PNLO Presentation

1. History of Burma 1.1 Pa-oh people 2. About PNLO 2.1 Members 2.2 PNLOs structure 2.3 Manifesto 3. Vision and Mission 4. Areas 4.1 Politics 4.2 Sensibilization 4.3 Education 4.4 Social 5. Projects

1. History of Burma
Traditional kingships and other local governments that evolved among Burma's peoples over many centuries were largely stripped of their authority after Britain's 19th century conquest of Burma. Colonial administration continued with limited local selfgovernment until the Union of Burma achieved independence in 1948. The new state came into being as a parliamentary democracy and, although beset by ethnic strife as minority peoples demanded autonomy from the Burman majority, survived as a representative government until an army coup in 1962.

Democratic rule ended in 1962 when General Ne Win led a military coup. He ruled for nearly 26 years and pursued policies under the rubric of the Burmese Way to Socialism. Between 1962 and 1974, a revolutionary council headed by the general ruled Burma, and almost all aspects of society (business, media, production) were nationalized or brought under government control. In an effort to consolidate power, Ne Win and many other top generals resigned from the military and took civilian posts and, from 1974, instituted elections in a one-party system. Between 1974 and 1988, Burma was effectively ruled by Ne Win through the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP), which from 1964 until 1988 was the sole political party. During this period, Burma became one of the world's most impoverished countries. The Burmese Way to Socialism combined Soviet-style nationalization and central planning with the governmental implementation of superstitious beliefs. Almost from the beginning, there were sporadic protests against the military rule, many of which were organized by students, and these were almost always violently suppressed by the government. On 7 July 1962, the government broke up demonstrations at Rangoon University, killing 15 students. In 1974, the military violently suppressed anti-government protests at the funeral of U Thant. Student protests in 1975, 1976 and 1977 were quickly suppressed by overwhelming force. In 1988, unrest over economic mismanagement and political oppression by the government led to widespread pro-democracy demonstrations throughout the country known as the 8888 Uprising. Security forces killed thousands of demonstrators, and General Saw Maung staged a military coup and formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). In 1989, SLORC declared martial law after widespread protests. The military government finalised plans for People's Assembly elections on 31 May 1989. SLORC changed the country's official English name from the "Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma" to the "Union of Myanmar" in 1989. In May 1990, the government held free elections for the first time in almost 30 years. The National League for Democracy (NLD), the party of Aung San Suu Kyi, won 392 out of a total 489 seats(i.e., 80% of the seats), but the election results were annulled by SLORC, which refused to step down. Led by Than Shwe since 1992, the military regime has made cease-fire agreements with most ethnic guerilla groups. In 1992, SLORC unveiled plans to create a new constitution through the National Convention, which began 9 January 1993. In 1997, the State Law and Order Restoration Council was renamed the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). On 23 June 1997, Burma was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The National Convention

continues to convene and adjourn. Many major political parties, particularly the NLD, have been absent or excluded, and little progress has been made. On 27 March 2006, the military junta, which had moved the national capital from Yangon to a the officially new capital Naypyidaw, meaning "city of the kings". In November 2006, the International Labour Organization (ILO) announced it will be seeking at the International Criminal Court "to prosecute members of the ruling Myanmar junta for crimes against humanity" over the continuous forced labour of its citizens by the military. According to the ILO, an estimated 800,000 people are subject to forced labour in Burma. The 2007 Burmese anti-government protests were a campaign of civil resistance. The protest demonstrations were at first dealt with quickly and harshly by the junta, with dozens of protesters arrested and detained. Starting 18 September, the protests were led by thousands of Buddhist monks, and those protests were allowed to proceed until a renewed government crackdown on September 26. During the crack-down, there were rumours of disagreement within the Burmese armed forces, but none was confirmed. Some news reports referred to the protests as the Saffron Revolution. During the 2007 anti-government protests a significant role was played by Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the opposition to the Burmese military government. Aung San Suu Kyi was under periods of house arrest from 19892010. In September 2007, hundreds of monks paid respects to her at the gate of her home, which was the first time in four years that people were able to see her in public. She was then given a second public appearance on 29 September, when she was allowed to leave house arrest briefly and meet with a UN envoy trying to persuade the junta to ease its crackdown against a pro-democracy uprising, to which the Burmese government reluctantly agreed. World governments remain divided on how to deal with the military junta. On 7 February 2008, SPDC announced that a referendum for the Constitution would be held and Elections by 2010. The Burmese constitutional referendum, 2008 was held on 10 May and promised a "discipline-flourishing democracy" for the country in the future. On 13 August 2010, Junta announced the election date for 2010 would be 7 November. A new flag was adopted and the official name of the country changed to "Republic of the Union of Myanmar", replacing the old "Union of Myanmar" from 1989. Observers described the election day of 2010 as mostly peaceful, though there were alleged irregularities in polling stations. There was an official turnout of 77%. On November 9, 2010, Burma's ruling junta stated that the Union Solidarity and Development Party won 80% of the votes. This claim is widely disputed by pro-democracy opposition groups,

