Controversy looms over Karenni peace mission

Controversy looms over Karenni peace mission

Karenni officials have maintained that one of their officers, Htoo Khar Ree a.k.a. Richard, is in Loikaw for the purpose of holding peace talks while several other sources, both Thai and dissident, believe he and his 30-followers have surrendered to the military authorities. 

"It is an open secret among the border communities that he's gone", said a source from Maehongson, speaking of Htoo Khar Ree, Commander of the 1st Battalion, Karenni Army, that has continuously been fighting against Rangoon since 1948, the year Burma gained independence from the British. 

"The Burmese army, while relentless in their attacks against the 2nd Battalion (The KA's other main unit), has been studiously tolerant with the 1st," said another source. "That was why Richard was easily persuaded." 

The Karenni leadership however, has been insistent that it was a misconception on the part of the public. "We still receive communications from him", according to Rimond Htoo, Secretary General of the Karenni National Progress Party. "We believe he is under some pressure form the junta to bend to its will. For instance, he was supposed to meet its representatives in Mawchi (some 50 miles from the border), but was taken to Loikaw (the capital of Kayah, as Karenni is officially known by the Burmese military, about 80 miles further north) instead." 

One argument in Htoo's favor was that Rangoon was yet to make any announcement so far, according to some observers. 

The KNPP issued an "Emergency Statement" on 31 October that Htoo Khar Ree left for Loikaw on the previous day to hold talks with Burmese officials on nationwide ceasefire and tripartite dialogue, among other topics.