With the support and guidance of Karenni Army (KA), Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) vowed to continue its struggle against the military junta in a letter to the ethnic armed organisation (EAO) during its 73rd Karenni Army Day on Tuesday, August 17.

As a civilian youth resistance force, the KNDF spokesperson said, they don’t have the experience to defeat the enemy, and that’s why KA’s mentorship is so crucial to its success. “We understand that the military junta is superior to us both politically and in military strength.”

Khu Daniel, first secretary of the KIA’s political arm, Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), said: “We share the same goal of overthrowing dictatorship and building a federal union.”

According to the KNPP, KA provided KNDF members with basic military training to fight the Burma Army (BA) after the February 1 coup. Additionally, the EAO is working with other civilian resistance forces operating in the state, as well as other EAOs resisting the regime in Burma.

Khu Daniel said KNPP is also cooperating with Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, a Burmese legislative body in exile; the National Unity Government; and the various People’s Defence Forces fighting the BA.

He explained that the Karenni EAO has been fighting the Burmese central government for over 70 years. After the ‘Spring Revolution’ began, the KNPP has worked with other organisations and armed groups to dismantle the military council, said Khu Daniel, stressing the need for more discussions on how they’ll ”build a new nation” and government.