SPECIAL EDITION
ABSDF head says armed struggle to continue
Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1245 gmt 5 Oct 00
The All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) is to set up a political wing to enable the group to focus its efforts on the armed struggle against Burma's military authorities. In a statement broadcast by Burmese opposition radio, the head of the organization, Sai Myint Thu, also said the pursuit of political activity had been strictly limited under the ABSDF programme. Under the new organization every effort would be put into political programmes which would assist the armed struggle. Sai Myint Thu added, however, that the new ABSDF would "not act as fundamentalists."
Text of statement by All Burma Students' Democratic Front Chairman Sai Myint Thu, broadcast by Burmese opposition radio on 5th October
I am comrade Sai Myint Thu. I was appointed as chairman of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front, ABSDF, Central Committee at the recently-concluded Central Committee meeting of the fifth ABSDF congress. The Central Committee meeting was attended by all battalion and regimental commanders.
The prevailing political situation in Burma was reviewed from all sectors and angles. All our programmes were also reviewed. Discussions were held to reorganize the organization in order to perform better organizational activities after enduring 12 years of limitations and difficulties, and to become an active force and participate in Burma's democratic struggle. Problems were defined, solutions were found, and resolutions were adopted.
What I would like to say to the people at this stage is that this does not signifies disunity among the ABSDF nor is it finding a smoother way out of the ABSDF leadership struggle. It is done to separate the ABSDF, which will concentrate its activities on armed struggle, and another body which will concentrate on political activities. It is also intended to halt and overcome the ideological differences that have plagued the group for some years. Furthermore, it is also meant to rise above the limitations hampering armed struggle and effective political activities. Discussions on reorganization were held prior to the meeting and workshops were also conducted during the conference.
I would like to present to you the resolutions passed by the Central Committee meeting: To form a separate political wing and clearly pursue broad political activity which is strictly limited under the ABSDF programme.
While the ABSDF continued its path of armed struggle the door is wide open for every member to express his ideology and belief. Furthermore, this period is considered as a transitional period and the new Central Committee which is in charge during this period will oversee the stability of the organization and the smooth changes. We have retained the leaders who will join the political parties and appointed them as advisers in our central committee. They will work closely together with the Central Committee. After the transition period, the various organizations will stand by themselves as separate entities.
Another fact is the ABSDF - which will continue its armed struggle; a new political organization, and the Democratic Party for a New Society [DPNS] will cooperate closely. The main 8-8-88 force [protesters that participated in 8th August 1988 mass pro-democracy protests] should be politically prepared and ready. Just as the ABSDF will carry out its revolutionary duties together with its allied national races, we will put every effort into political programmes that will greatly assist the armed struggle. To participate in community services, it is essential to build a united armed force that is politically alert.
I would also like to say that we will not act as fundamentalists. We intend to utilize our strength systematically in the united fronts. We also plan to develop the ideology, discipline, and technology of the student army while staying on the national political path to obtain the four national objectives. At the same time we are making preparations to present ABSDF's report to the ILO [International Labour Organization] conference to be held in November about the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] use of forced labour. We are also arranging to support and assist the Free Burma Coalition-led activities to remove the SPDC from the UN seat, the UN unseat campaign.
Finally, I would like to present to the people and international sympathizers that Burma's problem is a political one and it is clear that democracy could not flourish under a military dictatorship. The populace need to participate in the struggle for freedom to liberate the oppressed from the oppressors. It is also necessary to note that the politicians are not the only ones responsible for the liberation of Burma. If everyone acts with political awareness to build the future nation and work for the equality of all, no military dictatorship could survive in Burma.
There is an urgent need to end the problem of human rights and democracy, and the rights of the national races. It is time to show goodwill and begin a meaningful and viable dialogue. Some SPDC military officers and the soldiers and their family members also wanted that. We are saying this because we have learned about the desires of military officers and soldiers.
Although the country's education and health sectors are in a shambles, the military expenditure and the budget to run the SPDC administrative machinery is increasing. This has always been the topic of discussion among foreign observers. Every oppressed person knows that the lack of sound economic policy has led to the failure because the 12 years of military dictatorship has profited the people nothing. There is a need to abolish military dictatorship which rely on weapons to oppress the people whenever there a political demand is made.
The ABSDF condemns the SPDC's one-sided restriction imposed on the activities of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD [National League for Democracy] members. The ABSDF fully supports the Committee Representing Peoples' Parliament [CRPP]. Moreover, the ABSDF recognizes the efforts and courage of the various CRPP work committees.
The ABSDF chose armed struggle because it believes that the only path to achieve its political objectives is the path of armed struggle. The ABSDF will oppose and suppress narcotic drugs activities which is a threat to regional security and affects national economy. I hereby present this with the hope that the people and international sympathizers will know and understand our conviction, lend us support, and cooperate with us.