Than Gae, Chairman of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) said that since the military have the upper hand in peace talks, they should be magnanimous during discussions on cease-fire agreements and political issues.
He made the remark referring to recent disputes between the KIO and the military.
“I believe that the dominant party has more responsibility and they should also be benevolent in order to achieve cease-fire agreements. The government should prioritize cease-fire discussions and bear full responsibility”, he told Mizzima.
Than Gae also suggested that political discussions with ethnic armed forces should be held after building trust first.
Recently, skirmishes between the KIO and government troops occurred within KIO controlled territory where the ABSDF (armed force) is in the middle of cease-fire negotiations with the government.
Than Gae also said that they have also reported on the importance of parallel political discussions to settle untoward incidents that might occur during cease-fire discussions.
“I strongly believe that the ABSDF report will have useful facts and information relevant to bringing about peace in the country”, he told Mizzima.
A government press release on September 14 stated that a government army officer who went missing, during an encounter that took place at Inkhangar village in Ma Chan Baw Township, Kachin State on August 30, was brutally murdered by a KIO battalion.
It also stated that “Tang Kham, the Platoon Commander and 20 men from Battalion (7) who were responsible for the murder were prosecuted at the Ma Chan Baw police station in accordance with the law”.
