Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) |
| Founded – 10 January 1973, 1987, 1997, April 2008 Headquarters – Loi Lan in Mong Hsat District, Shan State Size – Unknown The original LDU was led by Chairman Kyar Khun Sar and Vice-Chairman Kyarr Har. The new LDU is led by Chairman Kyar Solomon and Vice Chairman Kyar Phu. The military coup had a significant impact on the LDU. The military’s invitation to peace talks caused disagreements among LDU leadership. Since late July 2022, the LDU has been seen as two factions: the original LDU led by Chair Kyar Khun Sar and the new LDU led by General Secretary Kyar Solomon. On 7 July 2022, despite Chair Kyar Khun Sar and Vice Chair Kyar Har’s announcement not to attend the Nay Pyi Taw peace talks, General Secretary Kyar Solomon and some executive members met with Min Aung Hlaing. Consequently, the original LDU led by Kyar Khun Sar announced the dismissal of Kyar Solomon, Kyar Jacob, and Kyar Phu from their duties starting 8 July 2022. The statement indicated that they would only continue to follow the revolutionary path as a revolutionary organization. On 27 and 28 July, a Central Committee meeting was held via Zoom without the attendance of Chair Kyar Khun Sar and Vice Chair Kyar Har. The meeting elected Kyar Solomon as chair, Kyar Phu as vice chair, Kyar Jacob as general secretary, and nine central committee members. The new LDU led by Kyar Solomon continues to participate in the PPST and remains part of the 7 EAO Alliance. However, in a message on the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) on 25 October 2023, the original LDU led by Kyar Khun Sar declared that it would not seek dialogue with the military and would stand with the KIO until a federal democracy is achieved. They also expressed their gratitude for the support given to armed Lahu ethnic groups aspiring for federal democracy. In a statement regarding the attack on Mon Lai Hket IDP camp in Laiza, Kachin State, on 9 October 2023, the original LDU pledged to continue fighting alongside the people until all forms of dictatorship is ended. LDU Chairman Kyar Har has stated that unity among all ethnic groups is crucial, and believes that success can be achieved if all EROs fight together with a shared goal. 1 1 “We need to revitalize the Lahu Revolution”, Irrawaddy, 15 January 2024 Reference: Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process – A Reference Guide (2023 – 2024) |
