Govt, Chin National Front discuss COVID-19 action plans

May 16, 2020

Government’s committee to coordinate with ethnic armed organizations on fighting against the pandemic held an online meeting from National Reconciliation and Peace Centre in Yangon with the Chin National Front yesterday.

Chairman of the Committee Dr Tin Myo Win, its Vice Chairman Lt-Gen (retired) Khin Zaw Oo,and committee members represented the government side, and the team of Chin National Front was led by its Assistant General Secretary (2) Salai Htet Ni and representatives.

The discussions were based on 7 points of agreement reached at the meeting of 10-members NCA-S EAOs on 8 May.

The meeting focused on technical and material assistance for COVID-19 control measures, facilities for positive patients, coordination plan and rehabilitation programmes for the locals during and post pandemic.

The committee will also be meeting with the Arakan Liberation Party on 20 May.

The Myanmar News Agency made an interview with the government committee’s Vice Chairman Lt-Gen (retired) Khin Zaw Oo after the meeting.

Q: Could you talk about the situation of today’s meeting with Chin National Front?

A: Today’s online video conferencing was joined by Chairman of the Committee Dr Tin Myo Win, committee members and advisors of Peace Commission. Secretary of committee and Deputy Minister U Hla Maw Oo discussed from Nay Pyi Taw. Assistant General Secretary (2) Salai Htet Ni represented the CNF.

They discussed their measures against the COVID-19 and requirements. We are working to provide assistance.

 

Q: What is worries and actions of CNF on the COVID-19?

A: They had great concern as the first case was found in Tiddim in Chin State. Their problem is transportation. So, their actions are based in Thantlang area. We discussed how to work together if any positive case was in their area. We have planned to take patients to hospitals in Hakha in coordination with Chin State government. It is the preventive action.

We also suggested to do survey for rehabilitation plans to lessen social economic impacts on the locals in the post COVID-19 period. They have set up the data mapping system for this plan. They are trying their best.

 

Q: What is the committee’s works with ethnic armed organizations which have not signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement on the COVID-19?

A: Two days ago in Kachin State, our committee is brokering for possible meeting of local government officials and Peace Talks Creation Group (PCG) with the local COVID-19 team of the Kachin Independence Organization. A meeting was held in Mai Sup Par village in Waingmaw Township. The local government and KIO are now working together in this measures. It is one of the progresses.

Among the remaining ethnic armed groups, the Karenni National Progress Party has contacted our committee. We have contacted with 10 signatories of NCA and the five groups out of the 8 non-signatories so far.

We are very pleased to see the meeting of Commander in Chief of Defence Services with the ethnic leaders of the Special Region (4) of Mongla and Wa Special Region during his tour to Kengtung recently. Now, the medical teams of Defence Services have arrived in Mongla for measures against COVID-19.

 

Q: What is the latest situation of meetings with the committee and the ethnic armed groups?

A: We have seen the progress, and we are also making discussions with them.

We are scheduled to meet with Arakan Liberation Party on 20 May (Wednesday). We will continue discussions with the remaining organizations, and will hold a meeting all together with them.

 

Q: What is the committee’s work to get international aid?

A: We are discussing with some international organizations for their assistance. It is expected to happen soon. – Ye Gaung Nyunt (Translated by Aung Khin)