A ceremony to celebrate the 51st annual Myanmar Police Force Day, which was first held on 1 October 1964, took place at Yezani Hall in Hakha on 1 October at 8am.
Chin state politicians including the Chief Minister, the secretary of state, ministers and members of parliament attended. From the police force there were department officials, police officials, warrant officers, corporals and their families. Also attending were local elders, leaders of community groups and representatives of the media.
In his speech the Chin State Chief minister said that the police should transform themselves so that they respect human rights issues; follow international standards and codes of police ethics; carry out their duty in a timely way; and keep the public safe so that they can vote freely in the upcoming general elections.
The Chin State Chief of Police also read a letter from U Zaw Win, the Myanmar Chief of Police. It said that because the political landscape had changed the Myanmar Police Force had changed its name and was working to help establish democracy. The Myanmar Police Force has been working with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Interpol.
During the ceremony police departments from across the state were presented with awards by the Chin State Chief Minister and the Chin State Parliament Chairman.
Previously, on 29 September, police officers from 41 Chin State donated blood at Hakha Civil Hospital to in celebration of Myanmar Police Force Day.
About 100 people attended the Hakha Myanmar Police Force Day celebrations.
Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI
