_ By Hkun Hom
We wish to express our deepest condolence for Sao Seng Suk (aka Hkun Kya Nu ) who has passed away yesterday 5 PM.

He is survived by a highly dedicated wife Nang Hla Yin and two sons and a funeral rite is being planned in accordance with Shan Buddhist tradition.

Hkun Kya Nu along with his late brother Hkun Kya Oo, were second generation Shan political activists, following the father s’ footsteps of Hkun Kya Pu, who was instrumental in the lead up to Shan States joining the Union of Burma independence in 1948. Hkun Kya Pu was a strong pro Unionist but the vote was very close 49:51 in favour.

Hkun Kya Nu was one of the foremost Shan student leaders who had later joined with Sao Noi’s Num Suk Harn ( The Shan Warriors) that was to become a formidable armed Shan resistance movement that eventually led to the birth of Shan State Independence Army and then Shan State Army, under the leadership of Mahadevi (Princess) of Yawnghwe, the wife of the First President of the Union of Burma.

Despite its dissolution in 1975, most of the expatriate SSA members remain as active as ever under different structural organizations. Hkun Kya Nu was no exception. He might have controversially resolved to continue with the resistance movement in what is known as “diverse actions but common goal” and stay focussed on right of self-determination for Shan people. He will be greatly missed by many who share the same aspirations and vision with him.

His most notable achievement was, as a former Commander in Chief of SSA, he was able to unify fragmented armed resistance movements in Shan State under a shadow umbrella command including the merger of SURA (Shan United Revolutionary Army) and the remnants of former SSA fighting forces. These were streamlined into a more traditional banner and wearing the same badges despite their seemingly fragmented commands due to regional divisions.

He was tasked with the following leadership responsibilities right up to the last hour. 

• Acting Chairman of SDU (Shan Democratic Union)

• Active & Founding member of SSO ( Shan State Organization)

• Chairman of the Federal Constitution Drafting Committee

• A strategist federalist Think-Tank for the ENC (Ethnic National Council). 

Let there be peace with all the spirits of our fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their precious lives for defending their righteousness, human dignity and equality rights. 

Hkun Hom

as a former Founding SSO & SDU member,

as former Co-Chairman of SHRF,

& on behalf of Cabinet Members of the exiled Shan Government.