"On this auspicious occasion of Karenni New Year Day, I wish all my fellow Karenni good health and prosperity. The Karenni people had resided independently and peacefully in Karenni state for over 2000 years since BC 739 after we departed Gobi Desert region of what is now Mongolia. However, since the fall of our independence after the invasion and annexation of Karenni state by the Burmese government in 1948, we have waged an armed resistance to regain our lost selfdetermination. Although we have engaged in negotiations with successive Burmese governments to find solutions for national, political, social, and economic problems, our efforts have not been successful. To make matters worse, since the military coup on February 1, 2021, Karenni people have endured various sufferings and inhumane treatments by the coup junta. As such, the time now is of utmost importance for all of Karenni people to fight for our self-determination and to uproot all forms of dictatorship. It is time for all Karenni people to be alert for our national and political cause. We must actively participate in our national struggle from wherever we are and in whichever role we can. While upholding our patriotism, we must preserve and promote our languages, literatures, and cultures. Finally, I would like to urge all Karenni people to strive for Karenni's self-determination with renewed energy garnered from the new year. May you all have a blessed new year..."