At one of the commemorative events, staged by the Shan State Progressive Party, around 1,000 people, including members of the ethnic armed group, marched in a parade at the headquarters in Wan Hai.

General Say Htin, patron of the SSPP/SSA, asked for the public’s patience and cooperation.

“We are still standing by the public and bearing arms to protect them. We will continue to march forward together through thick and thin. There may be conflicts, but we need to be patient with each other in order to support our unity and strength,” he said. “The day the public and the army become separated is the day the army disintegrates.”

At another event in Loi Tai Leng held by the Restoration Council of Shan State, Lieutenant General Yawd Serk pledged to uphold peace, and addressed reports of civilians being arrested.

“The RCSS/SSA has continued to preserve peace as it is one of the signatories of the nationwide ceasefire agreement with the government. As we are a lawful organization, I urge you to immediately report to the nearest RCSS liaison office if any local residents have been detained,” he said.

At the Loi Tai Leng event, Daw Nan Lu, wife of Shan revolutionary Sao Noi, delivered a speech to a crowd of around 3,000. Certificates of honor were presented to families of deceased soldiers, and memorial wreaths were placed at a martyr’s mausoleum.

Shan Revolution Day is commemorated every year to mark the Shan resistance launched by Sao Noi in 1958.

Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron