Living Ghosts
The spiraling repression of the Karenni population by the Burmese military junta
Appendices
Ceasefire Groups
Karenni National Defense Army (KNDA)
In 1995 approximately 150 former KNPP soldiers formed the Karenni National Defense Army (KNDA). This group, led by an ex-KNPP soldier Lee Reh, agreed to a ceasefire with the Burmese authorities in 1996. Currently the KNDA is a proxy army of the SPDC and holds very anti-KNPP sentiments.
Karenni National People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF)
In 1978 there was a split in the KNPP led by Thein Hun, which led to the formation of the KNPLF under the leadership of Than Nyunt. This split had a significant impact on the KNPP as it weakened the KNPP’s position and strength within Karenni State. After its formation, the KNPLF developed close ties with KNLP and the SSNLO. They also built a relationship with the Communist Party of Burma (CPB), receiving training, supplies and, on occasion, armed support from the CPB. The KNPLF made a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese regime in 1994, and has since then operated as a proxy army for the Tatmadaw. Members of the KNPLF have received economic concessions from the military junta and poppies are being produced in their territories.
Karenni National Solidarity Organisation (KNSO)
In 2002, three leaders from the KNPP, Mu Dee, Den Way and Richard spilt from the group, citing ideological differences for the split. The area that the KNSO controlled had a large displaced population and following the spilt they made a ceasefire agreement with the SPDC. This agreement allowed the population living in KNSO’s area some respite.
Shan State Nationalities Liberation Organisation (SSNLO)
The SSNLO was formed in 1966 and whilst it is based in Shan State, its close ties with the KNPLF and the KNLP means that it also operates in Karenni State. Similar to the KNLP and the KNPLF the SSNLO received training and support from the Communist Party of Burma. In 1974 some members split and formed the Shan Nationalities Liberation Front. The SSNLO is involved in poppy production in Karenni State. As with the KNPLF and KNLP the SSNLO entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese military junta in 1994.
Karenni National Peace and Development Party (KNPDP)
The KNPDP is also known as the KNPP-99. In 1999 there was another split in the KNPP and 100 soldiers left to form the KNPDP. The KNPDP cited ideological differences for the split and subsequently entered into a ceasefire agreement with the SPDC.
Kayan New Land Party (KNLP)
The KNLP was formed in 1964 in Pekon Township and today its power-base is still in the area. The formation of the party was similar to a peasant style uprising, and gained strength in the 1970s due to an increase in membership of Kayan students and with the establishment of a relationship with the Communist Party of Burma. The KNLP sided with the KNPLF when it split with the KNPP, and formed a close relationship with the KNPLF and the SSNLO. The KNLP was weakened by the demise of the Communist Party of Burma, and this led to an internal split and the formation of the Kayan Home Guard (KHG). The KNLP made a ceasefire agreement with SLORC in 1994 and has benefited from economic concessions since then, especially in relation to logging and mineral extraction. This group also has a small presence in Shan State.
Kayan Home Guard (KHG)
In the years following the collapse of the Communist Party of Burma there was a split in the Kayan New Land Party, and a new faction emerged called the Kayan Home Guard. This group of approximately 60 entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese authorities. However, they are a small party with little impact on the political environment in Karenni State. Similarly with the KNLP, the KHG also has troops in Shan State.
Shan Nationalities People’s Liberation Organisation (SNPLO)
The SNPLO singed a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese junta in 1994. Following the signing of the ceasefire agreement, approximately two-thirds of the groups 1,000 members left. Since the 1994 the SNPLO has fought against the Shan State Army-South, and their troops have been stationed in northern Karenni State along the Karenni-Shan border. In 2007 the SNPLO broke their ceasefire with the junta, citing their refusal to surrender or disarm.
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