The National League for Democracy (NLD) has finally broken its silence over the controversial dismissal of its executive members in Shan State by the party’s secretary, Win Htein.

In early September, five senior members of the NLD in eastern Burma were dismissed from their posts by Win Htein who accused them of: involvement with local NGOs and CSOs; and a lack of contribution in the winning campaign for the 2015 general election.

He is said to have personally replaced them with handpicked individuals. The move drew widespread criticism from local NLD members, calling it unfair and demanding the party’s leadership look into the matter.

NLD spokesperson Nyan Win told DVB yesterday the party will investigate the matter thoroughly.

“Regarding the allegations of wrongdoing concerning NLD members in Taunggyi and their dismissal, we need a thorough investigation to find the truth,” said Nyan Win.

The NLD spokesman conceded that any failure on the party’s part to look into the matter could result in a loss of credibility.

Khin Moe Moe, the former NLD Shan State chairman who was among the five who were purged, said Win Htien’s accusations against her were baseless.

“I previously sent a formal letter to the NLD headquarters explaining that the allegations by U Win Htein against us were not true. Otherwise he must provide proof to back it up,” she said.

“[Win Htein] also accused me of inviting local Special Branch police to a party meeting, so he should provide details.”

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Nyan Win confirmed that Win Htein dismissed the five Shan State executives of his own volition, and that he did not seek the consent of the party leadership.

“He did it without consent from the central executive committee – he acted on his own, based on what he saw and the information he had.”

Win Htein was unavailable for comment this week; however he did grant an interview with DVB recently when he addressed the incident. Read HERE