New Delhi (Mizzima) - Tin Oo the Vice-Chairman of the National League for Democracy was awarded for “bravery for national reconciliation” by the UNA, a coalition of ethnic parties, and his colleagues on February 20.
Released from a six-year house arrest term on February 13, the award was handed to the NLD Vice-Chairman at a ceremony in the house of Thakhin Thein Phe in Mayangon, Rangoon Division.
Pu Cing Tsian Thang the President of the Zomi National Congress (ZNC) said, “The bravery award for national reconciliation was given to him for his effort in achieving freedom and democracy for the people.”
The award recipient said, “I don’t think of myself as a hero. The fact is since Daw Aung Suu Kyi began leading the movement, I also participated so that my experiences could be useful to her.”
Since February 20 coincides with the 62nd anniversary of the Chin National Day, a Chin traditional shawl was also presented to the former army general Tin Oo. It was gently wrapped around him.
“With great difficulty, U Tin Oo visited Chin State, and was assaulted on his way back to Depayin. After being injured, he was first held in Kalay jail for eight months. We love U Tin Oo and therefore we presented him with the gift,” Pu Cing Tsian Thang said.
Tin Oo said he felt grateful and happy on receiving the gift from ethnic Chins, and considered it as “a symbol of their cooperation towards our efforts in accomplishing common political hopes, aims, and objectives. Only with unity and trust of ethnic nationals, we can have a federal union. I will try playing a part in nation-building, which must be a blend of unity and trust among ethnic nationals.”
Tin Oo was arrested after being attacked by a mob backed by the military junta in Depayin, Sagaing Division, on May 30, 2003, while traveling with Aung San Suu Kying the General-Secretary of NLD on an organizational tour. He was then sent to his residence on February 13, 2004 and placed under house-arrest. He was released on February 13, 2010.
About 50 senior political colleagues, UNA’s leaders and members, and some of NLD’s Central Executive Committee members were present at the award ceremony.
Ohn Kyaing, a NLD CEC member attending said, “U Tin Oo said at the function that he has Thura-Thatti (Heroic Ability). And, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi possesses both heroic ability and Dhamma-Thatti (Bravery for Truth). We are fortunate to have a leader like Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I therefore spoke at the ceremony urging the people to work together for helping her succeed.”
Tin Oo reiterated that he is just one of those who “followed the student leaders: Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Ko Min Zeya, Ko Htay Kywe, Ko Jimmy, Ko Pyone Choe and Ko Mya Aye, who stood at the forefront of the democracy upheaval in 1988.”
The UNA was formed by ethnic parties: the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF), Zomi National Congress (ZNC), Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), and Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). Although its candidates contested in the 1990 elections, UNA was later branded as an illegal entity by the military regime.
