Minister U Aung Min acts as mediator between the DKBA and BGF

 • Tuesday, 07 May 2013 03:03
• Written by Phyu Phyu Ko

In an effort to resolve matters of contention between the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the BGF (Border Guard Forces), the government’s security Minister U Aung Min met with Major Mg Lay of the DKBA yesterday in Naypyitaw.

 “Currently, the government has advised both sides to avoid one another, but this is only a short-term solution. We hope to find an answer to the problem with Minister U Aung Min.” Maj. Mg Lay commented.

During the meeting, the DKBA addressed the recent efforts for forced removal of the DKBA from the Myaing Kyi Ngu. In addition, they expressed hesitation in signing a ceasefire agreement as they are not pleased with the stipulations dictated by the Myanmar government.

Reservations in finalizing the deal stem from a history of failed attempts at the peace process. 

The DKBA was eager to meet with government officials to discuss possible actions for resolution.

Members of the DKBA presented the following points to Minister U Aung Min:

1) The necessary installation of a mediator: The DKBA stressed that it is imperative that a mediator is appointed in order to propel the peace process. The group maintains, the problem is in its current state because there is no intermediate.

2) A meeting for all participating parties must be held: This action is to promote unity with peace army groups in Karen State.

3) Territories must be designated: Areas belonging to government troops and the peace army groups must be specified.

 “The government peace working group should act as a mediator between the military, the peace army, and ethnic groups. They [government] need to specify the areas for each groups [DKBA, KNU, BGF]. There will be less conflict if the areas are not mixing together,” said Maj. Mg Lay.

The May 6Minister for the security of Karen state border areas, in order to discuss the current strife.

Following that initial meeting the DKBA met with the South-eastern Division Command, and ended with a conference with Minister U Aung Min in Naypyitaw.

“We will meet and discuss as much as we can in these days,” said Minister U Aung Min.

“We don’t want to delay any action because the condition between the government battalions and the DKBA will most likely worsen.”

During the meeting, the DKBA also requested that BGF battalions 1012 and 1014 be replaced by BGF battalions 1017 and 1019 in Mae Tawaw, of Karen state's Hlaing Bwe Township. The request came just days after violence broke out in the surrounding area. On April 27 conference commenced with the DKBA meeting with Colonel Aung Lwin, a  a battle between the DKBA (led by Colonel Kyaw Be) and the government’s BGF (led by Major Chit Thu) erupted; it lasted for nearly 3 days. People from the Lawpu, Mae Seik, Mee Shaing and Thekane villages in Hlaingbwe Township have been forced to relocate as a result of the violence.

An initial meeting with the DKBA group led by Maj. Mg Lay and the Minister for security of the border area in Karen state, U Aung Lwin, was set for May 4in Hpa-an, left many issues unresolved. All issues were finally addressed during yesterday's meeting in Naypyitaw.