“The Union Peace Conference – or the 21st-Century Panglong Conference – is the sole channel for addressing political questions by way of political means,” he said, speaking at the 69th Chin National Day ceremony in Falam on February 20. “We will only be able to march towards the goal of attaining peace and establishing a democratic federal Union by first going through this step – the 21st-Century Panglong.”

He added that the emergence of a truly federal system of government, one that ensures equality and self-determination for ethnic nationals as they desire, will only be possible through the successful conclusion of the Panglong events, which the government has decided to hold every six months. The forthcoming conference, the second, was delayed amid ongoing tensions over which groups could attend and in what capacity. It is now scheduled to convene in March.

President U Htin Kyaw also said that he feels happy that the Chin national-level political dialogue will be going ahead in Htantlang township from February 27 to March 1. The government had initially announced intentions to postpone dialogues in Chin and Rakhine states due to alleged concerns over geography and stability. However, in the case of Chin State the decision was reversed amid widespread objections aired by ethnic armed groups.

The 69th Chin National Day event was held at the centurial park in Falam town. In addition to President U Htin Kyaw the event was attended by First Lady Daw Su Su Lwin, Chin State Chief Minister Salai Lian Luai and his cabinet, state hluttaw Speaker U Zo Bawi, chair of the Chin National Front Pu Zing Cung and representatives from political parties.

Translated by Zin Linn

Edited by Laignee Barron