The 'No' vote campaign has begun in the state capital Loi Kaw, three other townships and populated villages in Karenni State. Leaflets, posters, and VCDs with the words 'No', have been distributed in these areas.
The campaign has begun in Loi Kaw, Dee Mawso, Moe Byea and Phea Khon township along with some places in Shan state which borders Karenni state, said Ko John Paul from the Youth organization of Democracy and Freedom lover (Karenni State).
John Paul said, "We folded A-4 sized papers and cut it into eight pieces. On the first page, we drew the ballot-box with the cross (X) and the words 'freedom from military boots' with a cross (X) sign. On the back page, we described step by step on how to cast a vote. In our leaflets, we wrote to cast the 'no' vote in the referendum. The VCDs are about Chile country and campaigning. Chileans threw out Penoche by voting 'No'. We carried the 'no' campaign, the September events, the '88' demonstration and our message on the VCD. Finally, we said we would like to talk. We also included some 'No' campaign songs, students' new generation songs between sections."
We put the VCDs in front of houses. We flung leaflets on the streets. We painted 'No' words in colour on the wall of schools, government offices and on government signboards. We wrote "lets cast 'no' votes for freedom from military boots" on the streets, walls and hung posters, he said.
After we distributed pamphlets and posters, civil servants tore them up.
A young man said that locals read the pamphlets with interest.
"Till now, we have not heard of anybody being arrested, investigated or questioned. However, we believe that it will be investigated and security tightened," said Ko John Paul.
Ethnic people including Karenni have been under pressure from the military government for many years. Therefore, it's time to cast the 'no' vote in the referendum.
"We have suffered under military rule for years. The locals have suffered more than other townships in other states. It's important to cast the 'no' vote nationwide. We have to oust the regime by grabbing this chance because the draft constitution will not benefit our country," Ko John Paul added.
Over 300,000 people are living in Karenni State but only 200,000 people have a chance to cast votes in the referendum.
