Interview with Duwa Maran Zau Aung, the MP of Wai Maw Township, Kachin State

DVB (2003 July 16)

It is reported that the MP of Wai Maw Township, Kachin State, Duwa Maran Zau Aung has fled to Thailand to avoid the eventual clampdown on political activists after the Dipeyin incident. The 70 year old Duwa Zau Aung was arrested and sent to prison in 1997 by the military intelligence [MI] and he was released on the 13th of August 2001. The following is an interview with him.
Naw Nandar Chan : Could you tell us why you fled to Thailand?

Duwa Maran Zau Aung : The reason is when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi came to Kachin State, I organised the event as a leader. On the 30th of May I heard about the Dipeyin incident. They sealed off all the NLD offices throughout the country. And I heard and learnt that some people were arrested. Therefore, I fled on the 1st of June at midnight.

Naw Nandar Chan : After your flight from Burma, have there been arrests by the MI in Kachin State?

Duwa Maran Zau Aung : As I left on the 1st of June, I don’t known about that for sure. But I heard that they arrested 3-4 people in Myikyina. When Daw Suu came to Kachin State, they arrested me as a leader…I heard that they also arrested U Cho, the host who kept Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in his house, U Mran Bawk La and 2-3 people in Kachin State. I heard that when I was on the border, not at Myikyina.

Naw Nandar Chan : Were there restrictions by the SPDC authorities during Daw Suu’s rallying trip in Kachin State?

Duwa Maran Zau Aung : They told people not to welcome her. ‘Don’t welcome her when she comes. Don’t even look at her. If you do, you will be arrested with handcuffs. You will face difficulties and your daughters will not be able to go to the school,’ they threatened not only me but also other people…We had to live with care and worries. But when she was about to arrive, it became inevitable that were should welcome her. The reason is the Kachin has a tradition of welcoming all the guests who come to their territory whoever they are. We had to welcome Daw Suu as a democracy leader, a Nobel laureate, and the daughter of the national hero General Aung San. Therefore, she is a very important guest for the people of Kachin State. Therefore, I arranged things for Daw Suu’s trip.

Naw Nandar Chan : As you are now here, what worries do you have for your family?

Duwa Maran Zau Aung : I heard that as soon as I disappeared, they told my children, ‘you must know where is. Find him quick till you find him,’ and threatened them with various means.

Naw Nandar Chan : Tell us your worries on the detentions of Daw Suu and the NLD leaders?

Duwa Maran Zau Aung : I am very worried for Daw Suu and other fellow democracy activists. I heard about Dipeyin incident on the 30th of May…Had the youth not defended Daw Suu with their lives, there would have been many problems. When I heard that they tried to assassinate the daughter of our national hero, General Aung San and U Tin Oo, I was very upset. I could not eat. I could not sleep. They said that she will be released soon but they haven’t done so. They are lying to the people of Burma and the world.

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1430 gmt 16 Jul 03