Kachin Peace Key to Mon Ceasefire

Speaking at the 65th anniversary of Mon National Day on Wednesday, the chairman of New Mon State Party (NMSP) said that the group will not sign a ceasefire with the Burmese government while it continues to wage war against ethnic Kachins in Burma's restive northern states.

Nai Htaw Mon, the chairman of the NMSP, said, “We have told the government many times that it must stop fighting in Kachin State, but it has failed to do so. This is a crucial matter that needs to be resolved before we sign a ceasefire.”

On Feb. 1, the NMSP agreed to five points with a government delegation led by Railways Minister Aung Min when they sat for peace talks in Moulmein. However, nothing was put down on paper and no truce was called.

Both sides agreed to meet again, possibly in the third week of February. 

The leaders of the NMSP said that if Naypyidaw truly wanted them to sign a ceasefire, it must demonstrate that it is willing to work for a nationwide ceasefire and hold political dialogue.

The Mon leaders said they were unwilling to accept the statement of Aung Min and Mon State Chief Minister Ohn Myint when they told the NMSP that they would allow Mon language to be taught as an official language in Mon State schools after the party signs a ceasefire.

The NMSP leadership said they believed these were simply personal assurances and not a policy endorsed by Naypyidaw.

The NMSP said it will soon hold a central committee meeting when members will vote on whether to sign a ceasefire with the Burmese government.

“I personally will vote against such a deal,” said Nai Htaw Mon.

He said that he did not support a ceasefire with the government as it would yield no advantages. He said the Mon have had an agreement with the Burmese government over the past 15 years, but that it brought about no political dialogue.

About 1,000 Mon people attended the 65th anniversary celebrations in Baleh-Donephai village in Three Pagodas Pass, a town close to the Thai-Burmese border.

Some 130 soldiers from the NMSP marched on parade at the festivities, which were attended by Thai and Western guests.

The NMSP leaders say they still believe that the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) would be instrumental in helping the ethnic armed groups resolve their differences with the Burmese government.

Nai Hang Thar, who is both secretary of the NMSP and secretary of the UNFC, was absent from the celebration. Colleagues said he was busy meeting with representatives of other ethnic groups.

“Don’t think that we [the ethnic groups] are divided,” said Nai Htaw Mon. “Every one of us has suffered the same bitter experience with this government. We may come together again in the future to fight if we do not get our demands.”