"The indigenous peoples of conflict-affected Mutraw District of northern Karen State, where a Myanmar[1] Army offensive has displaced over 2,000 people in recent weeks, have implored State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to act to stop the violence. In a statement, the leaders of 16 indigenous Karen communities conveyed the suffering that they have experienced, not just in recent weeks, but throughout many decades of the Myanmar Army?s abuse. This was reiterated by a statement coming out of the Third Karen Women?s Seminar that called for the end of military operations in Karen areas. The Indigenous Karen Village Leaders? statement comes after the Myanmar Army violated terms of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) and entered Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) territory in order to rebuild a road. Over 2,000 people are displaced due to the subsequent fighting and hundreds more are living in fear. Building the road is significant, as it is part of a strategy to enhance the Myanmar Army?s political, economic and military power in the area which was previously inaccessible before the signing of the ceasefire. The Karen Peace Support Network (KPSN) has pointed out in an earlier statement, that ?roads allow the military to bring heavy weapons into Karen areas, and villagers are often in danger of being shot near these roads despite the ceasefire.” To make matters worse, a proposed meeting between the KNLA and the Myanmar Army to discuss and attempt to resolve the situation was cancelled by the Myanmar Army, allegedly because the KNLA?s Brigade 5 Commander ? the area in which the conflict has taken place ? was not going to attend. This is despite the fact that the meeting was supposed to be attended by the Military Affairs Negotiation Team which was established by the Karen National Union ? the political wing of the KNLA ? exactly to deal with matters related to the NCA..."