asserting that the military regime engaged in rampant fraud to achieve its result. International communities concerned over Burma that skirmishes, due to discontent with the elections, could erupt into civil war. On 3 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated the country when winds of up to 215 km/h (135 mph) touched land in the densely populated, rice-farming delta of the Irrawaddy Division. It was the worst natural disaster in Burmese history. Reports estimated that more than 200,000 people were dead or missing, and damage totaled to 10 billion dollars USD. Some villages were almost totally eradicated and vast rice-growing areas were wiped out. Yet in the critical days following this disaster, Burma's isolationist regime hindered recovery efforts by delaying the entry of United Nations planes delivering medicine, food, and other supplies. The government's action was described by the United Nations as "unprecedented." In early August 2009, a conflict known as the Kokang incident broke out in Shan State in northern Burma. For several weeks, junta troops fought against ethnic minorities

1.1 Pa-Oh people

Lack of a reliable census makes it impossible to more than roughly estimate the composition of Burmas ethnic mosaic or its total population. Some experts suggest existing population data is skewed to exaggerate the number of Burman, who are the largest single ethnic group. According to available statistics, they comprise about two-thirds of Burmas approximately 50 million people, and dominate the army and government. Most of Burmas ethnic minorities inhabit areas along the countrys mountainous frontiers. Karen and Shan groups comprise about I 0% each, while Akha, Chin, Chinese, Danu, Indian, Kachin, Karenni, Kayan, Kokang, Lahu, Mon, Naga, Palaung, Pa-Oh, Rakhine, Rohingya, Tavoyan, and Wa peoples each constitute 5% or less of the population. The earliest record of the Pa-Oh can be traced back to the reign of King Suriya Sandar, who ruled Thaton around 600 BC. Khun Aung Chan Tha of the Pa-Oh History and Research Organization calls him the first Pa-Oh king in documented history. The Pa-Oh still celebrate their National Day on King Suriya Sandars birthday, which falls during the full moon of Tabaung, the last month of the Burmese calendar, typically in March.

The Pa'Oh people are a minority group in Burma, they are the second most numerous group in the Shan State after the Shan

themselves. Nowadays, the estimated one to two million Pa-Oh are scattered across Mon, Karen, Karenni and Shan states, particularly along the banks of the Salween River. The Pa-Oh engage primarily in agriculture, cultivating their staple cash crop, the thanapet tree, the leaves of which are used for wrapping tobacco and herbs to make most of the countrys cheroots. While tobacco is cultivated in the arid central plains, the thanapet leaf grows well in the hills of Shan State. The states capital Taunggyi, in particular, is renowned for producing the best smokes. They also cultivate mustard leaves to make pickled mustard leaf salada popular food during religious festivals. Pa-Oh men wear loose fitting trousers, jackets and turbans while women wear dark longyis and long shirts but brightly coloured turbans. The Pa'Oh are proud of their identity and wear their traditional dress more than most of the other minorities oppressed by the Burman majority.

