Rights interviews transform translator

Rights interviews transform translator's heart

Human Rights

A Shan immigrant in Germany who had been contracted to translate interviews conducted with Shan refugees had changed his mind about Shan 'insurgents' during his viewing of the interviews, according to a Europe-based Karen source. 

Lao Yu, age between 25-30, had throughout his life nurtured an ill-will for the armed resistance ever since his father, an ethnic Chinese, disappeared after being summoned by the Burma Army several years back. His father, he learned later, had purchased some medicines for an armed group that was active in Mongnai township, 92 miles southeast of Taunggyi. 

The suddenly fatherless Lao Yu was adopted by his uncle in Rangoon who later took him to Germany. "For years, I had blamed the 'insurgents' for my father's death," he was quoted as saying. "But as I watched and listened to the Shan children and women relating their bitter experiences with junta troops, I began to realize that it was not the 'insurgents' who were responsible for the sufferings my family have had to go through, but the Burma Army itself." 

The documentary that came on the air last November in Germany was filmed by a German company, Kiros. 

Lao Yu, is said to be a native of Natkun village, Mongnai township. His mother is Shan. 

He donated Euro 1,460 (B. 70,000), half of which went to the Shan State Army of Col Yawdserk and the other half to S.H.A.N.. 

S.H.A.N. is trying to locate him for further details. 

The Burma Army has regularly been condemned for extremely poor performance in the human rights field by the international community. 

Photo: L - R

• Ms Irene, Board Director of Kiros Films

• Naw Diana Pho, Karen Women Organization

• Mr. Francois? Producer

• Daniel, Irene's son

• Lao Yu, Shan-Chinese immigrant in Germany