KNU and SPDC still clashing despite ceasefire agreement

DVB ( 22 December 2003 )

There have been continuing clashes between KNU (Karen National Union) fighters and the SPDC troops despite recent oral ceasefire agreement between the two.

A clash occurred within Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State on 16 December, and one KNU fighter was killed and the SPDC also confiscated an AK assault rifle from the rebels.

The chairman of KNU, Phado Saw Ba Thin said the rebels are not feeling very pleased by the fact that they are attacked by the SPDC troops despite the ceasefire agreement.

He also insisted the current situation could not be described as dialogue because the opposing side is merely expressing their opinions and willingness for a talk.

‘They haven’t invited us officially for talks yet. We are only having meetings at Bangkok. Nothing special,’ Phado Saw Ba Thin said.

According to the latest report, there have also been continuous clashes at KNU’s Brigade 6, Duplaya region in Karen State.