Karens disconcerted by Rangoon

Karens disconcerted by Rangoon's road building

War 

Significant strides made by Rangoon's road builders into hitherto impenetrable areas where the Karen resistance forces had been active have placed the latter on the horns of a dilemma, according to different Karen sources. 

"They have accomplished in three months what they hadn't been able to do in years since the cessation of hostilities was ordered in December," growled a Karen military commander with the rank of brigadier-general to S.H.A.N.. 

According to a Karen press release issued yesterday, 21 March, the Burma Army has been constructing a motor road linking Kya-in-seikkyi and the Three Pagoda Pass. "Actually they are trying to upgrade it to make it an all-weather road," explained Padoh Mahn Sha, Secretary General of the Karen National Union. "To which we have filed complaints, as they are making inroads into other areas controlled by the Karen forces as well, but Rangoon keeps saying the government is only implementing the national planning policies." 

Apart from roads, the press release also reported continued military build-up around the Karen forces: Destruction of paddy fields and plantations, forcing local people to carry food and medical supplies to the front lines and construction of army camps and warehouses, where the local populace were required to supply labor, use of vehicles, provisions and building materials such as bamboos, logs and thatch, all without payment. 

The KNU has already met Rangoon's negotiators 4 times since November 2003. The next round of talks is expected next month.