NUG’s India representative fired for sexual assault

By Admin 04 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 August 2024, Sittwe

The National Unity Government (NUG) announced on August 3 that its representative to India, Salai Isaac Khen, was removed from his post following a complaint that he sexually harassed a female subordinate.

Salai Isaac Khen was suspended from duty on June 25 following the complaint.

He was dismissed from his post effective August 1 in accordance with the review and decision of the NUG Sexual Protection Policy Central Committee said in a statement.

The issue is a sensitive one for the NUG, Myanmar’s parallel administration and effectively a government in exile, which has been a staunch advocate for human rights and women’s empowerment in contrast to the ruling military regime that it opposes.

The NUG Sexual Protection Policy Central Committee’s statement said that a review of documents and testimony from witnesses found that Salai Isaac Khen had indeed committed sexual harassment.

A woman working at the NUG’s office in India filed a complaint with the NUG’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 8, alleging that Salai Isaac Khen sexually harassed her and treated her in a demeaning manner at work.

The NUG initially appeared to downplay the allegations but suspended Salai Isaac Khen last month pending the outcome of its investigation amid a growing outcry.

The NUG’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that appropriate support measures would be taken for the victim and corroborating witnesses.

Salai Isaac Khen was a former minister of Municipalities and Industry for the Chin State government under the rule of the NLD government and is founder of the Gender and Development Institute-Myanmar.