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Harn Yawnghwe: Ethnic efforts not in vain
Recent award given to a detained Shan leader indicates that ethnic leaders are not forgotten and their dedication and their work are not also in vain, according to Harn Yawnghwe, Director of the Brussels-based Euro-Burma Office (EBO) and Advisor to the Ethnic Nationalities Council (ENC).
11 December 2008
Khun Htun Oo, leader of the largest party in Shan
State, who had been sentenced to 93
year jail sentences at Putao prison, Kachin
State, was named the recipient of the
Honorary Citizenship Award by Monza, a town in Italy near Milan
on 5 December. The ceremony was held on 9 December and the award was presented
to Bodie Saw Min, Secretary of the EBO, on his behalf.
Harn Yawnghwe
“This is
how the world acknowledges our Shan leaders’ efforts. They never give up their
ideals even though they were imprisoned,” said Harn. “Our new generation must
also be strong like them until democracy and genuine federalism are won whatever
the dangers and difficulties are.”
Khun Htun Oo is President of the Burma‘s second largest party Shan
Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). He was arrested in 2005 together
with Gen Hso Ten, leader of the ceasefire group Shan State Peace Council (SSPC),
Sai Nood aka Sai Nyunt Lwin, SNLD General Secretary under several charges
including defamation of the state, association with illegal parties and
conspiracy against the state. All were separately imprisoned:
- Maj-Gen Hso Ten 106 years Khamti prison
- Khun Tun Oo (Hkun Htun Oo) 93 years Putao prison
- Sai Nyunt Lwin, 85 years Kalay, Sagaing division.
- Sai Hla Aung 79 years Kyaukphyu prison
- U Myint Than 79 years Sandoway prison (died on 2 May 2006)
- U Tun Nyo 79 years Buthidaung prison
- U Nyi Nyi Moe 79 years Pakokku prison
- Sai Myo Win Tun 79 years Myingyan prison
Khun Tun Oo’s brother, Sao Oo Kya, was also sentenced to 13 years in prison. He is serving his time in Mandalay.
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