2. About PNLO Organization)

(Pa-Oh

National

Liberation

In the running history, the Pa-Oh people have relentlessly fought against the Colonial expansionism, Fascism, Feudalism, Military Dictatorship and chauvinism including many kinds of nefarious political systems. Even if the Burma obtained its independence from the colonial rule in 1948, the Pa-Oh people had never been freed from the suppression and unfair political systems. And hence compelled to form Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 11th December 1949 and started the first revolutionary movement and fought for the liberation of Pa-Oh people. Since the formation of PNLO and during the rule of AntiFascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) Government, the Pa-Oh people had successfully fought against feudalism under the banner of PNLO. Henceforth December 11 was constituted as revolution Day against feudalism. In 1958, the PNLO had arrived at understanding with the AFPFL Government to exchange democracy with arms but it became futile due to chicanery policy of AFPFL Government. Moreover, when the Military rule was declared by Gen. Newin in March 1962, many of Pa-Oh national leaders including great leader of Pa-Oh Hprabwar Hla Pe (Thaton Hla Pe) were detained and incarcerated by Military dictators. After this, Bo San Thein (later General San Thein) one of the first Pa-Oh revolutionary movement leaders led the Pa-Oh national movement and kept

intact the PNLO and led the Second Revolutionary movement for the liberation of Pa-Oh people since 1966. And then the Pa-Oh people and nationalities of Shan State have united front and formed Shan State Nationalities Liberation Organization (SSNLO) in 1967 and kept the fight for the liberation intact from 1968 to 1972. However, Gen. San Thein was killed in action in 1968. Also the leaders of SSNLO have different political ideologies and fragmented the organization and thus formed Shanland Nationalities Liberation Front (SNLF) and Shan Nationalities People Liberation Organization (SNPLO). Again after the demise of Pa-Oh National leader Hprabwar Hla Pe, the PaOh people formed the Pa-oh National Organization (PNO) in 1976. Such Pa-oh national movement was undauntedly carried out under various banners of PNLO, SSNLO, SNLF, SNPLO, PPLO and PNO since 1949. However, on 11th April 1991, PNO led by U Aung Khamhti had agreed to have Cease-fire with the Military Junta. But Col. Hkun Okker and Hpratan Hkun Tetlu obstinately rejected ceasefire with the Military Junta and formed the Pa-oh People Liberation Organization (PPLO) on 18th June 1991 at Manaplaw and formally declared on 10th October 1991, and led the people to fight for the Pa-Oh national liberation. Again the SNPLO led by U Tarkale also agreed to have ceasefire with the Military Government on 9th October 1994. After seventeen years, in 2007, the Ceasefire group SNPLO split into many factions due to the policy of State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to disarm the Ceasefire group. The group under the leadership of Brigadier Khun Ti Song and Col. Khun Thurein, who knew disarmament policy of Military Junta in advance, went to the liberated areas and continued arms struggle since 10th July 2007 to fight against the Military rulers. To keep the true spirit of Pa-Oh national liberation, the two leaders formed Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 18th November 2007 instead of SNPLO. Prior to the formation of PNLO, Brig. Khun Ti Song, Col. Khun Thurein and group was under the banner of SNPLO. Their defection was welcomed and appreciated by the PPLO and thus a meeting between the two Pa-Oh national organizations (PPLO and SNPLO) was convened on 25th July 2007. From this meeting the two national organizations had reached explicit understanding to cooperate each other to build and promote the solidarity, national aspiration and splendor image of Pa-Oh people. And following this understanding, another meeting was held at PNLO Headquarters on 11th January 2009 again. The meeting was attended by PPLO leaders, PNLO leaders and Khun Myint Tun, Member of Parliament from Thaton Constituency (1). At this meeting a resolution was adopted to convene the Pa-oh national Congress to have reunification of Pa-Oh people. And also formed an Organizing Committee for the Pa-Oh national Congress and gave the task of arrangement for a successful Congress. Consisting of members in the Organizing

