The commemorative ceremonies of the 69th Anniversary Karen’s Martyrs’ Day were held in the different military bases of Karen armed ethic organisations on August 12.

General Saw Mutu Say Po attended the commemorative ceremony of the 69th Anniversary Karen’s Martyrs’ Day that was held at the meeting hall of Kwinkalay Christian church at No 6 Brigade of Karenni National Liberation Army (KNLA), a subordinate armed organization of the Karen National Union (KNU).

Major Saw Hla Min, the special column commander of No 6 Brigade of Karenni National Liberation Army (KNLA) said that Karen people follow for four principles laid down by Saw Ba Oo, the former Karen national leader and every Karen ethic has the duty to serve for the affairs of Karen people.

“Karen people support the four principles laid down by Saw Ba Oo and that they means Karen will never surrender, there must have arms in the hands of Karen, Karen must create Karen’s fortune and Karen must recognize Karen State. Our entire people are important to know the meaning of the martyrs. The martyrs’ day is held every year. Every Karen national has the duty to serve the affairs of Karen nationals,” said Major Saw Aye Lwin, deputy commander of the No 6 Brigade of KNLA.

 The commemorative ceremonies of the 69th Anniversary Karen’s Martyrs’ Day were held in Kwinkalay of No 6 Brigade of the KNLA, the No 7 Brigade of the KNLA, Sonezeemyaing of the headquarters of the DKBA, and Htokawkoe, Sukali and Laykakawt of the KNU and KNLA (PC).

“It is the matter for us to solve if the subordinates ask us. It can be an obstacle to peace process. We held the martyrs’ day not because we want to take a strike but because we want to commemorate the fallen martyrs. We cannot accept the remark of the KNU that the KNU represents all Karen people,” Major Saw Aye Lwin, deputy commander of the No 6 Brigade of KNLA.

Like the previous ceremonies of the Karen martyrs’ day, those present saluted fallen Karen martyrs leaders and laid down wreaths, but the military parade is not found held in the current ceremony of Karen martyrs’ day.

Translated and Edited by Win Htut