Armed Ethnic Groups Refuse To Attend Myanmar Armed Forces Day This Morning, Demand End Coup

Illustration of Myanmar military ceremony (Wikimedia Commons / Peerapat Wimolrungkarat)

JAKARTA - A number of armed ethnic groups who participated in the 2015 National Armistice Agreement (NCA) refused to attend the commemoration of Armed Forces Day on March 27 this morning.

The rejection came, in line with the increasing number of victims of the Myanmar military anti-coup protesters in various regions. Armed ethnic representatives emphasized that all violence must end and the military end political involvement.

As of Friday, the death toll had increased again as three people died on Thursday midnight and four people died on Friday, adding to the list of the death toll of anti-coup protesters issued by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), to 327 people, according to The Irrawaddy. .

A number of armed ethnic groups that have stated that they refuse to attend include the Burma All Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) to the Karen National Union (KNU).

The KNU, as the oldest and most influential armed ethnic group, insists that it will only attend ceremonies that reflect dignity, humanity, justice and freedom for all.

In addition, the KNU also rejected the approach made by the Myanmar military regime in a letter sent on March 22.

KNU leader Padoh Saw Mutu Say Poe said the group will meet with the leader of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military regime), when the demands of all Myanamr citizens are met.

Prior to the February military takeover, the chairman of the KNU was known for his warm relationship with the Myanmar military. In a reply to the military regime, the KNU stated that it could not accept the actions of the Myanmar police and military in attacking and killing protesters.

"Such events have damaged the reputation of our country, and caused tremendous suffering and suffering for our people," read the response.

The KNU urged the military to withdraw riot police and troops deployed to fight anti-coup protesters, including troops in the ceasefire area. The KNU urged the military to declare a national ceasefire and end its active involvement in politics.

KNU also urged the military regime to accept international mediation and transfer power to the National Unity Government, according to the results of the 8 November 2020 election. At the same time, free all political prisoners and withdraw the charges against them.

The Myanmar military itself currently has to face the reality, the ethnic armed wing of the military has begun to carry out open armed resistance. A number of KNU troops, such as the 5th Brigade, have been involved in armed clashes with the Myanmar military since last month.

In northern Myanmar, ethnic Kachin armed groups through their military wing, the Kachi Independence Army (KIA), have taken over strategic military posts and continued fighting, expressing opposition to the Tatmadaw's deadly attacks on protesters.

For your information, Armed Forces Day, also known as Resistance Day, is celebrated annually on March 27, the day when the Myanmar army suppressed Japanese forces in 1945. The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19. The Myanmar military plans to host the event this year.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.