Committee were: Khun Myint Tun (MP), Khun Tinshwe Oo (NCUB/PDC) and representatives from Pa-Oh national Organizations. The first consultative meeting of the Pa-Oh national leaders was held from 12th to 14th September 2009 at PPLO and PNLO Headquarters to enable to convene the Pa-Oh National Congress. Again from October 1st to 3rd 2009, a Conference of Pa-Oh national leaders was held and finally decided to convene the Pa-Oh national Congress from 7th to 9th December 2009. Accordingly the Pa-Oh national Congress was convened from 7th to 9th December 2009, where the representatives from all Pa-Oh national organizations, PaOh Monks, Pa-oh people from Homeland, individuals and friendship ethnic national leaders were enthusiastically attended the Congress. At this National Congress, Col. Hkun Okker, the Chairman of PPLO, announced legally relinquishing of the PPLO and submission of the members of the organization to the Congress. Then similarly announced the relinquishing of PNLO by General Secretary of PNLO Col. Khun Thurein and submitted the members of the organization and Pa-Oh National Leberation Army (PNLA) to the Congress. Same as submission of Pa-Oh Youth Organization (PYO) and Pa-Oh Labour Union (PLU) to the Conference were announced by PYO General Secretary Hkun Chanki and Hkun Myo, caretaker of PLU. The members present in the Congress in one accord decided to stand for fraternity and equality, for self-determination and the right to establish Pa-Oh State with appropriate boundary and to support true Federal Union which is the only means to ensure protect and preserve the national and social rights of the Pa-Oh people. To lead the Pa-oh people and match forward in one accord to fight for the achievement of Pa-Oh national goal, the Pa-oh national leaders and people unanimously formed the Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 8th December 2009 and brought all the PaOh people under a single banner of the PNLO forthwith. The leaders of PNLO were elected through secret ballots and viscerally agreed Col. Hkun Okker and Brig. Hpratan Hkun Ti Song, senior leaders, to be the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the PNLO. Thus to lead the third revolutionary movement, the Pa-oh National Liberation Organization was legally instituted once again with immutable mandate of the people. The fact is therefore that the first and Second revolutionary movements had been carried out under the banner of the PNLO and also the third revolutionary movement is being carried out under the same banner.

2.1 Members

The Central Executive Members (CEM) of PNLO. (1) Col. Hkun Oker Chairman, (2) Brig. Khun Ti Song Vice Chairman, (3) Khun Myit Tun General Secretary, (4) Col. Khun Thurein Joint Secretary (1), (5) Hkun Myo Joint Secretary (2), (6) Major Aung Kyaw Active Member, (7) U Hkun Oo Active Member.

The Central Committee Members (CCM) of PNLO. (1) Col. Hkun Okker, (2) Brig. Khun Ti Song, (3) Khun Myint Tun, MP, (4) Col. Khun Thurein, (5) Khun Myo, (6) Major Aung Kyaw, (7) U Hkun Oo, (8) Hkun Kowing, (9) Hkun Tinshwe Oo, (10) Major Ongmaung, (11) Khun Thi, (12) Khun Zwe Htu, (13) Mrs. Nanla Raung, (14) Khun Netu, (15) Khun Tomi

2.2 PNLOs structure

PNLA- Pa-Oh National Liberation Army PPLO- Pa-Oh People Liberation Organization

PYO- Pa-Oh Youth Organization PLU- Pa-Oh Labour Union

2.3 Manifesto

3. Vision and Mission

Vision: To establish Pa-oh State for the Pa-Oh people provided with full power of self-determination and equality with other nationalities. Mission: 1. To oppose and fight against chauvinism and parochialism. 2. To eradicate the Military Dictatorship. 3. To establish national Democracy. 4. To achieve self-determination and equality. 5. To build a federal union.

The principles of the PNLO: 1. The basic principle of the PNLO is arms struggle for the liberation of Pa-Oh people. 2. For the liberation of all ethnic people from suppression. The PNLO shall coordinate with all ethnic communities. 3. The PNLO shall strive for the complete eradication of military dictatorship, suppression, to end the civil war in the country, and to build the peaceful Federal Union that fully practices the democratic system. 4. The PNLO shall obstinately oppose the deceptive policy of the enemy for negotiation and surrendering of arms, and will never accept to become lackey of the enemy Military Junta.

