Panglong Conference Begins

Panglong Conference Begins

Back To The Past-Today 
3 February 1947 

This historic 10-day conference begins today at the southern town of Panglong in Laikha State of the Federated Shan States. 

Its first session is attended by the ruling princes from the 34 states and representatives of the people and their organizations. It is chaired by Khun Pan Sing, Prince of Loilong (Towngpeng) and President of the Shan States Saohpas (Princes) Council, with Khun Sang Sarm as the master of ceremony. 

The meeting considers two telegrams from the Office of the Resident, Southern Shan States, to the SSSC: 
One enquiring whether the proposal meeting in Taunggyi on 15 February shall be the annual meeting of the Federal Council chaired by the commissioner; and the other replying the princes' proposals that the governor endorse the formation of a new federal council that shall also include people's representatives, and to transfer "the power of recruitment, appointment and removal of officers for service in the Federated Shan States heretofore vested in the Governor of Burma and Secretary of State for Burma". According to the reply, the proposals could only be deliberated and resolved at the meeting of the Federal Council. 

The reply to the two telegrams composed by the meeting and signed by Khun Pan Sing confirms that the projected Taunggyi meeting would be participated by both the ruling princes and representatives of the people. 

The telegram is to be sent the following day. It signifies the first act of unified stand by the people of Shan State against the British. 

The meeting however is yet to deliberate on the Aung San-Atlee Agreement signed on 27 January. (See Back To The Past-Today, 27 January) 

Asked the reason for selecting Panglong for a conference Khun Kya Bu, the representative from Hsipaw, replied: "A suitable place that was accessible to various racial delegates and the availability of necessary amenities were prior considerations in choosing a site for a conference. The needs were: 

1. It must be outside the municipal areas or notified areas where I.P.C. (?) and Frontier Crossing Acts were in force; 

2. It should be within the jurisdiction of Saohpas and at the same time the place chosen should conincide with the annual state festivals, where people easily can gather for the Conference and for the festival enjoyment. 

Panglong was therefore an ideal place, quiet and peaceful, easily accessible to both Kachin and Chin delegates, and free from any legal interference from the British Government".