By Fred Scott Video producer in Burma

Sa Law, 35 years old, is a third generation of soldiers fighting with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). He belongs to the 202 Battalion. He has been in the army for 17 years and it is all he ever wanted to do.

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They are fighting for autonomy within a federated Burma.

Like most of his colleagues, Sa Law feels as though he has no choice but to fight; otherwise he and his people will cease to exist.

He is even willing to sacrifice his family's safety and happiness for the sake of the Karen people.

Daily duties

The Burmese army use landmines to deny any form of safe travel through the thick jungle

It was the fourth day of a five-day patrol to check frontline positions with the Burmese army.

People wake up in the dark and get out of hammocks. Some build fires to cook breakfast, while others pack up the gear.

Ye then lines up the men and gives them orders for the day. They march off in single file.

Although there was a ceasefire on 22 March, the Burmese army use landmines to deny any form of safe travel for civilians or soldiers through the thick jungle.

One of the men, therefore, carries a metal detector to hunt out the mines and all the men follow behind cautiously.

During the day, they meet up with another patrol group in one of the stream beds to report back.

After a snooze back at the temporary camp, some of the younger soldiers play around on a makeshift swing before heading out on another patrol and setting up camp elsewhere.

By evening they are set up in the new camp. Two or three soldiers head out hunting for frogs, monkeys and honeycomb until late.

Meanwhile the rest of the camp eat, lie in the hammocks, smoke their pipes or cigars and get an early night.

A couple of soldiers will keep a look out from the trees.

One Day of War was broadcast in the UK on Thursday, 27 May, 2004 at 2100 BST on BBC Two.