National day jointly observed

National day jointly observed

Politics

The day leaders of the former Shan States - today's Shan State - rose up in defiance against their British masters in 1947 was being collectively celebrated by representatives from armed groups that had yet to conclude agreements with Rangoon. 

The 56th anniversary of Shan State's National Day at the Shan State Army "South" headquarters of Loi Taileng, opposite Maehongson's Pang Mapha District, was participated by delegates from Lahu Democratic Front, Palaung State Liberation Front, Pa-O People's Liberation Organization and Wa National Organization, as well as local people from the surrounding area totalling a thousand in all, according to a S.H.A.N. source. 

This was the first time the groups have met since the Shan State Nationalities Solidarity Committee, the off-shoot of the United Nationalities Shan State Army (1997), was formed on 17 July 1999. 

"We need to be strong to achieve freedom for our people", said Col Yawdserk, leader of the SSA. "And to be strong, we need to be flexible towards each other." 

The outcome of the Committee's meeting that was held after the ceremony is yet to be announced. 

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma of Dr Sein Win also sent a well-wish message to the people of Shan State on the occasion.

Altogether 14 groups, including the United Wa State Army, have entered peace treaties with Rangoon since 1989.