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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7244684.stm
The secretary general of Burma's largest rebel group, the Karen National Union, has been killed. Pado Mahn Shar, who was in his sixties, was shot at his home in the Thai border town of Mae Sot, his family said.
He was targetted by two men in a pick-up truck, while sitting on the veranda of his home. He died instantly. The KNU and its military wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, have spent nearly 60 years fighting the Burmese government.
They want to establish an autonomous Karen state in the east of Burma, and to protect the Karen people from what they say are abuses by the government.
The Karen are just one of many ethnic minorities in Burma. Much smaller rebel groups still exist in the Shan, Karenni and Mon states
Despite their fighting spirit, the Karen rebels have suffered a number of recent setbacks, including political splits and defections to the government.
The BBC's Kate McGeown, who met Pado Mahn Shar on the Thai-Burmese border, says his death will be a serious blow to the Karen rebels. As it is, they face a huge challenge against the Burmese army, which is vastly superior both in terms of numbers and equipment.
Analysts said it was not clear who was behind the shooting. It might be the result of rivalry within the Karen rebel movement, Burmese expert Aung Naing Oo told the AFP news agency.
The secretary general of Burma's largest rebel group, the Karen National Union, has been killed. Pado Mahn Shar, who was in his sixties, was shot at his home in the Thai border town of Mae Sot, his family said.
He was targetted by two men in a pick-up truck, while sitting on the veranda of his home. He died instantly. The KNU and its military wing, the Karen National Liberation Army, have spent nearly 60 years fighting the Burmese government.
They want to establish an autonomous Karen state in the east of Burma, and to protect the Karen people from what they say are abuses by the government.
The Karen are just one of many ethnic minorities in Burma. Much smaller rebel groups still exist in the Shan, Karenni and Mon states
Despite their fighting spirit, the Karen rebels have suffered a number of recent setbacks, including political splits and defections to the government.
The BBC's Kate McGeown, who met Pado Mahn Shar on the Thai-Burmese border, says his death will be a serious blow to the Karen rebels. As it is, they face a huge challenge against the Burmese army, which is vastly superior both in terms of numbers and equipment.
Analysts said it was not clear who was behind the shooting. It might be the result of rivalry within the Karen rebel movement, Burmese expert Aung Naing Oo told the AFP news agency.
