Instead of pursuing genuine reconciliation with the recognized leaders of ethnic groups, the State Peace and Development Council continues to engineer splits and factions in opposition groups.

In its latest move, on 11 February, the SPDC announced in its own media a “peace” deal with the newly formed splinter group Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KNU/KNLAPC) headed up by disaffected former Karen National Union (KNU) Commander Htain Maung. The deal has provided Htain Maung and his small band of followers with supplies and televisions, but no promise of peace or the end of the military violence which forced 27,000 people to leave their homes in 2006 in Eastern Burma.

Karen grassroots and civil society organizations have responded to the attempt to cause division by rallying around the KNU, confirming their place as the legitimate leaders of the community.