KIO reshuffles following internal coup attempt

DVB ( 2 Feb 2004 )

A public meeting was held on 30 January at Laiza (Leinza) in Kachin State near China by Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) to explain the situations surrounding recent attempted coup within the organization.

Local residents at Laiza told DVB that KIO Chief of Staff General N'ban La and General Secretary Dr Tu Ja led the explanations claiming the coup attempt was not because of differences of opinion regarding ‘National Convention’ to be organised by Burma’s military junta State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) but because of the instigation by exiled Kachin National Organization, KNO.

Major Khun Mau, the new KIO secretary-2 said similar meetings will be continuously held at places in KIO-controlled areas and added that conditions have returned to normal.

The new leaders of KIO are as follows:

U Lamon Tu Jai: chairman,

Col Gawru Zau Seng: vice-chairman-1

Dr Tu Ja: vice-chairman-2

Col Zan Shaung: secretary-1, and

Maj Khun Mau: secretary-2

Nevertheless, the people of Kachin State are said to be dismayed by the recent incident and the new developments within the organisation.