KIO, KNO to work together for country
The leaders of the KIO, the political wing of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), president of KNO and other leaders signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together for Burma on January 22 on the Thai-Burma border.
“We (KNO-UK) are glad and welcome the decision,” said Lashi Goontawng, in-charge of the London based KNO office.
KIO Vice President Nban La (left) and KNO President Bawmwang La Raw. Photo: KNO
“We believe this combination can effectively help our people,” he added.
According to the statements released by both sides on January 22, after a two-day meeting, they agreed to work together for the Kachin people living inside and outside Burma on a six-point political programme.
The main political thrust will be freedom and justice for the Kachin people, where the focus will be on peaceful resolution through political negotiations and dialogue based on the spirit of the Panglong Agreement, the statement said.
The movement will be committed to federalism for all people in Burma including Burman, Chin, Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Mon, Rakhai, Shan and other nationalities.
Goontawng said, the President of KNO, Bawmwang La Raw has stated that KNO and KIO had the same aim after the ceasefire in 1994. But there was misunderstanding between leaders from both sides, which made working together difficult.
He said, the two organizations have been trying to cooperate with each other for long but have arrived at an understanding now.
“Our people are now in a tough situation so unity among us is very important,” said Goontawng.
The Kachin opposition political party KNO was formed in exile on 9 January, 1999 by Kachin people abroad.
The KIO, which was formed on October 25, 1960 to seek self determination rights for Kachin people, fought the Burmese Army before the ceasefire with its armed wing the KIA set up in 5, February 1961.
“The understanding now between the two organizations is good for our people because KNO is working outside the country and KIO is working inside. This combination is important,” said a political science student studying in a university abroad.
The student, who wanted to remain anonymous said, the main reason why KIO decided to join hands with KNO was to focus on the international community after being active in domestic politics since the death of famous KIO chairman Maran Brang Seng.
“This is an agreement between the two organizations but does not include the army. As a part of the younger generation I feel Kachins need only one army. Two are not necessary,” said the student.
However he said both parties should pursue the same political aim.
The MOU was signed by N’Ban La Awng Vice President of KIO, Gauri Zau Seng Vice Chairman of KIO, Lahpai La, Central Committee member of KIO and Duwa Howa Jala Chairman of KNO, Duwa Bawmwang La Raw President of KNO and Dr. Lahtaw Naw Lawn General Secretary of KNO.
