Dothawnga (70), a National League for Democracy (NLD) Member of Parliament and Chin political leader died on March 28 at about at 5 am. He was admitted to Kalemyo civil hospital with paralysis, in Sagaing division western Burma.

His body was taken from the civil hospital to his residence in Satawm block. The funeral is at 1 pm today. Dothawnga was admitted to Kalemyo hospital on February 16 following paralysis of his left arm and leg.

Dothawnga has been in poor health after he was arrested and tortured in prison. He had suffered paralysis in 2005. He was also suffering from diabetes. However, his political beliefs were still strong and he was actively involved in the NLD until the end.

A friend and co-worker Mr. Bawisum, leader of Falam town NLD said “He fought not only for our ethnic group but also for the country and democracy. He was arrested and imprisoned many times by the military junta. However, he never gave up and he held onto his political beliefs firmly. He was one of the most admired leaders by Chin people. He was also looked up as a father of the Chin people. It is a big loss to the nation.”

Dothawnga was elected MP from Kalemyo, Sagaing division as a NLD candidate in the 1990 general elections in Burma.

It is learnt that his relatives and friends will arrange a memorial function in Aizawl, Mizoram northeast state of India this afternoon. –