Mawlamyine, April 21
There are disagreements among ethnic armed groups over the coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing’s awarding of Wunna Kyaw Htin titles to ethnic armed leaders.
The regime awarded the honorary titles of Wunna Kyaw Htin to 8 ethnic leaders including Saw Mutu say Poe, chairman of the Karen National Union (KNU); Khun Okka, Patron of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO); Kyar Khun Sar, chairman of the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU).
Pado Saw Taw Ni, a spokesman for the KNU, said that the military council’s awarding of a honorary title to the Karen National Union (KNU) chairman, General Saw Mutu Say Po, was divisive and disrupted the organization in various ways.
He added that the regime is trying to disrupt the whole organization in many ways. It’s totally inappropriate to award the medals to ethnic leaders when the offensive is in full swing.
The military leader said that the titles and badges were awarded for distinguished contribution to the interests of the country in the 75 years since independence.
Colonel Khun Okka, chairman of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO), was among those awarded the Wunna Kyaw Htin titles by the military council.
“I think the military council opened the way for us to communicate. I have no other comments. I think the honorary title is meant to build trust in our relationship with them,” said Colonel Khun Okka, the PNLO’s patron.
The political analysts said that the military leader’s move was a symptom of a rift between supporters of the military and those of the National Unity Government (NUG) at the height of a pivotal decision.
The military leader Min Aung Hlaing conferred the medals on himself, late political leaders, and individuals from all areas of life, which drew public condemnation.
News – Than Lwin Times
