A research paper reading session on Arakanese history, the first-of-its kind in Sittwe, was held at Arian Hall on Strand Road in the Arakan State capital on Sunday.

Author Khaing Mawkun, a member of the event organising committee, said that research papers were mainly read to clarify controversial assumptions about Arakanese history and to strengthen research on Arakanese history.

“Research is different today and tomorrow; the more we find it, the more we search, so we are organising this event with the aim of supporting information on ancient cultural traditions by reading such papers,” he added.

Those who read research papers on Arakanese history were Arakan historians U Aung Hla Thein, U Ni Min Shin (Sittwe) and U Maung Phyu (Kritaekyun).

The topics covered in the papers included four eras from the Danyawadi period to the Mrauk-U period, and the participants discussed their historical views with each other.

The Venerable Ashin Pyinnarsara, who attended the event, said that there is a need to organise more research paper reading sessions on Arakanese history in order to preserve the historical tradition.

“I would like to urge the event organisers to hold research paper reading sessions and encourage those concerned to preserve historical records. It is necessary to invite scholars to visit and hold many such events,” the monk added.

Nearly 100 people including Arakanese historians, writers, Buddhist monks and members of local civil society organisations, as well as Arakan State Attorney-General U Hla Thein, attended the event.