As the Karen National Union prepares to elect a new leadership body this week, displaced Karen families joined a local environmental group in lobbying for the next chairperson to reject hydropower proposals.

On March 14, International Day of Action for Rivers, Karen Rivers Watch held a demonstration on the bank of the Salween. Members of the Ee Tu Htat and Uweklo internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps attended the event, which was held near Uweklo village.

“We want the elders of the KNU who will be elected at the 16th congress to reject dam projects. If the new Karen leaders change their minds [to allow the dams] the decision will neglect the needs of the local people and leave us very worried,” said Sa Tu Tu Sten, one of the event leaders.

The three-week KNU Congress, which is currently meeting in Hpa-An district, will elect leadership and establish a four-year agenda. But neither of the two anticipated frontrunners, the current chair, General Mutu Say Poe and vice chair Padoh Naw Zipporah Sein, have expressed much support for large-scale, foreign-funded hydropower developments. However, General Mutu Say Poe has said smaller projects intended to benefit local villagers could proceed if they have the support of residents.

At least two major hydropower dams and several smaller projects have been planned for Kayin (Karen) State’s portion of the Salween River, Southeast Asia’s longest undammed river. China is pushing to develop the 1,3000 megawatt Hat Gyi dam in Kayin State. The project, which is expected to flood two forest reserve areas, would export the electricity generated to Thailand.
At the March 14 demonstration, IDPs of all faiths joined in prayers to protect the people from any disadvantageous dams.