Marwi, deputy commander-in-chief of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), said it is now crucial for all resistance groups in Karenni State to unite and form a single, unified United Karenni State Army.
He emphasized that, to defeat the junta, all Karenni resistance forces, other revolutionary groups and the public must unite.
“If we want to topple the junta in Karenni State, the first thing we need to do is unite. The second is to use our resources strategically. Right now, Karenni State collects around 7 billion MMK in taxes every month, and about 4 billion of that goes to defense. But when we split this money between the KNDF, the Karenni Army (KA), and others, there are inefficiencies. It would be far more effective if we managed it under a single system,” he said.
He highlighted that if resistance groups across the state unite and operate as a single force, resources could be used more efficiently, and the public should support this initiative. Marwi made the call on September 28 during a traditional Kayah celebration in Thailand.
"Various groups operate in Karenni State, such as the KA, Karenni National People's Liberation Front (KNPLF), Karenni National Peace and Development Party (KNPDP), Karenni National Solidarity Organization (KNSO), and we're working to bring them all together under a single command: the United Karenni State Army. Our goal is to merge all Karenni resistance forces under one leadership to fight the evil junta, but we know there will be many difficulties and challenges,” Marwi said.
Fighting is currently underway along the main highway connecting Demoso and Hpruso towns in Karenni State, as junta forces advance along the route. Junta columns have begun reaching Hpruso Town, and the clashes are expected to intensify.
In November 2023, resistance forces launched Operation 1111, vowing to march on Loikaw, the Karenni State capital. Although they failed to capture Loikaw, they seized several towns. With the situation now reverting to pre operation conditions, Marwi urged Karenni youths at home and abroad to join the revolutionary struggle and intensify attacks on the junta.
“Right now, our region is facing deep hardship. The public must not accept this as the new normal. Only if the hunger for revolution remains alive in our minds and hearts can we continue this harsh journey. So, I urge you to keep sharpening and nurturing the revolutionary spirit. We cannot accept our village homes being bombed again and again as the new normal,” he said.
Since August, the junta has been advancing in large numbers into Demoso Township, conducting operations along the Demoso–Hpruso–Bawlakhe Highway. Frequent clashes have erupted between these junta troops and Karenni resistance forces.
In addition, the junta is escalating military operations in Mobye (Mongpai) Town in southern Shan State, near the border with Karenni State, carrying out abductions and torturing residents in the town and surrounding villages.
Furthermore, in Salong (South) Village in Pekon Township, southern Shan State, the junta and Pa-O National Army (PNA) coalition are conducting joint military operations to retake territories lost in the surrounding area.
