Shanghtin

matut shana ai ....Dum nga n-ngai

Statement on Proposed Referendum for a New Burma Constitution
1. On February 9th, 2008, the military regime in Burma proclaimed that theywould hold a national referendum in May of 2008 to legitimize theirundemocratic constitution in preparation for a general election in 2010. We,the Kachin National Organization (KNO), steadfastly declare our staunchobjection and opposition to the sham national referendum proposed in thestatement by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).
2. The “National Convention” organized by the SPDC was deliberately crafted toexclude the previously elected political parties such as the National Leaguefor Democracy (NLD) and the United Nationalities League for Democracy (UNLD)and replaced respected public ethnic leaders from Kachin, Shan, Karen,Karenni, Arakan, and Chin states with hand-picked delegates sympathetic to theregime. The framework of this Constitution is a simple attempt to re-affirmand perpetuate military rule in the absence of democracy and governingprinciples of universal human rights, justice, liberty and equality.
3. It should be pointed out that the regime has repeatedly rejected proposalsby the United Nations to sponsor tripartite dialogue to resolve the currentturmoil. Once approved, the new constitution will offer a free pass tooverlook democratic principals of justice, equality and public consensus whilechurning-out illegitimate laws to suit their needs and agenda.
4. Therefore, we, of the Kachin National Organization, urge all responsiblecitizens of the Union of Burma, members of government offices, members ofreligious institutions, members of NGOs, youth and students and theirrespective organizations, and members of all women’s organizations to vote“NO” in the May national referendum.
5. More importantly, we release this declaration to call on the residents ofKachin State along with the local political organizations, non-governmentalagencies, and Kachin armed groups such as the Kachin Independence Organization(KIO), New Democratic Army – Kachin (NDA-K), and the Kachin Defense Army (KDA)to actively oppose the planned national referendum being organized by the SPDCwhich will only serve to legitimize and perpetuate their power by establishingan unlawful constitution.

Central CommitteeKachin National Council (KNC)Kachin National Organization (KNO)