From Mongolia, it was the second migration of the Karen tribes, took place in B.C. 2015, traversed through Tibet, then to Yunan where they built villages, towns and cities. In B.C. 1128, they gradually moved south through Chu-coke pass, then into Kutkai highland plateau, traversed through the Shan highland plateau and finally built the last settlement in the land of Deemawsoe (Nywedaung), now known as the Karenni (Kayah) State.
Karenni is a small state, but originally separated from Burma and had enjoyed its full independence. Throughout the history of Karenni or Burma, Karenni had never put under the subordination of Burmese kings or Siamese. However, over a thousand of years, Karenni was subjugated by the feudal Yun (a tribe come from the North and now living in North Thailand and Shan State) who enslaved and overtaxed the Karenni people. When Karenni people could not tolerate the oppression under the kings of Yun any longer, they took up arms and expelled the intruders out of Karenni State. As recorded by some historians, the Karenni sawphyas (princes) sometimes formed a friendship treaties with the Burmese Kings and the Siamese Kings. There are many documents which supported Karenni's independence. In 1881, when colonial British annexed Burma, the British didn't annex the Karenni States. Instead, recognized Karenni sovereignty status by treating them as feudatory state, allied to the British in various conflict, helping them in the defeat of the Japanese occupation forces during World War II.
This recognition of Karenni as an independent state was confirmed in June 1875 when an agreement was signed between the Burmese King Mindon and the Viceroy and Governor General of British India recognising the independence of the four western Karenni states:
“It is hereby agreed between the British and Burmese Government that the State of Western Karenee shall remain separate and independent, and that no sovereignty or governing authority of any description shall be claimed or exercised over that State.
Whereunto we have on this day, the 21st day of June 1875, corresponding with the 3rd day of the Waning Moon of Nayoung, 1237 B.E., affixed our seals and signatures. "
"seal " (sd) T.D Forsyth " seal" (sd) Kin Woon Mingyi
While the Burmese leaders were demanding the independence from British, they also made effort to persuade Karenni to join the would be called the Union of Burma but the Karenni leaders were not interested as they wanted to retain self-determination. When British granted Burma independence in 1948, the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) led by U Nu illegally incorporated Karenni into Burma without the knowledge of the Karenni Government and the consent of Karenni people that resorted in the long years fighting continues until today.
For Further information:
http://www.karennihomeland.com/
http://www.karenni.org/about_the_karenni.php
http://www.karenniphe.com/thekarenni.htm
