Imprisoned members of the Karen National Union (KNU) and innocent civilians who might have aided the KNU should be freed following the signing of a cease-fire agreement between the KIO and the Burmese government, say KNU officials. “We will demand this especially for those who provided food to us on the frontlines, who carried our belongings, and hosted us at their homes. They are in prisons for unlawful association. We want them back because they are our benefactors, and they provided for us,” David Taw told Mizzima.
After signing a cease-fire agreement in Pa-an on January 12, the KNU delegation proceeded to Naypyitaw where government Peace Making Committee leader and Railway Minister Aung Min reportedly asked them to compile the list of prisoners and send it to the government. “Railway Minister Aung Min said they would work for the release as much as they could,” David Taw said. The list is still being finalized.
The Thai-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) (AAPP-B) said that there were 69 prisoners in various prisons, in connection with the KNU. Most are in Taungoo Prison. “Some of them are just villagers, but they were charged with unlawful association and having contact with unlawful association groups. And also some of them were charged with murder, bombings, etc. This list of 69 people is just the list we can access,” said Bo Kyi, a joint-secretary of the AAPP. The prison terms range from three years to life in prison.
According to the KNU, it will meet again with the government peace delegation in about 45 days to go over points in the peace agreement.