Defectors re-defect

The returnees led by Capt Hser Htee who brought with them 15 of their family members and 2 villagers had arrived at the main base of the Karen National Liberation Army’s 7^th Brigade at 18:00, 28 February, disclosed Brig-Gen Saw Hsar Gay.
 
Conditions inside the Karen National Union/ Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU-KNLA PC), as the splinter group commanded by Htain Maung, who had made peace with the country’s military rulers on 11 February 2007, were said to be “unbearable” following the assassination of Lt-Col Ler Moo, Htain Maung’s son-in-law, late last month. “Suspicion was thrown on many of us including Kyaw Aye, Commander of the 703^rd Battalion,” Hser Htee was quoted as saying. “He was executed by the order of Htain Maung.”
 
As to how much the returnees knew about the assassination of the Karen National Union (KNU) General Secretary Mahn Sha on 14 February, Hsar Gay was unable to shed any light for the present. “Brig-Gen Johnny (Commander of the 7th Brigade) and his staff are still debriefing Hser Htee and his men,” he said.
 
Capt Hser Htee had reportedly served as the executive officer of the 703^rd Battalion until his departure. He had also brought with him 1 pistol, 1 AK 47 automatic rifle and 1 two-inch mortar.