The chairman of the Kachin State Administrative Council (KSAC), U Hket Htein Nang, has established a 13-member negotiating committee for the purpose of holding talks with the anti-coup protesters in Myanmar’s most northern state. The committee was formed on February 22nd and day of the general strike.

Composer Hpaula Gam Hpang will head the committee that also includes Vice-Chair-3 of the Kachin State People’s Party (KSPP) Bawk Ja (also spelled Bauk Gyar and Bauk Ja). Before entering politics Bawk Ja, was a campaigner for land rights in the Hukaung valley. She led a group of 150 farming families who sued the Yuzana Corporation for expropriating their land in the fertile Hugawng Valley. She previously ran for office as a member of the National Democratic Force and served as the NDF Kachin State Chairperson.

It appears that Bawk Ja will be forced to relinquish her current affiliation with the KSPP as all members of the negotiation committee are required to resign from their respective parties. It is unclear if the many protesters who have taken to the streets of Myitkyina and other parts of Kachin State will agree to meet the committee.

It is also not clear on their terms of reference and whether the military will also agree to accept their mediation.