Kachin public: No Ceasefire Agreement Without Political Discussions

Kachinland News, May 29, 2013

No ceasefire agreement without reaching the stage for political discussions, said Kachin public

A public meeting between KIO leaders and local Kachin public was held at cultural and traditional hall in Manau compound on May 29. Over 200 Kachin leaders and community representatives attended the meeting that lasted for about 2 hours.

Kachin leaders and community representatives reassured their supports for KIO/KIA’s political stand and urged not to give in to government’s pressure to sign a ceasefire agreement without firm assurance of political dialogue and withdrawal of Burmese troops from Kachin region. Kachin public representatives asked KIO to continue to stand for political equality and self determination of the Kachin people.

Sarama Nhpan Ja Ra, a well known singer and community leader, told KIO leaders that ceasefire agreement alone will not solve decades-old political problem. She said, “If there is a real need for KIO to sign a ceasefire agreement then ask Burmese military to pull back all its troops and frontline posts that have never been established in Kachin state.” She continued, “Unless a firm date has been set for political dialogue, please do not sign any agreement or make any commitment to Burmese government.”

KIA’s vice chief of staff General Sumlut Gun Maw replied to the questions raised by the public regarding current situation and involvement of international observers. He said, “what we are telling to the people of Burma and the whole world is that our people love liberty and we are striving to achieve a genuine federal union and political self-determination for our people. General Gun Maw told to the Kachin public that they have already told UN envoys that KIO will not sign a ceasefire agreement and will discuss to begin genuine political dialogues with government delegation in this meeting.

General Gun Maw said KIO wants United Kingdom for its historic presence in Burma, China for its territorial closeness and UN for being an international body to witness and be involved in any agreements signed between KIO and Burmese government in the future.

A separate meeting was held between government delegation led by U Aung Min and Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) ministers at its headquarter in north Shan Zu and another meeting was held between UN envoy VJ Nambiar, Miss Mariam and Kachin public at Manau compound in Myitkyina on May 29.

KIA representatives led by General Gun Maw met with Burmese army representatives led by Lt. Gen Myint Soe on the sidelines of the KIO-Burmese government meeting on May 29 at 8 am. The two sides will resume formal talks on May 30.