Why did Dr. Tuja resign from KIO?

by Mizzima News
Monday, 07 September 2009 22:04

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The sudden resignation of six high ranking officers of the Kachin Independent Organisation, the largest Kachin ceasefire armed group, including Vice-President (2) Dr. Manam Tu Ja has created ripples in Burmese political circles. The resignation has also triggered speculation among observers as the KIO is currently facing mounting pressure from Burma’s military junta to transform its armed wing into the Border Guard Force (BGF), which will be under the administration of Naypyitaw.

To probe the possible reasons behind the resignations, Mizzima reporter Phanida talked to Dr. Tu Ja over telephone.

Q: Why did you resign from KIO?

A: I resigned from the KIO to lay emphasis and give more time to urban politics. I must resign from my organization if I want to be in urban politics. So I resigned from my post to devote myself to party politics as a free citizen.

Q: What are your objectives in establishing this political party?

A: The military regime is implementing its roadmap to democracy for political reform in Burma. They will enact an electoral law and a political party law that will allow formation of political parties and to contest the general elections. At that point of time, we must have a political party, which will be for the people of the Kachin State, regardless of their race and creed. By doing so, we will have MPs elected, who can represent Kachin State people in the legislative body. Moreover, they can join the Kachin State Government. For the sake of progress and development of the Kachin State and for the interest of the entire people in Kachin State, this will be the most viable way and appropriate way. So we decided to float such a political party.

Q: Will your resignations from KIO create a rift in the KIO?

A: No, the KIO central body accepted the resignations in consultation with all to tread the way paved by the military regime and to stand with the people. They did not object to our decision but encouraged us to do so. There is no rift among us. We got permission from the central body on September 3 to resign from our posts.

Q: Will your resignations weaken the KIO?

A: Our KIO is a big organization. The resignations of five or six people cannot make any difference and it will not weaken our organization.

Q: Is there any pressure and objection from the government to your political party?

A: No, the government did not exert pressure on us and did not object to our plan.

Q: Which parties will be in your grouping?

A: There will be some from the ‘New Democratic Alliance Army – Kachin’ (NDA-K) led by Sakhong Ting Ying, some from the KIO breakaway faction led by Lasan Awng Wah, some from the Kachin Consultative Committee and some from KIO. Most of them will be civilians representing the people.

Q: What is your expectation on the demand for the Kachin Regional Guard Force (KRGF) instead of the junta’s proposal of the BGF?

A: We still have hope. It will be successful only through negotiation. We must make compromises and accommodate for the success of the transition. We hope the government will think so too and will make similar compromises.

Q: What are the chances of reform for the Kachin people?

A: For reform, the entire Union must reform too. As for our Kachin State, we shall do what we can do to the extent of being allowed by the government. We shall try to do pragmatic work for the betterment of our people.