The Kachin Independence Organisation is one of the largest groups refusing to join a nationwide ceasefire agreement which the government intends to sign with a minority of armed ethnic factions on October 15. KIO deputy chief of staff Major General Gun Maw spoke to senior reporter Ye Mon of The Myanmar Times at a summit of armed ethnic organisationsin Chiang Mai, held from September 28 to 30, when divisions among them dealt a blow to hopes that a genuine "nationwide" ceasefire would be reached.

What are your views on whether the decisions reached in Chiang Mai will have a positive or negative outcome?

We had not predicted the results of the Chiang Mai summit. Whether they will be positive or negative depends also on the intentions of the government. Some groups among us will sign and others will not. Under these circumstances we must try to achieve our goal. It depends on our own hard work whether good or bad comes out of this. So we need to wait and see a while.

What are the repercussions of the decision by the seven ethnic armed groups to sign the ceasefire?

There are various kinds of disputes among the ethnic groups. The Chiang Mai summit saw us having a common standpoint on building a federal country but through different approaches. The common position means building a federal country together.

What are the other reasons the KIO will not sign, apart from the government’s refusal to include all armed groups?

There is no other reason. We can’t sign if the government does not accept a policy of involving all groups. There is no difficulty on our side if they accept a policy to bring in everyone and show this in public.

According to recent reports by Myawaddy on the conflict, the Kachin Independence Army arrested some people and the Tatmadaw attacked in response. Is that correct? What is the conflict situation?

Myawaddy is the news agency that carries the Tatmadaw version of events. People cannot trust it at all. They need to read independent news agencies. There are many reasons for the war. I say the main reason is that they [the Tatmadaw] want to be at war, so war is happening. The Tatmadaw did not control the fighting even after the KIA met Commander-in-Chief [Senior General Min Aung Hlaing] in Nay Pyi Taw. The war depends on his word. We have no choice if the Tatmadaw attacks us for not signing the ceasefire agreement. We have to defend ourselves.

What is the KIO policy on military engagement?

We have never been on the offensive throughout the [two years of] negotiations. Junior officers requested to the central committee that we end our defensive approach. But the central committee, including our chief of staff, said we should not change this defensive strategy during the peace talks and the election.

Will the KIO provide security for the parliamentary election?

We will not make any disturbance in the elections and will not provide security. The KIO does not want to comment on the elections. We will not make any obstacles as it is an mportant time for the country.

How will the opposing groups in the ceasefire deal with each other?

We need to have private discussions between those signing and those not signing. The groups joining will meet the government and sign. And then they will meet us. We will hold detailed discussions on future plans.

Will there be another summit of all groups?

We are not sure if the next session will be a top leaders’ summit or a coordinating meeting between the two groups. But everyone will be included.

What is the relationship between the KIO and the Karen National Union?

The relationship between the KNU and the KIO is normal. We have disagreements at conferences but we understand each group has its own opinion. The KNU doesn’t interfere in the decisions of the KIO, and vice versa. We are allies for the revolution.

Do you have contact with the Wa armed group?

We contact each other if we need to. I can’t say more than that.

There is criticism that the KIO supports the Arakan Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Kokang MNDAA. Is that true?

The AA and the TNLA stay together with us [in Kachin State]. And we are separated from the MNDAA only by a stream. We don’t support them. But we are an alliance.

On social issues, a college is opening at Mai Ja Yang in Kachin State with KIO support. What kind of young people could attend?

A Kachin education committee has been set up by Kachin people. The KIO supports their needs. I am on the committee with a member of the KIO education department. The college is [independent] to develop well-educated people.

What education system is adopted and what subjects will be taught? How is the college funded?

We plan to award four-year diplomas and to link up with other colleges. We chose to focus mainly on English, social sciences, political science and development studies. Kachin organisations can find funding. We plan to form an independent college council. Some teachers have been recruited. The KIO will also help students so they can afford to attend.

What about students who are from far away?

We plan to have boarding facilities for students coming long distances. There will be an affordable canteen. We aim to connect with colleges from Myanmar’s developing private school sector.

Where does the KIO get its funding from for schools? Does the KIO get financial support from China?

The KIO’s main income is from taxation. No government helps us although the KIO has existed for more than 50 years. It stands on its own feet.

How is the situation for people displaced by war in KIO-controlled areas?

They all are poor. Some get aid but some do not. The KIO provides them with help as much as it can.

 Translation by Emoon and Thiri Min Htun