4. Areas
The four main areas PNLO works on are: Politics Sensibilization Education Social welfare

4.1 Politics
Working plans: 1. To establish a consolidated Pa-oh national political party and an adjacent military wing. 2. To promote the solidarity and integrity of Pa-oh people between all organizations and communities within the regions in which they reside. 3. To build and strengthen the integrity with brethren Hill people of Shan State, based primarily on equality. 4. To build cohesion and solidarity with all ethnic peoples parties and organizations, those who are stoically fighting for liberation and are concerned for the public good. We must join hands with them. 5. To join hands and unite with Monks, the organizations of religions and students who are demanding justice and protection of human rights. 6. To pulverize the suppressive rule of fascist military dictators like the SPDC. 7. After the eradication of military despotic rule from the country, when the democratically elected Parliament Members, true representatives from each every ethnic nationality, scholars and the persons who love the nation attend the National Conference and

draft the Constitution for future Federal Union, the Pa-oh national leaders representing the Pa-oh people shall participate in such a historic occasion.

4.2 Sensibilization
The political nature of Burma today denies the public of the rights to information, education, and the freedom of expression. While attempting to silence the voices of its citizens, the military junta has also engaged in isolating the nation from the outside world for several decades. This has produced a disconnect between the people of Burma and the members of the global community. For the protection of human rights and the potential dismantling of the military, it is fundamental that the people of Burma are heard and their stories are told. The PNLO vigorously attempts to tell the story of Burma from the perspective they know best, that of the Pa-oh people. Working plans: 1. To sensitize public opinion through communication campaigns and special information campaigns on the situation in Burma, mainly situations relevant to the Pa-oh people. 2. To exposed human rights abuses that the dictatorship attempts to keep undisclosed. 3. To provide numerous accounts about issues in Burma ensuring the world does not ignore the crisis there. 4. To provide the support and tools necessary to Pa-Oh people to speak out and influence the international community for the betterment of all, both inside and outside of Burma.

4.3 Education

Education is a fundamental right in which many additional human rights depend. Education has many benefits: it can improve health, wealth, selfesteem, protects children, and helps to build peace. The educational focus includes primary and secondary levels of learning, with the goal of increasing literacy levels, reducing dropout rates, and ensuring a high quality of education for Pa-oh youth. The overall objective of this sector is to ensure quality and continued access to education at all levels. Working Plan -To bring refugee children into the educational mainstream -Maintain an education rate of 100% at the primary levels -To ensure the continuation of schooling from primary to secondary levels -To improve the condition of all Pa-oh schools -Carry out extracurricular activities among students.

4.4 Social Welfare

Working plan: - To provide basic infrastructure and services to communities in order to meet their basic living needs - To contribute to the improvement of community spaces in refugee camps - To provide shelter and food to students who are displaced from their homes in order to attend school - To provide medicines and first aid in refugee camps - To contribute to the improvement of educational facilities in public schools - To create self-help network in the fields of residence, work, food, and finances 5. Projects 1- Reestablish the primary school in? 2- Create a new school in Mae Hong Son for secondary level learning. 3- Concerts in Toronto and Barcelona to raise both awareness and funds for the PNLO (official dates coming soon)

Traditional kingships and other local governments that evolved among Burma's peoples over many centuries were largely stripped of their authority after Britain's 19th century conquest of Burma. Colonial administration continued with limited local self-government until the Union of Burma achieved independence in 1948. The new state came into being as a parliamentary democracy and, although beset by ethnic strife as minority peoples demanded autonomy from the Burman majority, survived as a representative government until an army coup in 1962. Democratic rule ended in 1962 when General Ne Win led a military coup. He ruled for nearly 26 years and pursued policies under the rubric of the Burmese Way to Socialism. Between 1962 and 1974, Burma was ruled by a revolutionary council headed by the general, and almost all aspects of society (business, media, and production) were nationalized or brought under government control. In an effort to consolidate power, Ne Win and many other top generals resigned from the military and took civilian posts and, from 1974, instituted elections in a one-party system. Between 1974 and 1988, Burma was effectively ruled by Ne Win through the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP), which from 1964 until 1988 was the sole political party. During this period, Burma became one of the world's most impoverished countries. The Burmese Way to Socialism

