persons (IDPs) and refugees fleeing war, as announced in their statement on Sunday, October 18.
“Now, we have already signed the NCA. However, it’s not what we hoped for exactly. The key is for both sides to respect the agreements and implement them. So, now we urge the government to provide, as soon as possible, humanitarian support to the refugees, who fled the war,” said Khun Myint Htun, Chairman of Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO).
Eight ethnic armed groups and the government signed the NCA in front of international and national witnesses on October 15, at Myanmar International Convention Center (2).
In the statement that the groups released on October 18, they firstly requested for a decrease and cessation of fighting in order for the NCA to become effective for the whole union. Since both sides have signed the NCA, it now becomes enacted. Secondly, the government Tatmadaw [Burma army] have accepted to solve political problems through political approaches as stated in the NCA. Thirdly, both sides agreed for the establishment of a federal union; thus, both sides must implement success through political discourse in order to cement the NCA.
In addition to providing humanitarian aid to IDPs and refugees, the eight ethnic armed groups also urged the government to release political prisoners as well as the students who were arrested for demanding changes to the education system.
“At the moment, the number of refugees in Kachin State is not decreasing but only increasing. So, including rations, medical support is also needed,” said U Aung Non, of joint-secretary of Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC).
The number of refugees from Kachin State is about 150,000, Karen State is more than 100000, Shan State is about 20000, and Chin State is around 500.
Due to the fighting between the government troops and Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP), more than 1000 people in Mong Hsu area have to flee, as well.
