08.04.2007
ORGANIZED PROTEST AGAINST 7 SPDC RAPISTS
A gang-rape case in Putao, Burma
We are here today not to politicize, but to show solidarity as people. Governments are established among men to protect and defend rights of the people. State Peace and Development Council, which built legitimacy by suppressing its people are repeatedly obstructing this principal.
From city billboards to daily television program, SPDC continuously tout its slogan: “Tatmadaw is our Mother, Tatmadaw is our Father.” On February 2nd, 2007, shocking news broke out from the highland plains of Duk Dang Village, Putao, Burma. This day of infamy will go down in history as evidence of the State Peace and Development Council’s savagery, brutality, and oppression. Two months have passed but we, the Kachin people around the world, have not forgotten the despicable act committed by Maj. Zaw Min Thet, Capt. Win Myint Oo, Capt. Kyaw Ze Ya, and four other service members of Infantry Battalion 138.
More than 10 years ago, our Kachin people decided to try and resolve over 30 years of war with the central government by peaceful means. With solicitation from our Burmese counterparts we thought we could bury our differences and begin the mission of rebuilding our homeland. We have now reached 13 years since the ceasefire agreement and the results are extremely discouraging. Kachinland has been reduced to an international hotspot for the raging HIV epidemic, illicit drug production and deforestation is rampant, malnutrition among children is on the rise, and human rights violations continue unabated as the structures of civil society are weakened and torn down. While the repressive SPDC is lavishing itself with new found wealth and bribery money, the people of Kachinland and the rest of Burma are living hand to mouth simply to survive from day to day. Many more states and ethnic homelands in the Union are facing the same issues today. Thousands of girls and women fall victim to systematic rape by the SPDC servicemen each year. The public has been kept from learning such information because of the State controlled media and propaganda machine.
On February 2nd 2007, two Rawang girls aged 16 were lured from San Lin Karaoke bar. Two 14 year olds eight graders were picked up on the street at 6:00pm with the help of the sixteen year old. Then, the minors were brutally raped at the military base in Mulashidi by three officers and four soldiers. Initially, the victims were frightened to report this case to the police for fear of reprisal. Early in the next morning, one of the girls’ parents reported to the local headman U Wang Le Hkwin to find resolution to the issue but it yielded no progress. In accordance with Kachin law, the local elders requested the offenders to pay damage in a feasible amount but only hush money was offered merely to silence the story. When the news reached the media, the four high school girls were arrested and taken to Putao Jail. Nearly after two months, a news broke out in regards to the conditions of our Rawang sisters. The four girls were forced by the Judge to comply with the defendants and they were charged with prostitution on March 9th, 2007. Now four young girls have begun their one year prison term. Younger two of the four were sent to Prisons for minor in lower Burma and the two sixteen year olds are currently serving their time in Putao Prison. This tragic story has especially caused great damage to the younger ones’ family, for the two girls no longer have fathers to support their single moms.
Therefore, we, not only as Kachin but as human: _
§ Condemn the SPDC’s continued acts of terror on its people;
§ Demand the immediate release of the four girls;
§ Call for justice, and the arrest and discharge of the offending officers and soldiers.
There are many like us in Burma who shares sympathy for these girls who are refusing to leave their homes to show support and compassion. Then, there are numbers like us around-the-globe who are voicing their opinion by publicly staging demonstration in front of Burmese Consulates and Embassies. Even more atrocities will find their ways into our homes if we cannot stop the maniac on our doorstep. It is time for all people of conscience to take a stand!
Last but not least, if we have to call Tatmadaw members like Maj. Zaw Win Thet, Capt. Win Myint Oo, Capt. Kyaw Ze Ya, and their rapist cronies as our “Fathers and Mothers”; then, we must do everything in our power to let the world know this family need immediate help. If we cannot trust SPDC with our teenage children, HOW CAN WE TRUST THEM WITH OUR NATION?
The Central Committee
Kachin National Council
Kachin National Organization
Comments:
Nyunt Shwe said _
I don't know how to choose the right words for this crime's severity. This is
inhumane, vulgar, ugly, and the most disgusting kind of case. I was angry when I
heard this news since its media outbreak and I am still very angry as I do not
hear anything about the redressing of the case by a truthful court. We must take
those four girls as our own daughters, siblings, nieces etc. I know every one of
us condemn against the authority that not only shielded the culprits, but also
made suffered the four girls and their parents, relatives, and friends. This
case brought not only shame to our nation, but also revealed how the system of
militarism exercises just only to satisfy their egos.
The State Peace and Development Council must take this case seriously and must
redress it immediately for its benefit and to prove its own word that there is
no one above the law. There are so many merits waiting to reward the regime if
it rightfully redresses this case. Why do you (SPDC) defend those culprits who
damage the valor of the Tatmadaw (army)? By cleansing those viruses and
redirecting the wrong courses alone will bring back the trust of the entire
nation. Otherwise, your (SPDC) fall is paved and accelerated by this kind of
crimes. Choose between your own grandeur and disgraceful downfall. Time and tide
wait for no man. Mind you, time is running out.
Your Comments here_
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