Soldiers of the Kachin Independence Army posted at the Lawa Yang frontline say the only way to achieve genuine peace in Burma is to grant the ethnic groups autonomy and self-determination.

“We are dedicated to autonomy and self-determination, which we have been striving for relentlessly”, said a KIA soldier to DVB. “It is not that we prefer to make a living from the war but it is important that people have a right to autonomy and self-determination.”

“Ethnic people from various regions in Burma deserve the right to autonomy and self-determination”, said a KIA commander. “If the ethnic populations, following the political dialogue, can be granted the rights they deserve, I think that genuine peace will come.”

The KIA commander said the group will have ‘no problems’ working together with the Burmese army for the sake of the country, as long as the ethnic people are treated fairly.

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