Deceased Lahu Leader Given Worthy Send

Deceased Lahu Leader Given Worthy Send-off 

Deceased Lahu opposition leader was showered with praises and honors by his relatives, friends and colleagues before his Christian burial on Wednesday. 

Benjamin Kya Oo a.k.a. Maran Brangtawng a.k.a. Ta Tung a.k.a. Surh Khurh, 61, who died suddenly of heart failure at Chiangmai's McCormick Hospital, was taken from his residence in Sansai, a suburb of Chiangmai, to Charng-khien Cemetery, where he was buried amid salutations and honors bestowed on him by his relatives, friends and colleagues at 15:00. 

He was called 'a guiding star' by his Lahu colleagues and 'a pillar of unity' by Shans. 

His wife, Raiji, 65, and daughter, M. Nan Lung, led the singing of 'Safe in the arms of Jesus' before the burial. 
It was attended by Col. Aye Maung, Vice President, Lahu Democratic Front; Sai Aung Mart, Restoration Council of Shan State; Sao Ood Kesi, Shan State Army; Khun Markoban, M.P., Faikhun Township, Shan State; Col. Zauseng, Kachin Independence Organization; U Tin Aung, National League for Democracy (Liberated Area); Khaing Soe Naing Aung, Arakan Liberation Party; Mai Ai Phong, Palaung State Liberation Front; Mr. William Young and Bertil Lintner, among others. 

Benjamin, according to the flier distributed at the funeral, was born on 18 February 1939 in Kengtung of Shamuay, a Wa-Lahu father, and Mahtu, a Kachin mother. He held several important offices, one of which was General Secretary of the Lahu Democratic Front, before his unexpected death on 9 January.