combined Soviet-style nationalization and central planning with the governmental implementation of superstitious beliefs. Almost from the beginning, there were sporadic protests against the military rule, many of which were organized by students, and these were almost always violently suppressed by the government. On 7 July 1962, the government broke up demonstrations at Rangoon University, killing 15 students. In 1974, the military violently suppressed anti-government protests at the funeral of U Thant. Student protests in 1975, 1976 and 1977 were quickly suppressed by overwhelming force. In 1988, unrest over economic mismanagement and political oppression by the government led to widespread pro-democracy demonstrations throughout the country known as the 8888 Uprising. Security forces killed thousands of demonstrators, and General Saw Maung staged a military coup and formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). In 1989, SLORC declared martial law after widespread protests. The military government finalized plans for People's Assembly elections on 31 May 1989. SLORC changed the country's official English name from the "Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma" to the "Union of Myanmar" in 1989. In May 1990, the government held free elections for the first time in almost 30 years. The National League for Democracy (NLD), of which Aung San Suu Kyi helped lead, won 392 out of a total 489 seats(i.e., 80% of the seats), but the election results were annulled by SLORC, which refused to step down. Led by Than Shwe since 1992, the military regime has made cease-fire agreements with most ethnic guerilla groups. In 1992, SLORC unveiled plans to create a new constitution through the National Convention, which began 9 January 1993. In 1997, the State Law and Order Restoration Council was renamed the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). On 23 June 1997, Burma was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The National Convention continues to convene and adjourn. Many major political parties, particularly the NLD, have been absent or excluded, and little progress has been made. On 27 March 2006, the military junta, which had moved the national capital from Yangon to the official new capital Naypyidaw, meaning "city of the kings" In November 2006, the International Labour Organization (ILO) announced it will be seeking at the International Criminal Court "to prosecute members of the ruling Myanmar junta for crimes against humanity" over the continuous forced labour of its citizens by the military. According to the ILO, an estimated 800,000 people are subject to forced labour in Burma. The 2007 Burmese anti-government protests were a campaign of civil resistance. The protest demonstrations were at first dealt with quickly and harshly by the junta, with dozens of protesters arrested and detained. Starting 18 September, the protests were led by thousands of Buddhist monks, and those protests were allowed to proceed until a renewed government crackdown on September 26. During the crack-down, there were rumours of

disagreement within the Burmese armed forces, but none was confirmed. Many referred to this event as the Saffron Revolution. During the 2007 anti-government protests a significant role was played by Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the opposition to the Burmese military government. Aung San Suu Kyi was under periods of house arrest from 19892010. In September 2007, hundreds of monks paid respects to her at the gate of her home, which was the first time in four years that people were able to see her in public. She was then given a second public appearance on 29 September, when she was allowed to leave house arrest briefly and meet with a UN envoy trying to persuade the junta to ease its crackdown against a pro-democracy uprising, to which the Burmese government reluctantly agreed. World governments remain divided on how to deal with the military junta. On 7 February 2008, SPDC announced that a referendum for the Constitution would be held and Elections by 2010. The Burmese constitutional referendum, 2008 was held on 10 May and promised a "discipline-flourishing democracy" for the country in the future. On 13 August 2010, the junta announced the election date for 2010 would be 7 November. A new flag was adopted and the official name of the country changed to "Republic of the Union of Myanmar", replacing the old "Union of Myanmar" from 1989. Observers described the election day of 2010 as mostly peaceful, though there were alleged irregularities in polling stations. There was an official turnout of 77%. On November 9, 2010, Burma's ruling junta stated that the Union Solidarity and Development Party won 80% of the votes. This claim is widely disputed by pro-democracy opposition groups, asserting that the military regime engaged in rampant fraud to achieve its result. International communities concerned over Burma that skirmishes, due to discontent with the elections, could erupt into civil war. On 3 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated the country when winds of up to 215 km/h (135 mph) touched land in the densely populated, rice-farming delta of the Irrawaddy Division. It was the worst natural disaster in Burmese history. Reports estimated that more than 200,000 people were dead or missing, and damage totaled to 10 billion dollars USD. Some villages were almost totally eradicated and vast rice-growing areas were wiped out. Yet in the critical days following this disaster, Burma's isolationist regime hindered recovery efforts by delaying the entry of United Nations planes delivering medicine, food, and other supplies. The government's action was described by the United Nations as "unprecedented." In early August 2009, a conflict known as the Kokang incident broke out in Shan State in northern Burma. For several weeks, junta troops fought against ethnic minorities in the region. Today there is continuous tension in the region, as the minority groups have yet to back down from the despotic military.

