Mann Kyaw Nyein, the General Secretary of the Karen National Party (KNP) has warned the arbitrary removal of Ba U Gyi’s bronze statue of a revered Karen national leader under the direction of Bamar authorities has angered Karen people and further damages any hope of national reconciliation.

The father of the Karen revolution Saw Ba U Gyi was born in Belgrade village of Pathein District in 1905 and learned Law in England. He became a major leader of the Karen revolution which started in early 1949 and engaged in the famous Insein battle.

Karen National leader Saw Bau Gyi’s bronze statue erected in Belgrade village in Kangyidaunt Township in Ayeyawady Region, was removed on the evening of January 3rd due to the pressure by authorities.

evoking the national spirits of Karen people and youth, Mann Kyaw Nyein, General Secretary of the Karen National Party (KNP) has warned.

“The authorities should not use pressures. The government needs to avoid the acts that may hamper one race when implementing national unity and reconciliation. The government needs to tackle this matter with care. The government had better do it, seeking the comments from the persons. It should not be done with pressure,” Mann Kyaw Nyein added.

Under the arrangement of Pado Saw Hla Tun, Joint General Secretary of the KNU, the bronze statue of Saw Ba U Gyi was erected in August.

The government army seized Insein after the talk between Saw Ba U Gyi, Chair of the Karen

National Defence Organization (KNDO) and Prime Minister U Nu. Karen national leader Saw

Ba U Gyi died in a battle with the government army, in Toh Kaw Koe village in Kawkareik, on August 12, 1950.

Karan people and youth need to be cautious about the acts that instigate the national spirits of Karen people.

Under the arrangement of Pado Saw Hla Tun, Joint General Secretary of the KNU, the bronze statue of Saw Ba U Gyi was erected in August.

Karen people have still recognized Saw Ba U Gyi as a national leader, the father of Karen revolution and the Karen Martyr.