General N’Ban La, Chairman of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), has urged the public and the international community to fully support the political and military initiatives led by the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF).

Speaking on August 10 during an address marking Kachin Martyrs’ Day, General N’Ban La emphasized that unity among resistance forces and ethnic groups is critical to dismantling Myanmar’s military dictatorship and establishing regional self-determination based on the popular will.

Formed on March 30, 2026, the SCEF serves as a high-level coalition linking the opposition National Unity Government (NUG) and the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) with four major Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs): the KIO, Karen National Union (KNU), Chin National Front (CNF), and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP).

“Allowing each of our regions to govern itself freely based on the will of the people must remain the common goal of all revolutionary groups in the country,” General N’Ban La said. “We need sustained support for our revolution from neighboring countries, major powers, and international organizations as we advance step by step.”

The KIO leader highlighted that the KIO is actively working within the SCEF framework to bridge operational gaps between localized resistance groups and the civilian-led NUG, while facilitating higher-level international diplomatic engagement for the anti-junta coalition.

General N'Ban La also issued a stern warning against collaborating with the military regime, cautioning that "judgment day" will come for those who enable junta rule.

Addressing the Myanmar military directly, he demanded an immediate end to deliberate attacks on non-combatants and called for strict adherence to international laws of armed conflict.

“Do not target civilians, drag them into the conflict, or use them as human shields,” he said. “Everyone’s life and property must be valued and protected. Military codes of conduct during combat must be strictly observed.”

Kachin Martyrs’ Day is observed annually on August 10 to commemorate Lahtaw Zau Seng, founder of the KIO, and other senior leaders who were assassinated in 1975.

Founded in October 1960, the KIO and its armed wing, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), are among Myanmar’s oldest and most powerful ethnic resistance forces.