Press Article: Young Activists Shape New Futures in Myanmar’s Conflict Zones
Karen State, Myanmar – In 2021, during a historic march in Yangon for democracy, Thaw Hti stood among hundreds of thousands, armed only with a sign while the military wielded guns against pro-democracy protests. Today, after fleeing to Karen-controlled territory due to brutal military crackdowns, she reflects on a markedly changed landscape for her generation.
In the years following the coup, many young people like Thaw Hti sought refuge with the Karen National Union (KNU), Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armed group, which has fought for Karen autonomy since the 1940s. Initially full of rage against the military, Thaw Hti expressed a desire to become a rebel soldier but faced physical limitations that pushed her toward education instead. She and her husband opened a secret school for over 100 displaced children, teaching the Karen language and history often neglected by the military’s narratives.
As resistance leaders gain control over areas like Kyaikdon in Karen State, they face the challenge of governance. The town, liberated from military influence, now enjoys active local administration with plans for vital public works. Soe Khant, the KNU’s appointed administrator, is optimistic about transforming the area, emphasizing community involvement in governance.
However, economic hardship prevails, with the past conflicts leaving the local economy fragile. The young secretary of Kawkareik township, Mya Aye, mentioned the lack of industry forcing many to seek livelihoods abroad. Amid these struggles, defections from the military have introduced new talents to the KNU, as illustrated by former police officer Win Htun, who now champions justice in KNU’s law enforcement.
While optimism grows with recent territorial gains, activists like Thaw Hti warn that real progress feels elusive: “We feel like we are going so fast, but we don’t go very far.” The revolution’s path remains fraught with complexity as the fight for autonomy and democracy continues.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com