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Despite the KNLA’s frequent use of guerrilla warfare to engage SPDC forces due
to their strength in numbers, SPDC army units in KNU/KNLA territory are at
times avoided due to the SPDC army’s use of civilians as human shields against
gunfire and landmines, in addition to portering, according to a KNLA Captain
from Battalion No. 17. Another KNLA captain who is authorized to comment on
KNLA fighting, responded on phone with HURFOM field reports that if the SPDC
bore a grudge against civilians who are frequently assumed to be insurgent-
supporters, and punish or take revenge on them, the civil war would never end.
The increase in fighting between KNLA and SPDC forces posses a significant
risk for local residents who, though not directly engaged in fighting, are
frequently targeted by Burmese army units. In this instance, while villagers
eventually returned to their villages without suffering casualties, they did face
frequent verbal abuse and harassment. Moreover it is important to note that by
using villagers as shields against attack or to warn of landmines by their
trigging them with their bodies, LIB No. 406 is increasing the very really
likelihood of civilians becoming victims of this continued conflict.
*For security purposes the names of interviewed villagers have been changed,
and the list of names and ages of portering victims has been removed. The full
list of victims’ names and ages can be made available upon request.