News stories

Karen National Union Not Responsible for Bomb Blast in Papun, Karen State

Once again the illegitimate dictatorship ruling Burma has accused the Karen Nation Union (KNU) of responsibility for bombing that has happened in Papun, which killed 7 Karen civilians and injured 11 others during the celebration of the Karen New Year on December 16, 2009.  KNU categorically denies responsibility for these attacks. The KNU is not a terrorist organization. The KNU has a policy of not targeting civilians. This is in contrast to the Burmese Army, which the United Nations has verified as committing war crimes by deliberately targeting civilians in breach of the Geneva Conventions.

The KNU is deeply sadden and disturbed to hear of this explosion and it adds to the great concern for the safety and security of the Karen population. We, the KNU express great grief and sorrow for the victims’ families and others, who have been affected by this tragedy.

The KNU deplores this action instigated by the Burmese military regime. It is further proof that the regime continuously and systematically commits crimes against Karen civilians in rural areas. It clearly shows there is no guaranteed security for the Karen people under the rule of the military regime not only in the rural areas but also in towns.

In order to win the 2010 election, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has used military tactics and strategy to create conflict and misunderstanding in order to fracture the Karen community and also their relationship with other ethnic nationalities and to divide their unity and strength. The SPDC is fixed on defaming the KNU and uses every excuse to bring our organization into ill repute.  It has constantly misappropriated blame for actions it is guilty of itself.  The SPDC endeavours to defame other ethnic groups caught up in the armed struggle against the oppressors. The military junta continues to snub international condemnation of its actions and continues to persecute all those who threaten the junta’s hold on the political power of Burma.

The struggle for democracy and human rights must continue. The people of Burma regardless of their ethnic origins or beliefs must stand together and unite against the common enemy, the military junta, that deprives citizens of their right to live freely and to elect their own leaders and to feel proud of their nation.

The KNU conveys best wishes to all the Karen people throughout the world and wish them to celebrate the Karen New Year in peace and happiness. The KNU expects and encourages the Karen people in Burma, on the borders and abroad to organize and celebrate the Karen New Year in a spirit of friendship and unity as it is one of the most important traditional and cultural celebrations of our nation.

The KNU is a democratic organization, representing the Karen people of Burma. Our goal is peace and prosperity in a democratic federal Burma.

Email this article