The organizations argue that the new constitution does not represent the ethnic people of Burma and will only perpetuate the rule of the military regime.

"If you go through the draft constitution, you will see it cannot protect Burmese people and Kachin people. And there are no democratic principles. So we urge the people to cast a 'NO' vote in the forthcoming constitutional referendum", said Duwar (Chieftain) Bawm Wam Layaw, Chairman of the exile-based KNO.

KNO's appeal to the people says that the future and image of the entire country depends on the constitution. Therefore, the letter continues, the people should have a say in its drafting and the right to free criticism and discussion.

The missive states that these rights currently do not exist due to the junta oppressing and intimidating its own people. As it stands, the people do not even know what is in the constitution.

"The provisions in the constitution represent only the junta. So we can't accept the constitution and can't support it. We oppose this constitution", commented a spokesperson of the Myanmar Muslim Organization.

"One-hundred percent of our Muslim people in Burma do not support the junta at all. Their activities are disgusting", he added.