Karen Leaders In Thailand Homes Raided By Thai Authorities
Ryan | Oct 27, 2009 | Comments 0
Thai soldiers and police entered the homes and offices of more than 10 leaders of the Karen National Union (KNU) and its military wing, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), around 6 a.m. On Tuesday morning, a KNU source said.
Wife of Col Ner Dah Mya, the son of late KNU leader Gen Bo Mya, has been detained after police found powder for making explosives at his house, KNU sources said.
The purpose of the raids is not clear and The Irrawaddy has been unable to get independent confirmation.
Leaders whose homes were raided included: Gen Tamla Baw, the chairman of the KNU; Zipporah Sein, the general secretary of the KNU, and Saw David Takabaw, the vice-president of the KNU.
The Thai officers were looking for ammunition but found nothing at the homes of the other KNU and KNLA leaders, who were not arrested, sources said.
Many exiled community and political organizations’ offices and migrant schools in Mae Sot are closed for security reasons. Rumors circulating in Mae Sot suggest more raids will occur.
Observers said Thai authorities have stepped up pressure on KNU and KNLA leaders since early this year.
Filed Under: Burma News • Karen
About the Author: About the Author: Ryan is a Co-Founder of eleho. He was introduced to Burma in 2005 while on a trip to visit a children's home in Mae Sot, and works on the business side of the organization. Feel free to contact with any questions or comments. ryan@eleho.org
