Myanmar Spring Chronicle – October 29 Overview
(MoeMaKa) October 30, 2024
Formation of the Kayan National Army (KNA)
The Kayan National Army (KNA) was officially formed on October 29, bringing together Kayan armed groups from areas within Karenni State (formerly Kayah State), bordering Southern Shan State and Northern Kayin State, as well as regions neighboring Southeast Mandalay. The newly-formed KNA includes Kayan armed groups in towns like Loikaw, Demoso, Mobye, Phekhon, and other areas.
Karenni State has long been home to armed groups, including the KNPP/KA (Karenni National Progressive Party/Karenni Army), which was active even before the military coup. After the 2021 coup, new armed groups, like the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), emerged, fighting against the military regime and drawing support from groups that include former ceasefire forces turned border guard units, such as the Kayan New Land Party (KNLP). Additional small armed groups under the banner of PDF (People’s Defense Forces) have also appeared in this region.
Following the February 2021 coup, Karenni State became one of the earliest areas to witness clashes against military forces, and the region quickly became a sanctuary for anti-regime youth, CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) staff, and activists fleeing government persecution. Locals supported these individuals and formed smaller resistance groups across the region. Due to its unique position, Karenni State is relatively free compared to other ethnic regions, and residents have shown warm hospitality to CDM members and others who have sought refuge.
The KNDF and traditional Karenni armed groups, like KNPP/KA, have generally coordinated their resistance against the military. Observers note that while there have been no internal clashes between other armed groups, like the Kayan New Land Party, there has also been no visible collaboration with the military. The newly formed Kayan National Army has brought together scattered Kayan armed factions from towns and other regions but has yet to clearly define its structure in relation to the PDF forces active in those areas.
An official from the Karenni Interim Administration Council (IEC), commonly called IEC, mentioned to RFA that the new formation of KNA is yet another force aiming to challenge the junta, though details about military cooperation and operations remain unclear. The KNA’s official statement recognizes the National Unity Government (NUG) as the Union government, expressing a commitment to the total elimination of the military dictatorship but leaving questions about the exact nature of the relationship with NUG.
Karenni State, home to diverse ethnic groups including the Kayan, is expected to see increased cooperation with major groups like KNPP/KA and KNDF. However, there remains a fragmented system of leadership, with distinct, smaller armed groups forming along ethnic or regional lines, highlighting both the strength and challenge in unity under a federal democratic union.
Compared to other regions, ethnic armed groups along Myanmar’s borders are often heavily militarized and centralized. Yet, in Karenni State, the resistance is notably decentralized, with a strong focus on regional and ethnic identity. This diversity emphasizes the importance of unity, as cohesive operations may be crucial to overcoming the junta. The federal democratic vision requires both acknowledgment of diversity and effective unification, highlighting a natural tension within the current struggle.