1.1 Pa-Oh people

Lack of a reliable census makes it difficult to estimate the composition of Burmas ethnic mosaic or its total population. Some experts suggest existing population data is skewed to exaggerate the number of Burman, the largest single ethnic group in the country. According to available statistics, the Burman comprise about two-thirds of the countrys 50+ million people, and dominate both the army and government. Most of Burmas ethnic minorities inhabit areas along the countrys mountainous frontiers. Karen and Shan groups comprise about I 0% each, while Akha, Chin, Chinese, Danu, Indian, Kachin, Karenni, Kayan, Kokang, Lahu, Mon, Naga, Palaung, Pa-Oh, Rakhine, Rohingya, Tavoyan, and Wa peoples each constitute 5% or less of the population. The earliest record of the Pa-Oh can be traced back to the reign of King Suriya Sandar, who ruled Thaton around 600 BC. Khun Aung Chan Tha of the Pa-Oh History and Research Organization calls him the first Pa-Oh king in documented history. The Pa-Oh still celebrate their National Day on King Suriya Sandars birthday, which falls during the full moon of Tabaung, the last month of the Burmese calendar, typically in March. The Pa'Oh people of Eastern and Southern Burma are the seventh largest ethnic group and second largest group in Shan State, after the Shan themselves. Nowadays, the estimated one to two million Pa-Oh are scattered across Mon, Karen, Karenni and Shan states, particularly along the banks of the Salween River. The Pa-Oh engage primarily in agriculture, cultivating their staple cash crop, the thanapet tree, the leaves of which are used for wrapping tobacco and herbs to make most of the countrys cheroots. While tobacco is cultivated in the arid central plains, the thanapet leaf grows well in the hills of Shan State. The states capital Taunggyi, in particular, is renowned for producing the best smokes. They also cultivate mustard leaves to make pickled mustard leaf salada popular food during religious festivals. Pa-Oh men wear loose fitting trousers, jackets and turbans while women wear dark longyis and long shirts but brightly coloured turbans. The Pa'Oh are proud of their identity and continue to value their traditional customs.

2. About PNLO (Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization)

In the running history, the Pa-Oh people have relentlessly fought against colonial expansionism, fascism, feudalism, military dictatorship and chauvinism, including many kinds of nefarious political systems. Even if Burma obtained its independence from the colonial rule in 1948, the Pa-Oh people had yet to find freedom from the suppression and unfair political systems that have riddled the region for centuries. Because of this the Pa-oh were compelled to form the Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 11th December 1949 and began the first revolutionary movement to fight

for the liberation of Pa-Oh people. Since the formation of the PNLO and during the rule of Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) Government, the Pa-Oh people have successfully fought against feudalism under the banner of PNLO. Henceforth December 11 was constituted as revolution Day against feudalism. In 1958, the PNLO had arrived at an understanding with the AFPFL Government to exchange democracy with arms. This however became futile due to the fraudulent policy of the AFPFL Government. Moreover, when military rule was declared by Gen. Newin in March 1962, many Pa-Oh national leaders, including great leader of Pa-Oh Hprabwar Hla Pe (Thaton Hla Pe), were detained and incarcerated by military dictators. After this, Bo San Thein (later General San Thein), one of the first Pa-Oh revolutionary movement leaders, led the Pa-Oh national movement and kept intact the PNLO to lead the second revolutionary movement for the liberation of Pa-Oh people since 1966. At this point the Pa-Oh people united with other Shan State nationalities to form the Shan State Nationalities Liberation Organization (SSNLO) in 1967 to keep the fight for the liberation intact from 1968 to 1972. Not long after the SSNLO was created that Gen. San Thein was killed in battle the following year. On top of this the leaders of the SSNLO had different political ideologies and the organization soon fragmented into two forms; the Shanland Nationalities Liberation Front (SNLF) and the Shan Nationalities People Liberation Organization (SNPLO). Again after the demise of Pa-Oh National leader Hprabwar Hla Pe, the Pa-Oh people formed the Pa-oh National Organization (PNO) in 1976. Pa-oh national movement was undauntedly carried out under various banners of the PNLO. SSNLO, SNLF, SNPLO, PPLO and PNO since 1949 have all worked vigorously for Pa-oh rights. On 11th April 1991 the PNO led by U Aung Khamhti had agreed to a cease-fire with the military Junta. Col. Hkun Okker and Hpratan Hkun Tetlu obstinately rejected and formed the Pa-oh People Liberation Organization (PPLO) on 18th June 1991 at Manaplaw and formally declared on 10th October 1991, to lead the people to fight for the PaOh national liberation. Again the SNPLO led by U Tarkale also agreed to a ceasefire with the military on 9th October 1994. After seventeen years, in 2007, the Ceasefire group SNPLO split into many factions due to the policy of State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to disarm the ceasefire group. The group under the leadership of Brigadier Khun Ti Song and Col. Khun Thurein, who knew the disarmament policy of military junta in advance, went to the liberated areas and continued arms struggle since 10th July 2007 to fight against military rulers. To keep the true spirit of Pa-Oh national liberation, the two leaders formed the Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 18th November 2007 and abandoned the SNPLO. Prior to the formation of PNLO, Brig. Khun Ti Song, Col. Khun Thurein and their group was under the banner of the SNPLO. Their defection was welcomed and appreciated by the PPLO and thus a meeting between the two Pa-Oh national organizations (PPLO and SNPLO) was convened on 25th July 2007. From this meeting the two national organizations had reached an explicit understanding to cooperate with each other to build and promote the solidarity, national aspiration, and splendor image of Pa-Oh people. Following this understanding, another meeting was held at PNLO Headquarters on 11th January 2009. The meeting was attended by PPLO leaders, PNLO leaders,

