Shan MPs brand rebels insurgents 

The proposal was submitted by MP Aung Thu representing Lashio constituency no.2 on December 6. 

Zote Daung, Kachin ethnic affairs minister, said: “Peace will not be restored to the country by branding them as insurgent groups alone. There might be more disadvantages than advantages. The decision made by the state parliament alone is not enough as ethnic affairs are very delicate. We all should seek ways to reach a ceasefire and peace instead.”

MP Khaing Nyi Nyi Kyaw of Yatsauk no.1 said: “Thirty-five out of 135 national races are living in Shan State. There are a lot of ethnic armed groups in the Shan State. Designation of these groups as insurgents will not stop the fighting. As a result, the division between the two sides will become deeper. I would like to urge the parliament to put it on the record as I worry that this act may hamper the peace process.”

“I think it is a political tactic. MP Dr Maung Thin submitted a similar proposal at the parliament recently. There will be no direct effect on national unity and reconciliation. The union parliament has more power than the state parliament. That proposal was turned down at the union level. There will be no severe impact as the union parliament’s decision was final,” said Khaing Nyi Nyi Kyaw outside the parliament.  

MP Nan Khin Htar Yee from Hsenwi constituency no.1 said: “We don’t support the northern alliance and don’t like its destructive acts that destroy the lives and property of the people. Branding them as insurgent groups that will not help in stopping more than 60 years of armed conflict. As a result, it may have even worsened the problems, weakening trust. We can make peace only when there is trust and unity among all ethnic groups.”

An urgent proposal for the union and Shan governments to hold peace talks, submitted by MP Sai Sein Lun, is due to be discussed Thursday.