In an unusual move the two government cronies invited Kachin Church leaders and cultural heads to the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) hall in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State and urged them to persuade KIO into accepting the government’s peace offer, said participants.
The meeting was jointly organized by the two leaders who split from the KIO --- Zahkung Ting Ying, member of the House of Nationalities in the Burmese Parliament and Col. Lasang Awng Wa, leader of the Lawayang-based militia group.
At the meeting, Zahkung Ting Ying, leader of the former New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K), which transformed into the Burmese Army-controlled Border Guard Force in November, 2009, said the Kachin people should urge KIO to accept the peace offer, according to participants.
The four-page paper addressed to leaders of the KIO, signed by Zahkung Ting Ying was distributed to each participant.
The paper urged in strong terms that the KIO accept the peace proposal by President Thein Sein’s government or else the KIO will be responsible for all the severe consequences of the war on the Kachin people.
The two government cronies praised the new nominally civilian government which they claimed was now implementing genuine democratic reforms as well as was ready for political talks, which is being demanded by the KIO for five decades.
The participants did not accept the request of the two government cronies and suggested that they urge the KIO directly not through civilians, according to attendees.
The meeting invited 80 dignitaries from Kachin churches and from among cultural leaders in Myitkyina. However about 40 persons attended, added participants.
The new government broke the 17-ceasefire with the KIO and started a new military offensive on the KIO in June 9.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.