2/2) THE BRIEF HISTORY OF NDF(1994)

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/* Posted 29 Sep 6:00am 1998 by drunoo@xxxxxxxxxxxx in igc:reg.burma &
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/* --------------" Brief History of NDF (2/2) "------------------ */

A BRIEF HISTORY OF NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT (2/2)
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Aims and Objects of The NDF

In a National Democratic System whereby the ethnic peoples
enjoy equality and right of self-determination are the aims
and objects of the National Democratic Front. In this respect
the ethnic peoples are desirous of attaining states with
justifiable delimitation united in a true federal union.
the aspire for freedom, equality and social progress of all
the ethnic nationalities.

The Basic Programme of The NDF

1. All the ethnic inhabitants of Burma are leading a common
miserable life. Burmans are being economically exploited.
Other ethnic peoples are economically exploited and are
racially dominated. That is why the struggle they are
carrying on aims at ethnic freedom, equality and social
progress.

2. Ultra-natiolalism, bureaucratic military dictatorship
and single party system, which obstruct the ethnic freedom,
equality and social progress must be done away with.

3. The essence of the armed resistance in Burma today are
to attain ethnic liberation and democracy.

4. To form a true federal union where equality and right
of self-determination are assured.

The Privileges Of NDF Members

1. Each member has the right to enjoy all the good effects
gained by the NDF

2. Each member has the right to freely participate in
discussions, to put up resolutions and to make decision.

3. IN matters needing vote, each member is entitled to
one vote only.

4. Constructive criticism is allowed in matters relating
to the Front.

5.  After official presentation, amember can withdraw
from the Front voluntarily.

Organizational Structure Of The NDF

1. Matters relating to basic principles are decided by
consensus of all members. Passed resolutions are
obligated to be carried out by all whereas unresolved
matters should continue to be discussed until consensus
is reached.

2. In deciding functional matters, 2/3 majority is
normal procedure.

3. Members should refrain from medding into another
member's internal matters.

4. Sovereignty of members should be respected reciprocally.

5. Able members or the NDF succor those members in need.

THe Authorised Bodies Of The NDF Are

A. The Congress
B. The Presidium and
C. The Central Executive Committee

A. The Congress

1. Congress is held once in 4-years.

2. Drawing up of programme, its revision and amemdments
are made at the Congress. NDF Constitution and its
amendments are also made at the Congress.

3. The Presidium is elected at the Congress. Each member
is entitled to 4 to 6 representatives in the Presidium.
One of the two top leaders from each member must be
included in the representatives list.

4. President, Vice-President, General Secretary and Joint
Secretary of the central Executive Committee are elected
from the list of the Presidium. The election should
signify the form of the NDF.

B. The Functions of The Presidium

1. With the exception of the President, Vice-President,
General Secretary and JOint General Secretary who are
elected by the Congress the Presidium elects the Central
Executive Committee members.

2. The Presidium sits once in 3 months. Emergency meeting
is called when necessary.

3. The Presidium elects leaders and deputy leaders of the
Organizing, Military, Finance and Foreign Departments.

4. The Presidium officiates the policies and functions
laid down by the Congress accordingly.

C. The Functions Of The Central Executive Committee

There are five departments under the supervision of the
Central Executive Committee(CEC). The are:

1. Organizing Department
2. Military Affairs Department
3. Foreign Affairs Department
4. Economic Department and
5. finance Department
* They carry out the functions laid down by the EC.
* The EC sits once in 3 months.

The 1st Congress of The NDF

The 1st Congress of the NDF was held at Manerplaw from
23rd June to 13th JUly, 1982. Gen Saw bo Mya presided as
Chairman of the Congress. Col. Hseng Han (SSPP) acted as
Vice Chairman and Khun Toh Nee(KNPP) and Padoh Soe Aung
acted as master and joint master of ceremony respectively.

Members that Attended The First Congress Were

1. Arakan Liberation Party (ALP)
2. Karenni National Progressive Party(KNPP)
3. Karen National Union(KNU)
4. Lahu National Unity Party (KNUP)
5. New Mon State Party (NMSP)
6. Shan State Progress Party (SSPP)
7. Pa-O National Organization (PNO)

The Executive committee members, elected by the 1st Congress
were as follows:

/* Added Note: The document reports about the NDF's
membership details in the following:

1st Congress, 23rd June to 13th July 1982;
2nd Congress, 25th May to 8th July 1987;
3rd Congress, 24th June to 8th July 1991;

 which is omitted here. */

Extension of the NDF [1988, prior to the 3rd Congress of NDF]

NDF is championing the cause of national rights, democratic
rights and human rights of all the ethnic peoples. After
pro-democracy demonstrations were crushed by the military
junta lad by Ge. Saw Maung, in 18th September, 1988, hoards
of students, monks civilians and military personnel fled to
havens under the control of members of the NDF. The NDF
members warmly welcomed the students and helped them formed
the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) on 5th
November, 1988. With the initiative of the NDF an umbrella
organization under the name of the Democratic Alliance of
Burma (DAB) comprising 21 organizations was formed on
18th November, 1988.

The DAB is functioning according to the four principles
laid down by the NDF. They are:"

1. To topple down the military dictatorship.
2. To set up a democratic government.
3. To restore internal peace and
4. To struggle for national unity and create a true
federal union of States.

The members that attendee the 3rd Congress Were:

1. Arakan Liberation Party
2. Chin National Front
3. Kachin Independence Organization
4. Kayan New Land Party
5. Karenni National Progressive Party
6. Karen National Union
7. Lahu National Organization
8. New Mon State Party
9. Wa National Organization.

 Note. In 1990, the State Law and Order Restoration
 Council (SLORC) made a tactical peace offensive,
 in some cases with coercion, to members of the NDF
 to come into ceasefire agreement with retention of arms.
 The Palaung State Liberation Party, the Pa-O National
 Organization and a large number of the Shan State
 Progress Party fell victims to this ploy.

New True Federal Union Aimed AT By the NDF

1. There would be Federal Government and State Governments

2. There would be two Assemblies, National Assembly and
People Representative Assembly. National Assembly shall
be composed of equal number or Representatives from each
state and People's Representative Assembly shall be
composed of representatives elected by the people
qualified to vote in the constituencies specified on
the basis of population in the whole of the Federal
Union. Joint Meeting of two the Assemblies shall be
vested with the highest legislative power of the Federal
Union.

3. Multi-Party System would be practiced.

4. Defense, Foreign, Communication, Transportation and
Currency matters would be entrusted to the Federal
Government.

5. The government in the States shall be elected according
to the democratic electoral system and they shall
administer them under the principles of self-determination.

/* End Part 2 of 2 */