Transformed into a Border Guard Force (accepted on 24 June, transformed in 8 Nov 2009)
Facts
Founded: 1989 Founders: Zahkung Ting Ying and Layawk Zelum Leader: Zahkung Ting Ying Membership: 200-300 soldiers Affiliated with: KSPP Ceasefire agreement: Dec 1989? or 1993? Special Zone: Pan Wah, Kachin State Special Region-1
Latest News
Background
The New Democratic Army - Kachin (NDA-K), based in North-eastern Kachin state along the Sino-Burma border, was founded by former Kachin Independent Organization (KIO) officers Zahkung Tingying and Layawk Zelum in 1989. The pro-Communist NDA-K split from the KIO due to political differences and the faction which included 700 soldiers sided with the regime after agreeing to a ceasefire in 1989. It operated as the regime's “special police” and in return received an operating budget, ration supplies and 600 soldiers were paid by the state. It is one of the first ethnic armed cease-fire groups to exercise its duties as a border guard force in November 2009. Some members have also joined the Kachin State Progressive Party (KSPP) to contest in this year's election.
The NDA-K aims to fight for the security, social, economic and educational development of its people, and have said they believe that their hopes would materialize after the elected government assumes office following the 2010 elections. Sources say that following the ceasefire agreement in 1989, the NDA-K has focused more on business than politics and has not maintained active armed cadres.
Party Central Executive Committee
Chairman
Zahkung Ting Ying
Vice-chairman (1)
General Secretary
Statements
Activities
Date
Location
Details
24 June 2009
Agreed to transform into a borderguard force during a meeting with the junta’s Northern Military Commander Brig-Gen Soe Win at the NDAK headquarters in Pang Wa. Three NDA-K guard battalions, stationed opposite the KIA front line, will monitor 10 miles of the Sino-Burmese border between Pangwah and Pangse Pass. stationed in Waw Chong region, east of Chi Bwe, near Phi Maw village as No. 1001 Battalion, Pan Wah region near Lope Pi village as No. 1002 Battalion and finally in Chi Bwe Township, Kampaiti, near Wan Khun village as No. 1003 Battalion.
17 Mar 2009
New Democratic Army-Kachin has declared it is ready to abandon armed struggle after the 2010 general elections, if the new elected government urges them to do so.
