Dr. Tu Ja, who resigned from the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) to form the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP), has applied for membership in the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

The KSPP opened party offices in 18 townships in Kachin State and had 4,000 members, but the Union Election Commission (UEC) rejected its application for registration as a party, saying KSPP leaders had links to the KIO.

Fourteen members of the KSPP, including Tu Ja, tried to run as independent candidates in the election, but the UEC rejected their applications. Tu Ja spoke to Mizzima reporter Phanida about his decision to join USDP. 

Question: When did you submit your application to join the USDP?

Answer: In February. I can’t remember the exact date. I  submitted the application myself.

Q: Have some of your colleagues also filed applications to join the USDP?

A: No. Only me. I have not heard that my colleagues, who also resigned from the KIO, have submitted applications. In fact, we are out of contact. I would like to say that I do it in a spirit of goodwill. 

Q: Why did you decide to join the USDP?

A: Because I want to take part in official politics through Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. So I resigned from the KIO and returned to the legal fold. Then I tried to form a political party. But it was rejected. So, I am trying to find a way to take part in politics. Our country needs basic political change. Now, the Parliament has been formed. We can see a multi-party system and a market-oriented system and some basic principles of a Union. I like it. I need to be a member of a political party that has been approved. I have no other option. And the strongest party is the USDP. So as a leader of my community, I think this is the only way. 

Q: Do you think that the USDP will accept you as its member?

A: I don’t know. It’s depend on them. As a leader of my community, I just want to cooperate with the party. And it is not for my own sake. 

Q: If you become a USDP member, do you think that you can solve the conflicts between the junta and KIO?

A: I can’t say. But, one of my ideas is that I want groups, especially armed groups, to take part in trying to make a smooth transition. I want them to find a way to negotiate with the military junta. I don’t want them to choose other ways.   

Q: If you become a member of USDP, what do you think you can do for the Kachin people? 

A: I can’t say it exactly. But if I go on with the way I am now, I can’t do nothing for my country. If I become a member of an existing political party and get chances to work, I’ll try to work for the welfare of the people. 

Q: What do you think will be the response of the KIO?

A: I don’t know. I’ll just play my role. And I am out of contact now. After my resignation, we are completely out of contact” 

Q: What will the response of the Kachin people?

A: I hope that I’ll receive various responses. I’m not deeply pessimistic. We all need to understand practical politics. I think most people will be optimistic about my choice to take part in politics. I do it for the people. The result will depend on the situation and to what extent the people will support me

Q: Are you optimistic?

A: I want people to take part in the political process. I want the people to understand and accept the current political situation. I think practical politics can be a political weapon, and I want to cooperate with others. That’s why I chose this path. I hope people will understand.