Karen conflict | |||||||
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Part of the internal conflict in Myanmar | |||||||
A KNLA medic treats IDPs in Hpapun District, Kayin State. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Former:
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Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Former:
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Strength | |||||||
43,000 (1951)[citation needed] 30,000 |
4,000+ (1951)[citation needed] 6,000–7,000[4] 1,500[5] | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Since 1989: 4,600+ killed[6][7] 200,000 civilians displaced[8][9] |
The Karen conflict is an armed conflict in Kayin State, Myanmar (formerly known as Karen State, Burma). It is part of the wider internal conflict in Myanmar between the military government and various minority groups. Karen nationalists have been fighting for an independent state, known as Kawthoolei, since 1949.[10] The Karen National Union (KNU) and its Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) are the most prominent Karen rebel groups.[11] Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the conflict, many of whom fled to neighbouring Thailand and survive in refugee camps.[8][9]
Tensions between the Karen people and the Bamar ethnic majority in Myanmar have existed since colonial-era based on the British 'direct and indirect rule' policy and Karen soldiers' roles in putting down Burmese rebellions in the late 19th century.[12] Around the time of Burmese independence, the Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO) was formed as an armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU) to put down a communist rebellion. After the Burmese government settled for peace and allowed communist back into national politics, a series of tensions, escalations and battles led to the KNU declaring formally war on the Burmese government on 31 January 1949.[13]