Parade and Dances as Myanmar’s Karen Rebels Celebrate 70th Anniversary of Struggle – Reuters
By Ann Wang
MYANMAR-THAI BORDER – Last week, thousands donned traditional ethnic attire while Karen rebel fighters displayed their arms during a celebration commemorating 70 years of the struggle for greater autonomy from Myanmar.
The Karen National Union (KNU), comprising over 5,000 troops, stands as one of the most established and formidable militia groups in the country, having confronted the government since Myanmar’s independence in 1948.
The KNU’s parade highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration, particularly its aim to resolve decades of ethnic conflicts, which remains largely unfulfilled. Many ethnic minority rebels have criticized her government for its authoritarian approach and for neglecting their concerns and aspirations.
The festive events took place at a remote base in the mountainous region along the Myanmar-Thai border. One KNU executive member, Man Nyein Maung, remarked on the arduous history of the revolution over the past 70 years. Having been involved for 50 years, he acknowledged the significant sacrifices made throughout this struggle.
The festivities extended over several days and included folk dance competitions and theatrical performances, culminating in a military parade and speeches at dawn on a dusty ground shaped by the hills. A banner prominently displayed the KNU’s political demands, calling for the retention of arms and the right to determine their political future.
Among the performers was a group of women adorned with yellow scarves, their hair styled in buns and fringes, contrasting with their vibrant yellow shirts featuring green designs. They showcased their talents alongside villagers and soldiers of the Karen National Liberation Army, the armed branch of the KNU. Men within the crowd were seen smoking and flaunting their military gear.
In 2012, the KNU engaged in a ceasefire agreement with the government after enduring over 60 years of conflict, which resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of refugees into Thailand. While some have returned, approximately 100,000 remain in refugee camps across the border, according to United Nations reports. Although major confrontations have been avoided, relations between the KNU and Myanmar’s military forces remain fraught with tension.
Aung San Suu Kyi has faced difficulties in achieving peace in other regions of the country, where longstanding conflicts in northern and western Myanmar have escalated recently.
In 2017, a military campaign forced 730,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee from the Rakhine state to Bangladesh, contributing to one of the largest refugee crises in the world.