During the 4th anniversary ceremony of the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), Commander-in-Chief Colonel Aung Myat warned revolutionary forces to stand united with the people and not to exploit the revolution for personal gain. He emphasized that members must not abuse their positions and should maintain solidarity with the public, stressing the importance of properly utilizing both domestic and international support for the revolution rather than misusing these resources for personal benefit.
The Commander-in-Chief clarified that KNDF is strictly a military organization, not a political entity, and its members must follow command structures while maintaining political awareness. He outlined the necessity of adhering to battlefield ethics, laws and regulations, civilian protection, children’s and women’s rights, and drug prevention efforts. Special emphasis was placed on prohibiting opium cultivation in areas under their control. The forces must understand their role as a military organization while being mindful of their responsibilities to protect civilian interests.
Reflecting on the past four years, Colonel Aung Myat acknowledged the significant sacrifices made, including the lives of young soldiers and the destruction of civilian properties and lands. He characterized these losses as inevitable steps in the journey toward liberation, not just for the Karenni people but for all ethnic groups in Myanmar. He stressed that as an armed force, KNDF must prioritize protecting civilian homes and properties, operate within legal boundaries, maintain internal unity, and serve as a military organization that the public can rely upon. The Commander-in-Chief particularly emphasized the importance of maintaining their historical legacy and original revolutionary objectives while being vigilant against attempts to divide the national unity.
