KNU to cooperate with new govt on constitutional amendment

KNU to cooperate with new govt on constitutional amendment

Kayin Revolution Day was celebrated in KNU controlled areas on January 31. (Photo – KNU-HQ)

Karen National Union chairman General Mutu Say Po said the KNU will cooperate with the new government, ethnic armed groups and political parties to amend the constitution on January 31—the 67th Kayin Revolution Day.

He said the intention of the Kayin revolution is not to stage an armed revolution but aims to pursue peace lawfully. However, since the government did not recognise the leaders of the Karen community, conflicts erupted. This led to the Karen armed revolution, he said.

“The vision of the Kayin ethnic community and the KNU is to create the federal democratic Union based on equality, independence, justice and empowerment. We intend to prescribe the rights of ethnic minorities in the constitution and live together in the country,” he said.

He continued: “To all ethnic Kayin people, the KNU demanded negotiations to stop the war. However, successive governments neglected us. Only the administration of U Thein Sein would hold a discussion with us, and only after the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement was finalised.”

He said genuine national reconciliation will be achievable only after the 2008 constitution is amended.

General Mutu Say Po urged the Kayin people to cooperate in promoting education, health, land ownership and other rights for the Kayin community and to build unity among each other.

He said: “The KNU has a clear vision to create a federal Union based on equality and autonomy. We need to participate in different sectors as much as we can in order to accomplish our mission. The Kayin movement cannot be stopped here and must continue until the destination is reached. Meanwhile, all must contribute to the mission.”