ENGLISH DEYEA NEWS

DVB | Daw Nu Nu Aye, one of the patrons and founders of democratic veterans, ex-member of All Burma Students Democratic Front and veteran of Burma's air force, died in Thai border town Mae Sot, at the age of 70.

Ko Win Khine, who tended her at Mae Tao clinic told DVB that Nu Nu Aye died on 9 November from heart attack triggered off by diabetes and kidney diseases.

"The main cause of her death is she had diabetes, kidney and heart (diseases). Her sudden death was caused by heart attack, the doctors noted thus," Ko Win Khine said.

"We are forming a committee to arrange a proper funeral for her."

After the Burmese army staged a coup in 1988, Nu Nu Aye fled to Thai-Burma border and took refuge in Salween Uthutta jungle camp.

"When we were in Salween camp, she became the leader for 17 female fighters. She guided them as a mother, a teacher and an experienced female soldier," said Moe Kyaw Oo who was a colleague of her in the ABSDF.

"It feels like losing the mother of our army. It is a great loss to us and it will affect our revolution in the future," a comrade of her Ko Myo Thant said.

Nu Nu Aye held the rank of sergeant before she deserted the air force and joined pro-democracy rebel forces.

Reporting by Htet Yazar