Khu Oo Reh, the chairperson of the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC), expressed optimism that those displaced by the conflict will be able to return to their homes soon.
In his New Year speech, Khu Oo Reh conveyed that the majority of Karenni (Kayah) State has now been wrested by the resistance forces from the control of the Military Council, and reclaimed by the Karenni joint resistance forces.
"In the midst of persistent challenges, our journey towards achieving goals has never been more promising. The prospect of allowing people nationwide to return to their homelands, is on the horizon. Let us collectively and unwaveringly pursue our aspirations with renewed vigour in the new year”, he said.
In Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State, over half of the city, encompassing significant locations such as Loikaw University, the state police office, the electricity department office, and the state ministers' office, came under the control of resistance forces in 2023.
When considering the entirety of Karenni State, it is evident that resistance forces hold sway over 80% of the region, with the conflict persisting on a daily basis. In the course of 'Operation 11.11,' initiated by the local resistance forces on November 11th, the confrontations escalated to their highest intensity, resulting in significant damage or destruction of numerous civilian buildings in Loikaw due to airstrikes and shelling.
A woman displaced by the war, who departed from Loikaw, shared her desire to return home.
"Despite the uncertainties arising from the conflict, perhaps even if our house has already been reduced to nothing, it poses no problem for us. We would find contentment even if we have to live in tents constructed with tarpaulin sheets on our native lands. Above all, our number one desire is for peace to prevail across the entire nation of Myanmar, encompassing the Karenni State”, she told NMG.
A Karenni ethnic participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the Junta, expressed unwavering confidence in the administrative procedures undertaken by the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC).
"I place complete trust in IEC, operated by our fellow Karenni people. We aspire to witness the establishment of a fully developed federal system. Currently I miss home so much, but I am uncertain when return home will be. If political stability is reinstated in the future, I may consider rejoining government service. But I can't say exactly; it's a balanced 50-50 prospect”, he said.
IEC has pledged to persist in efforts to bring about the federal democratic system desired by the Karenni people.
Likewise, in his New Year message, U Htay Aung, the Speaker of the Karenni State Interim Parliament, expressed his desire for collective efforts to make 2024 a pivotal year in overthrowing the military dictatorship.
