Clashes between KNPP and SPDC

DVB ( 17 November 2003 )

There have been frequent and fierce clashes between the KNPP (Karenni National Progressive Party) fighters and the soldiers of Burma’s military junta, the SPDC on the Thai-Burma.

The SPDC troops have been attempting to capture the rebels HQs at Hwe Pulong near Maehongson District in northern Thailand.

At least one SPDC soldier was killed and several wounded in the latest clashes on 15 November, according to the KNPP’s General Secretary and spokesman, Rimond Htoo.

There were also sporadic clashes between the two in other townships of Karenni State during recent weeks.

The two sides signed ceasefire agreements in 1995 but the fighting broke out again before the ink dried.

The SPDC has been sending ‘peace envoys’ to the rebels so as to split up the KNPP members and force them to surrender.

Meanwhile, the military intelligence agents have been staging anti-KNPP rallies and forcing local people in the State to denounce the rebels.