Hiebert calls on Burmese military to stop shelling in Kachin State

House of Commons Debates
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Statements by Members
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Burma

Mr. Russ Hiebert (South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, despite committing to a ceasefire last week, the Burmese military continues to shell Kachin state using heavy artillery and mortars, causing thousands to flee for their lives.

Last Thursday, the state capital, Laiza, was hit by mortars, killing three and injuring four more. The mayor reports that this city of 15,000 is largely deserted as people have fled into the countryside or into refugee camps. One camp, in a school on the edge of town, is now home for 7,500 people.

Some relief groups estimate as many as 100,000 people have been displaced within Kachin state. Without access to crops, clean water and proper sanitation, disease will be next. This is a disaster in the making.

I call on the Burmese military to live up to its commitments and immediately cease offensive military operations in Kachin state and hopefully, as peace talks begin, bargain with the Kachin people in good faith.

Watch the statement in video: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcM5mlDDJRI&feature=youtube_gdata_player>

Latest developments/update:
- A new round of peace talks reportedly agreed by both sides – the government and the Kachin Independent Organization/Kachin Independent Army – is to be taken place in Panhsang, a stronghold of another ethnic rebel group, United WA State Party/United WA State Army.

- KIO has issued a statement early this morning that they would reciprocate a cease-fire call; the government promptly welcomes this response.

- According to various reports, government's troops are quite close to the Kachin-stronghold, Liaza after a major-defense line was overrun by the government's troops a few days ago. The government promised that they would not take over Liaza. Some reports indicate Kachin Headquarter has been already moved out to a disclosed area to wage guerilla warfare.

- Meanwhile, a 40-day 'long march for peace' has reached to a quarter of their journey after 11 days – set off from Rangoon to Liaza. The march, consists of youths and monks, has been receiving warm receptions along the roads. Some blockage attempts were initially reported, but later cooperation from authorities received, according to a leader of the march.