National Democratic Force (NDF)’s leader Khin Maung Swe asked Burmese citizens to resist fear as the country continues to politically develop.

The party leader made the remark while campaigning in Kachin state.

“Since we are no longer under the military rule, now you can [raise] your voice officially with regard to your social woes,” said Khin Maung Swe in Hpakant on 22 March. “Do report these [grievances]. You can report these cases to either the authorities or individual members of parliament. You can also file the reports with us and we will provide our assistance.”

The party leader said future development in the state would be hard to achieve until lasting peace between rebels in the area and the central government was achieved. Officials from the Kachin Independence Army and government negotiators have met several times over the course of the past month to discuss a potential ceasefire; however, no deal has been inked.

The NDF, which splintered from the National League for Democracy before the general elections in 2010, is fielding 13 candidates nationwide for the upcoming by-elections, two of whom are running in Kachin State.