KIO leaders dispute over attending NC ceremony
The Kachin Post / September 29, 2007

Majority of Kachin Independence Organization’s central committee members have disagreed over attending its leader to attend ceremony to give support the outcome of the Junta’s organized National Convention, according to central committee members. The rally was held today in Myitkyina, northern Burma.

Dr. Tu Ja, the head of KIO delegates to National Convention, showed up today’s rally with other Kachin ceasefire groups leaders: Zahkung Ting Ying from New Democratic Army-Kachin and Lasang Awng Wa from Gwu Htu based KIO splinter group. About 10,000 people were forced to attend the National Convention support rally was planned by Burma army northern commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint.

A KIO central committee member, who asked not to reveal his identity, said that most of the central committee members are shock and upset on the decision to support the NC outcome at today’s rally. He also said that this decision was masterminded by the senior central committee members: Dr. Tu Ja and General Gauri Zau Seng.

Meanwhile, over 300 Kachins signed to boycott today’s rally which support the outcome of National Convention. The signature campaign was organized by All Kachin Student Union and the organization also distributed over 2000 handout, saying Kachin Students absolutely reject the outcome of National Convention and demand to stop brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrators on the streets of Burma.

Kachin Independence Organization is one of the major ceasefire organizations in Burma and it has of over 20 central committee members. However, major decisions make by only a handful senior members; Lanyaw Zawng Hkra, Gauri Zau Seng, Dr. Tu Ja, N’ban La, Dr. La Ja, Sumlut Gam, Lama Gum Hpan and Gunhtang Gam Shawng.