Karen National Union reaffirms commitment to federalism in Myanmar on Kawthoolei Day

The Karen National Union (KNU) Chairperson Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win stated in a letter on Saturday to commemorate the 76th Kawthoolei Day on June 14 that it would join Myanmar’s future federal democratic union under its Karen name, Kawthoolei.

Padoh Saw Taw Nee, the KNU Spokesperson, defined Kawthoolei as a federal unit which is “just and full of self-determination,” adding that the KNU would ensure democratic rights for Karen people, as well as other ethnic minority groups living in the “Kawthoolei federal unit.”

The KNU has designated seven brigades as part of its Kawthoolei territory. They are located in Thaton District of Mon State, Taungoo and Nyaunglebin Districts of Bago Region, Myeik-Dawei District of Tanintharyi Region, as well as Hpapun (Mutraw), Kawkareik (Dooplaya) and Hpa-An Districts of Karen State.