background of the organization

In 1998 uprising, we have participated as democracy activists at various regions in Burma. Then, we formed a political party: National Promotion Forum October 1988. But we realized “ 1989 Election Law”, as it was unjust, incomplete and full of tricks, traps. And that law showed SLORC’s intention not to hand-over the state power to any election winners of the Democratic personals or organizations. There was also loop-holes in constitutional matters and did not mention any constitution that will be used by this election law: That 1989 Election Law seemed to adherence to 1974 constitution, as it used People Representative for the PyiThuHluttaw Level, rather than Member of Parliament.. We opposed that election and fled to join the armed groups at the border in October, 1989.

We tried to approach with our strategy to some prominent groups, but it did not work. In May, 1990, we formed the Mobile Medical Team in New Mon State Party ( NMSP ) area where the Herbal Research Institute which tasks were inter related with the environmental and community development works, and other functions of team was training program Disaster Medicine and its management. It includes the usage of the Herbal Medicines in the state of emergency. Community medicine and environment awareness are also the parts of curriculum to promote the health and social status of the internally displaced people.

We formed an analysis group to assess the situation and current strategy, and distributed some analysis papers to concerned organizations, in confidential classification.

The year 1994, was the critical period and a difficult testing for us. The Three leaders of the National Promotion Forum agreed and signed to form a new political organization named as “ PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE FRONT”, to open doors for new blood and various groups on the 1st of January, 1995. The Central Organizing Committee of the Peoples’ Progressive Front was successfully formed on 6th January 1995 at golden hill, Payaw Range, Monland. It was formed as a political development party in order to be able to intensify Democratic people movement in Burma.

The People’s Progressive Front was formed mainly by
1. Leaders of the National Promotion Forum,
2. members of the mobile medical teams,
3. progressive students, and
4. patriotic persons
The location of PPF main base is situated in Golden Hill, Mon land.

PPF had performed Public relations and Communications Sector, Internal Displaced Peoples Program Sector and International Campaign for Democracy Sector in 1995-96.

Aims of the PPF( Progressive 88):
1.To build national reconciliation
2.To build a Democratic Federal Union, which recognize equality and self-determination rights of all ethnics.
3. To participate in International Peace Movement

Policy of the Progressive 88:
- It is a basic principle to form a Civilian Interim Government to solve nation’s political problems politically.( The military as an institution can assure the success of Tripartite Dialogue)
- The Progressive 88 recognizes and pays respect to the outcome of 1990 May Election as genuine will of the Public.
- The Progressive 88 will perform such tasks which can accelerate the momentum of democratic movement in Burma, including peoples’ resistance movement, and civil society development.

Concept of PPF:

(The Progressive 88 believe that the current military Junta is trying to manipulate the weakness of the oppositions, and also on the (negligence) of the common people.
The military in their barracks is the favorable condition for Tripartite Dialogue to solve all the State Interest including constitutional matter. )

Strategy of PPF:

The Progressive 88 will set up it politico-military Strategy to fulfill its goals.
The Progressive 88 denounces the terrorism and terrorist act.

email. ppf@odfb.org

Background