A NEWS NGO FOR THE SHANS

A NEWS NGO FOR THE SHANS

December 5, 1995

Shan exiles in Thailand have set up a new NGO called the Kornzurng Memorial Society on December 3, 1995, according to S.H.A.N. sources. 

Kornzurng is the name of the late Shan Resistance leader (1926-1991) who, against all odds, managed to unite the three biggest Shan armed groups, namely the Shan State Army, the Shanland United Army and the Shan United Revolutionary Army in 1985 for the freedom of Shan State. The combined army later came to be known as the Mong Tai Army. However, before his lofty aims of freedom, peace and prosperity for the people could be achieved, Kornzurng died of cancer. He was respected by both friend and foe alike, and even Khun Sa, his successor, mourns that had he been alive today, the D-Day mutiny (of June 1995) would not have happened. 

The Executive Committee of the Kornzurng Memorial Society is made up of 11 former close followers and relatives of Kornzurng: Zaray Htee (a former monk and Kornzurng's religious mentor), Khuensai (his former secretary), Sai Leng (his nephew), Lengmuang, Yordserk, Sengzern, Zarng (his son), Zawm Wan, Pi and Orga. 

Their aims are to put up a memorial for the late leader, build a historical and cultural museum and assist the local people, who are classified variously by the Thai government as displaced persons, highlanders and "runaway" immigrants, and who number 25,270 according to the Mu (1) village headman in Piangluang, Wiangheng district in Chiang Mai province. 

The Kornzurng Memorial Society can be contacted at the following address: 759 Mu 1, Piangluang, Wiang Heng, Chiang Mai 50350.