[Tee tiong huat]

KNU says no to census whilst no clear governance in Myanmar. The Karen National Union (KNU) spokesperson say the junta should not carry out a census whilst most Myanmar is under the control of revolutionary forces. Currently, junta only fully controls Yangon & Ayeyarwady regions. Ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) & People Defence Forces (PDFs) control territory in all of other states & regions in the country.

Padoh Saw Kler Say said: “Given the current circumstances, I believe it's inappropriate to conduct a census. The reason is that it should not be conducted when there is no clear governance process in the country. It is not accepted by anyone, including any ethnic group or revolutionary forces. Since we, the revolutionary forces, control many areas, it will be impossible.”

The UN helped with last Myanmar census in 2014 & junta is hoping that it will help again with the upcoming census, be'cos it believes UN participation in census would give junta some legitimacy amongst international community.