Shan New Year faces restriction in Burma

_{By Kwarn Lake}


 In the towns of Muse and Namkham in northern Shan State, the authorities have asked the celebration organizers to sign affidavits that they will not perform any political activities during the festival. Celebrations are also to be limited and monitored.

 "For many years, we have played traditional games, racing and Shan dancing all day without restrictions. These traditional activities bring harmony and unity in our community. It is also opportunity for us to meet each other and be close relationship among our Shan people, but this year the people are being upset by the order from authorities. We will be allowed to celebrate only one night", said a local resident in Namkham, northern Shan State.

According to a source from Monghsu, southern Shan State, members of Shan Literature and Culture Committees in Taunggyi, Lashio and Kengtung as well as the capital cities of Burma such as Rangoon and Mandalay have been ordered by the regional commanders of Burmese military regime to pompously celebrate the New Year.

 "In Shan State and other parts of Burma, it's impossible to celebrate without permission from the Burmese military authorities" said a Shan elder from Muse who wants to remain anonymity.

 A Muse resident says, the presidents of Shan Literature and Culture Committees are told to sign affidavits by Brig-Gen Aung Than Tut, the Commander of Northern Region Command and Chairman of Shan State North Peace and Development Council, that there will be no political uprising, gathering of the people connected to politics.

Meanwhile, the 80th anniversary of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej's birthday and Shan New Year will be cerebrated at the same time at Loi Tai Leng, the headquarter of Shan State Army (SSA) on the Thai-Burma border, according to a source close to SSA..

 It is said that Shan New Year also will be held in many cities around the world such as New York, London, Singapore, Jiegao and Ruili in the Yunnan province of China, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Thai-Burma border towns such as Fang, Mae Hong Son and Mae Sai.