and Khun Myint Tun, Member of Parliament from Thaton Constituency (1). At this meeting a resolution was adopted to convene the Pa-oh national Congress to have reunification of Pa-Oh people. This meeting also produced an Organizing Committee for the Pa-Oh national Congress and gave the committee the task of arranging a successful Congress. The Organizing Committee members consisted of: Khun Myint Tun (MP), Khun Tinshwe Oo (NCUB/PDC) and representatives from Pa-Oh national Organizations. The first consultative meeting of the Pa-Oh national leaders was held from 12th to 14th September 2009 at PPLO and PNLO headquarters to enable to convention of the Pa-Oh National Congress. Again from October 1st to 3rd 2009 a Conference of Pa-Oh national leaders was held and finally a decision to convene the Pa-Oh national Congress from 7th to 9th December 2009 was made. Accordingly the Pa-Oh national Congress was convened from 7th to 9th December 2009. Representatives from all Pa-Oh national organizations, incuding Pa-Oh Monks, Pa-oh people from the homeland, ethnic national leaders, and other significant Pa-oh individuals all enthusiastically attended Congress. At this National Congress Col. Hkun Okker, the Chairman of PPLO, announced legally to relinquish the PPLO and submit the members of the organization to the Congress. Similarly the PNLO was relinquished by General Secretary Col. Khun Thurien and submitted the members of the organization and Pa-Oh National Liberation Army (PNLA) to the Congress. Submissions of the Pa-Oh Youth Organization (PYO) and the Pa-Oh Labour Union (PLU) to the Conference followed, announced by PYO General Secretary Hkun Chanki and Hkun Myo, caretaker of PLU. In one accord the members present in the Congress decided to stand for fraternity, equality, self-determination, and the right to establish a Pa-Oh State with appropriate boundaries. It was agreed that a federal union is the only means to ensure, protect, and preserve the national and social rights of the Pa-Oh people. To lead the Pa-oh people and march forward in one accord to fight for the achievement of Pa-Oh national goal, the Pa-oh national leaders and people unanimously formed the Pa-Oh National Liberation Organization (PNLO) on 8th December 2009 and brought all the Pa-Oh people under a single banner of the PNLO forthwith. The leaders of the PNLO were elected through secret ballots. It was viscerally agreed that senior leaders Col. Hkun Okker and Brig. Hpratan Hkun Ti Song would be the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the PNLO. Thus, to lead the third revolutionary movement, the Pa-oh National Liberation Organization was legally instituted once again with the immutable mandate of the people. Since the first and second revolutionary movements were carried out under the banner of the PNLO, it only seemed fitting that the third revolutionary movement follow the same course.