Armed clashes between troops belonging to Burma’s military junta, the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and fighters of Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), have intensified in eastern Burma, according to KNPP General Secretary Khoo Raymond Htoo.

The clashes coincide with the increasing offensives by the Burmese army at areas in the neighbouring states controlled by the Karen National Union (KNU) in the south and Shan State Army – South (SSA-S)in the north.

“The clashes are still occurring inside (the Karenni State) and on the border areas and at Mawchi and Papun and borderline areas. The clashes at the borderline areas are quite violent,” said Htoo.

Last year, the SPDC sent a team of ‘peace advocates’ to the KNPP to restart peace talks but the SPDC now seems to be interested in routing the KNPP.

“In fact, the offer was made from the team of peace advocates – the SPDC said nothing. They seem to say to us – surrender your weapons or there is no position for political dialogue. They are trying every means to sideline us, split us and attack us.”

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma