Three jailed Kachin activists received the Kachin Human Rights Award in Myitkyina, Kachin State, on Wednesday.
Relatives of the individuals—Lum Zawng, Nang Pu, and Zau Jat—were presented with certificates and 4 million kyat (US$2,565) each.
The award, which bears the acronym MUSHE in the Jingphaw language, was given by the Wunpawng Amyu Sha Mung Bawng Rapdaw organization and the World Kachin Congress for the activists’ leading role in campaigning for the safety of internally displaced people trapped in a Kachin State conflict zone last year.
“We are giving this award because we want our youth to be brave in seeking justice in the future,” Sut Seng Htoi, a member of the awarding committee, told KNG.
The ceremony took place in Majwe Hall in Myitkyina’s Sitapu ward at 10:00 a.m. on February 13.
Lum Zawng, Nang Pu and Zau Jat were sentenced to six months in prison in December 2018 for defaming the Burmese military in their demonstration against a military blockage which was preventing civilians from leaving an active warzone in Hpakant and Tanai townships.
They were also fined 500,000 kyat ($324).
In addition to leading the protest, Lum Zawng is a laywer, Nang Pu heads the Htoi Gender and Development Foundation, and Zau Jat works with the Kachin Social Development Foundation.
