The Kayan New Land Party (KNLP) has called for the inclusion of all EAOs (ethnic armed groups) in the ruling NLD’s plan to build up a future union and form a national unity government.

The Kayan New Land Party issued a statement on December 30th, 2020.

So far the NLD’s plans are very vague and they have only focused on meetings with winning candidates from ethnic parties. The ruling NLD has been holding discussions with ethnic parties since the beginning of 2021.

The NLD held talks with the winning candidates from Kachin ethnic parties. The meeting between the NLD and the Mon Unity Party was stymied after a disagreement over venue.

U Ye Khaung, official of the KNLP’s external relation department that is also an armed group in Kayah State said: “We have constantly said that the political demands shall be made by political means. In its statement, the party urged the NLD to meet the ethnic parties which really represent the locals. The party sent the open letters to the government to allow it to participate in the local peace processes. “

The party set up on August 8th, 1964 has around 2,000 members and reached a ceasefire agreement with the government on July 26th, 1994.

The Kayan New Land Party based in Sibu village in Phalkhone Township in southern Shan State, is trying to gain Kayan autonomy.

There are seven ethnic armed groups in Kayah State. The Karenni National Development Party is the only EAO in Kayah invited to attend the peace talks.