The boisterous crowd suddenly falls silent as booming drums signal the start of the military parade. Smartphones are whipped from pockets by Karen of all ages who have been gathering since before dawn.
The highlight of the 67th Karen Resistance Day is underway with the first-ever march-past by every brigade of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), an unprecedented show of military might and defiance by the armed wing of the Karen National Union.
The January 31 parade was the culmination of a day of music and traditional dancing interspersed with more sombre reflection over photos and stories of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for independence. More poignant reminders of what is being fought for came in an exhibition on Karen state's natural treasures - rivers, forests and wildlife. (Courtesy of The Nation)
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