National Reconsolidation Exchanging Arms for Peace

After realizing the Government's genuine desire for peace, unity and sincerity armed groups are returning to the legal fold in exchanging arms for peace.

KNU armed group comprising of 14 family members and privates Ba Yi, Kyaw Naing and Maung Mying form No 3 Company of No 7 Battalion of No 3 Brigade exchanged arms for peace at Donzayit on 30 January 1998.

On 12 April 1998 KNU armed group led by platoon commander Oho Soe and 9 members from No 3 company of No 1 Battalion of No 4 Brigade exchanged arms for peace. They were warmly welcomed by commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Sit Maung who attended to their needs.

An armed group led by KNU central Executive committee member Phado Aung San exchanged arms for peace at the ceremony at Hpa-an Township Technical High School in Kayin State on 17 April 1998.

Chairman of work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and looked in the needs in resettling the armed group members and their families.

The group consists of Training Commandant Yar Mu with the rank of colonel, Saw They Gay with the rank of major, who also happens to be the nephew of KNU leader Bo Mya, officers and ranks totaling 70 in number and 143 family members. They left their camp which is known as New Camp near Mewai Khee village in Thailand on 6 April. It is about 10 miles away from Hti Thay Khee village near the Thaung Yin river on the Myamar-Thai border. They arrived at Hti Thay Khee village and exchanged arms for peace on 7 April.

The Government supports for their resettlement, agriculture, health, education and livestock breeding. Although there were only 35 families the Government arranged for 200 households and allocated 500 acres for cultivation.

CEC member and head of Economic Department of KNU Phado Aung San who exchanged arms for peace with the Government met the Press at Myanma Radio and TV on 20 April 1998.

Four members of armed group led by Section commander Win Naing and on dependent from No 2 Company of KNU No 11 Battalion exchanged arms for peace. They were warmly welcomed by officials who attended to their needs.

Groups exchanging arms for peace realized that their act is not in the same way as surrender but just entrusting their arms to the State, which are harmful to peace.