The KNPP and Burma Army want to keep communication channels open to avoid escalating tension during peacetime.

The Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) met with the Burma Army recently in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, to discuss pressing military matters.

“We discussed troop movement and the construction of new military camps (by the Myanmar Army),” said Nel Neh Plo, a spokesperson for KNPP. “We talked about the murder of three KNPP soldiers (by the Myanmar Army) and civilian-related issues.”

As these matters are very “complicated” and challenging to address, “more negotiation” is necessary.

Last December, while in custody of the Tatmadaw’s Loikaw Operation Command, one civilian and three KNPP soldiers were murdered.

No agreement was reached about the construction of four Burma Army bases but both parties agreed to work together to find solutions to avoid inflaming the situation.

They also discussed how to prevent clashes between troops on the ground during peacetime.

“During the meeting, we agreed to avoid problems that could cause military tension like carrying arms while travelling and reporting to each other when it’s necessary to travel bearing arms,” Nel Neh Plo said.

There are still difficulties implementing the State and Union Level ceasefire agreement with the central government, according to KNPP. These matters are being discussed at the same time discussions about joining the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) are happening.

The KNPP has delayed signing the NCA since the murder of three KNPP soldiers by the Burma Army last year.

KNPP signed State Level ceasefire agreement with the government in March of 2012 and Union Level ceasefire agreement in June of the same year.