Ethnic groups press for govt's sincerity in restoring peace

 

 

In a statement released on January 28, UNFC criticised the absence of explanation over the Army’s shelling the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) military academy in Laiza, Kachin State. The statement also pointed out government troops' clashes with ethnic groups such as KIA, Ta'aung National Libration Army and Shan State Progressive Party, adding that such clashes could lead to regional instability. 

It urged the government to engage in talks by immediately stopping its offensives, to seek the truth in the murder of the two Kachin nationals and to negotiate with the students in their protest against the national education law. 

"Now, we are in ceasefire talks with the government. After these talks, we will engage in political dialogue, which is aspired by both sides as well as the entire people," said Khu Oo Yal, general secretary of UNFC. "But, events on the ground may hamper our efforts. We are concerned about any delays and disturbances to our efforts for peace talks. So we want the stakeholders, especially the government and military, to solve the problems." 

Colonel Khun Okka, UNFC joint general secretary, also said: "From the shelling of Laiza military school to the murder of two Kachin teachers to students' protests, we demand that the government take responsibility to address them in a transparent manner." 

The UNFC proposed that a pact should be signed on the day to create a federal union where states have the right to democracy, national equality and autonomy. In the statement, it referred to the vow given on February 12, 1947 that all ethnics would live together in free, fair and prosperous society. It also said despite the vow, ethnic groups have suffered from internal insurgency for more than 60 years and the pact would be necessary to end the suffering. 

KIA General N’Ban La, as chairman of UNFC, said that the agreement should strengthen mutual trust between the president and ethnic leaders while reaffirming their commitment to the signing of a nationwide ceasefire deal.

The UNFC earlier said that all ethnic armed organisations, including KIA, will join the government’s 68th anniversary of Union Day celebration on February 12 if the government agrees to the proposal.

 “All of us support the statement. It reflects the guidance of our chairman,” said Colonel Khun Okkar.

He furthered that an agreement designing the establishment of a federal union should be sought on Union Day. 

“It is the essence of the country. The people demand it. President Thein Sein made a similar point in his December 2 speech. If both sides agree, the union we want to design will be clearer. We want to establishment a federal union as a political pledge. If the demands of the ethnic groups are accepted by the government, the leaders will attend the Union Day ceremony.”

There are plans to hold informal negotiations between the government and ethnic armed organisations on establishing the federal union, despite regular skirmishes between the government and the KIA.