An interview with Mi Kun Chan Non, a member of the MSFC, about the MSFC’s position rejecting the military council’s invitation to resolve the political problems through political means.
The military council recently extended an invitation to the ethnic armed groups that are currently in conflict with them, as well as the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) under the NUG to lay down their arms and pursue a path of party politics.
All anti-dictatorship resistance groups rejected the military council’s invitation. Among the ethnic armed groups that declined the invitation is the Mon State Federal Council (MSFC), which represents the Mon ethnic community.
Than Lwin Times interviewed Mi Kun Chan Non from the MSFC to discuss the council’s view on the military council’s offer, the potential for all-inclusive political dialogue in the future, and the MSFC’s ongoing commitment to the revolution.
Q: What is the MSFC’s stance on the military council’s invitation to the revolutionary forces to resolve political problems through political means after nearly four years of the coup?
A: The MSFC views that the military council’s invitation to revolutionary forces for resolving the political problems through political means is dishonest. Because the military council is carrying out targeted airstrikes on civilians while it is inviting the revolutionary forces. The junta will continue to hold talks by activating the 2008 Constitution, which serves as the foundation of their power. So, the MSFC views this discussion as a political trick by the military council and considers it to be dishonest.
Q: The military council’s invitation suggests that ethnic revolutionary organizations (EROs) and the PDFs should lay down their arms and address the issues through party politics and elections. Do you believe such offers are feasible in the current context?
A: Regarding the military council’s offer calling on the EROs and PDFs to give up their weapons and engage in party politics and elections, the military council has absolutely no authority to hold elections. It is impossible to pursue political dialogue through such elections. This scenario cannot work as the junta’s offer is fake and aimed at preserving its grip on power. Based on my experience and the ongoing retention of military power, I believe that the current situation is not genuine.
Q: What is the MSFC’s position on the military council’s offer?
A: As stated in their announcement, the MSFC views participation in the discussion as a political ploy by the military council. The MSFC is committed to the goal of dismantling all forms of dictatorship, including the military dictatorship, and building a federal democratic union in collaboration with other revolutionary groups. Therefore, we will completely oppose the military council’s offer for dialogue.
Q: The people believe that the current revolution against the military dictatorship represents a shift toward a federal union. If the armed struggle were to transition to a negotiation table in the future, what form should that political dialogue take?
A: The current revolution seeks to establish a new federal democratic union, and we are all working hard to promote this movement. The MSFC is also making efforts to set up a negotiation table. I believe that we will be able to engage in meaningful dialogue once all parties are involved. To build a federal democratic union, it is essential to create an environment where a political shift can occur, with women participating as key decision-makers and primary contributors in the inclusive discussions.
Q: As a last question, what actions is the Mon State Federal Council currently taking to bring down the military dictatorship? What are the MSFC’s plans for the future?
A: The MSFC is committed to dismantling the military dictatorship and opposing all forms of dictatorship. In this effort, we are united with our brothers and sisters from the revolutionary organizations within the NUCC. We are currently discussing how to collaborate on essential initiatives and foundational principles necessary for establishing federal units.
In building a federal democracy, we also plan to establish and collaborate on fundamental principles related to education, health, and social sectors. Additionally, we are focusing on coordinating nationwide resistance efforts by uniting all revolutionary groups across the regions.
Sent by Than Lwin Times