In the spirit of fostering unity among the different groups in Burma, a youth alliance has been formed, gathering members representing 26 different ethnicities. The Ethnic Youth Alliance will “build friendship and trust among ethnic youths” said Khaing Lamin, who serves as the secretary.
Members have big plans to use the new alliance to “solve issues in ethnic areas with a combined force” Khaing Lamin said—including assisting with the country’s reform and peace process.
Saw Jasper, a Karen youth that joined the alliance, said: “I want all ethnic youths to take part [in this alliance]. I hope that we, the youth, will be able to do our best [to help] the government and [participate in] nation-building.”
Seven committees have been established to cover issues ranging from national equality; constitutional amendment; peace and reconciliation; rule of law; human rights; anti-narcotic efforts; resettlement of internally displaced persons; education; health; literature; culture; environment preservation and investment policies with natural resources.
The alliance was formed at the end of a National Ethnic Youth Conference that took place last week in the historic town Panglong—the site of where the Panglong Agreement was signed following Burma’s independence from Britain.
Hundreds of youth from across the country gathered to attend the conference in southern Shan State despite that Dr. Aung Than Maung, Shan State minister of ethnic affairs, suspended it in the final hour even though it already been already granted approval.
It’s not clear why the minister, who is Bamar, cancelled the conference. There were rumours that some members of the government were concerned that it might conflict with the upcoming Union Peace Conference (also 21st Century Panglong Conference) planned for the end of the month.
Regardless, the conference happened despite the ban without any punitive actions from local authorities.
Reporting by Sa Isue for KIC News
Translated by Thida Linn
