The Karenni People’s Liberation Front (KNPLF) announced on November 7 that the armed resistance forces in Kayah State had joined to launch Operation 1107. The Karenni Army (KA), Karenni National Defense Organization (KNDF) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) are jointly participated for the liberation of the Union to support Operation 1027 of the Three Brotherhood Alliance.
This interview with Private Laurance Soe, the spokesperson for the Karenni People’s Liberation Front (KNPlF), is about the reason to join Operation 1107, the seizure of junta camps and possible future military actions in Kayah State.
TLT – Could you explain the situation of the Operation 1107 in Kayah State?
Laurance Soe – Our organization welcomes and supports Operation 1027 and we have already issued a statement that we will conduct operations harmoniously in the whole country.
TLT – What was the purpose of the operation 1107?
Laurance Soe: Our goal is not only for the liberation of Kayah State alone. Karenni state is a part of Union. Without liberation of the whole Union, any part of it cannot be free. So, we will fight for freedom of all.
That’s why we don’t have any goal to free our state alone. Our country has many races and religions. We are also geographically connected. Karenni State is a part of Union. Without liberation of the whole Union, any part of it cannot be free.
That’s why we will work together until the whole country is liberated. It is our objective for the mission.
TLT – After the Operation 1107 began, could you talk about the status of the occupation of the junta camps and the ongoing battle.
Laurance Soe – The are still fighting the battalion camp since 9 November. They have security outposts near the villages, but no one lives there anymore.
Junta troops were stationed at the school and the monastery in the village. We attacked and have occupied these two targets on 9 November. We seized 16 guns of various weapons, and all kinds of bullets. More than 20 junta soldiers were died.
TLT – After the Operation 1107 started in Kayah State, which action have the military taken?
Laurance Soe – They will do any actions they can. Our operation is concerned with the whole country, and they will face confrontations across the country.
TLT – What will be possible impacts of Operation 1027 and Operation 1107 on the revolution?
Laurance Soe: Operation 1027 has been only a few days. Its effectiveness and success can be seen on the number of their outposts we occupied. Even if we did not agree to cooperate in this operation since the beginning, our goal is to eliminate the military dictatorship in the country, and to ensure liberation of people.
We all have the same objectives. Our movement now, based on the same objective and the operation is harmoniously and it is in the best progress to continue nationwide. I want to give message to the public; we are all marching together with our people and our armed forces to root out dictatorship.
