Burma’s ethnic politicians in Rangoon on Saturday held the 67th anniversary birthday party of Khun Htun Oo, Chairman of the defunct Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), Burma’s second largest winning party and the winning party in Shan State in the 1990 elections, according to Sai Shwe Kyu, secretary of the defunct SNLD.

“It was just a small ceremony held at a restaurant at 8 Miles in Rangoon. It was organized and attended by members of UNA (United Nationalities Alliance) and SNLD,” he said.

The participants were Pu Jin Xin Thang, Chairman of Zomi National Congress (ZNC), U Htaung Ko Htan, U Aye Tha Aung, leading member of Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), Nai Ngwe Thein, Mon National League for Democracy (MNLD), Saw Harry – Kayin (Karen).

Similarly, his family members and relatives organized a small religious ceremony, offering food and donations at a monastery in Rangoon.

Khun Htun Oo (67), party leader and elected MP for Shan State North’s Hsipaw, is currently serving a 95-year term in Burma’s northernmost town Putao since 3 November 2005. He was detained along with eight other leaders on 8-9 February 2005 on charges of treason, defamation, setting up illegal organization and violation of the 5/96 Law prohibiting people from criticizing the constitution drafted by its rulers. The draft was “ratified” by an overwhelming 92 per cent of the country’s eligible voters in May 2008, according to a junta announcement.

He is said to have been suffering from bladder distention, peptic ulcer, arthritis both in the hands and knees and legs, swelling since April 2009 due inadequate exercise and regular medical treatment, according to family members.

Specialists, on consultation with his family, said it was also due to insufficient sunlight and ventilation.

But till date, he is still not allowed to get medical checkup outside even though the family has applied to have access to medical checkup outside several times as there is no health service that reaches his place, Putao. He was only allowed to receive oral treatment, the family said.

“It is difficult for him to move easily as he is getting older. We are worried about his condition even though he tries his best not to worry us,” his daughter told SHAN.  His family is allowed to visit him once a month.

At the same, Khun Htun Oo was also said to have kept encouraging all his party members to be strong, keep working on what they believe in and not to give up even though most of the leaders are in jail.

In May, the SNLD made an official announcement that it would not re-register to contest in the general elections unless its party chairman and other imprisoned leaders are released.

“Khun Htun Oo is still a chairman of SNLD party, a member of ‘Committee Representing People’s Parliament’ (CRPP) and still recognized as an advisor to the United Nationalities Alliance (UNA),” the SNLD spokesperson told SHAN in May.

Kheunsai Jaiyen, Chairman of exile-based Shan State Constitution Drafting Commission (SSCDC) said, “He knew that he would be in jail but he did not give up and kept his belief. In addition, they [the Shan leaders] are still strong, encouraging party members and supporters not to worry for them even though they are in difficulties and in poor condition. It is hard to find leaders like them.”

The seven other detained Shan leaders are:

Maj-Gen Hso Ten       106 years          Khamti prison (transferred to Sittwe in Rakhaing State in August 2010)
Sai Nyunt Lwin            85 years            Kalay, Sagaing division
Sai Hla Aung               79 years          Kyaukphyu prison
U Myint Than              79 years          Sandoway prison (died 2006)
U Tun Nyo                   79 years          Buthidaung prison
U Nyi Nyi Moe             79 years          Pakokku prison
Sai Myo Win Tun         79 years          Myingyan prison

One, Sao Tha Oo, was released after agreeing to become a junta witness.

In early August, some leaders of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party led by U Win Tin and U Tin Oo met family members of different imprisoned ethnic leaders in Khun Htun Oo’s house in Rangoon.