karenni Army (KA) has prohibited the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) from campaigning in several villages under its control, in Karenni state, local residents said.

"I have heard that shooting will be resorted to if the USDP campaigns in the forbidden areas. All Kayah villagers in the eastern side come under the ban but not the west. The Karenni Army plans to announce the ban in writing but is yet to do it, a Loikaw resident said.

The Karenni Army has announced it would not allow campaign in Dawtama Gyi, Dawtachar, Dawnyekhu, Dawphu, Dawpet, Taneelaleh, Dawtangu, Dawse, Kaylyar, Dawbyarku, Dawtada, Hteephoekaloe, Hteesehkaloe, Dawkulee, Lawplyarleh and Dawlyarkhu.

However, Be Htoo, a Karenni Army general said, "We have not given instructions to shoot. In villages we first thought of shooting but changed our mind because they are our nationals."

Despite the ban on USDP’s campaign in villages, the party invited village chiefs to come to the town to tell them that incentives and awards will be given for mobilizing voters for the USDP in the ensuing general election.

A source close to USDP said, "They have campaigned in the main town sites. They promised village chiefs that roads will be constructed and schools will be built."