Burmese Rebel Leader Assassinated
February 14th, 2008The Karen National Union represent Burma’s largest rebel group seeking a peace settlement. This morning, their Secretary General Padoh Mahn Shar Lah Phan was killed while sitting outside his home. The murder comes after his recent prediction that the Burmese military had issued a hit list for various people to be killed. He is survived by his three children, whom have released a statement:
“We are very sad to lose a great father and a great leader. We were lucky to have a father who was caring and full of love. He gave us guidance and support, and taught us tolerance and to stand against injustice. He could not give us wealth or luxury, but ensured that we had an education and the opportunity to fulfill our potential
He was always humble, yet a strong and brave leader. He dedicated his life to the struggle, and always put the welfare of his people and his country before himself. His example of determination and self-sacrifice to win our freedom won him the love and respect of not just the Karen people, but also the Burmese democracy movement and of freedom loving people around the world.
He will be remembered by many not only as an inspirational leader, but also on a personal level for the many acts of kindness he performed for those who needed help.
We are proud to be his children, as all Karen people and all people who long for freedom in Burma are proud of him. Our father may be dead, but we will remember him. He taught us that it was our duty to work for the Karen people, and as his children we will continue his dedicated work towards true freedom for our people and peace in our country.
His determination for freedom and democracy lives on within us and within the Karen people. He did not live to see freedom for our people, but his dream will be fulfilled. The Karen, and all the people of Burma, will be free.
We will be establishing a foundation in memory of our father. For the time being, donations can be made online at www.burmacampaign.org.uk
Saw Say Say
Nant Bwa Bwa Phan
Nant Zoya Phan
Slone Phan”
For a more complete profile of the events, check out BBC’s article.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
wow it was just on feb.13 when we watched the movie invisible children at school
February 18th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Hi my name is Natasha at my school,Barber Middle, we watched an amazing and moving movie from your website about the invisible children. I think its great what you are doing and although i’m young I would like to do anything to help. I hope you read this and I also am greatful that this war is beening taken care of and the children are helped!
February 20th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
My prayers go out to the family of the Secretary General and all those mourning his death. The people of Burma are a constant source of inspiration to me in their patient yet impassioned fight for freedom and democracy. I wish more people and nations would rally to support their little publicized struggle. The hope is that soon they will no longer be left unheard or unseen. Blessings in the future, and condolences on your loss.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:17 am
I’m a senior at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, TN. Knoxville has been flooded with Burmese refugees due to the upheaval taking place in that country. Our school sends students to help them adjust to their new lives here. This is the first time most of them have seen a stove, indoor plumbing, a refrigerator, etc. so they all lack the life skills required to live in such a living situation. JBC students teach them the necessary skills to live each day as well, such as grocery shopping, paying bills, etc. We’re also teaching them English so that they can communicate better.
There are just so many people suffering in the world. I’m glad Invisible Children is working hard to open our nation’s and the world’s eyes to these pockets of people that no one would hear about otherwise.