During a workshop by Ethnic Youth Network (EYN) on peace and federalism, attendees objectively discussed the upcoming Union Peace Conference (also 21st Century Panglong Conference).
EYN executive member Sai Aung Myint Oo said during the meeting in Lashio Township in northern Shan State they reviewed the roles of civil society organizations and attendance of the conference planned for the end of August.
Sai Aung Myint Oo said: “Union-level peace is being carried out. We are (also) reviewing this so it’s not forgotten by the public.”
Mai Myo Aung, a member of workshop’s organising committee, explained that discussions on peace and federalism were included in order to clear up misconceptions the various ethnicities may have.
“There are misunderstandings between the ethnic people from north and south Shan State. We can only get federalism, which is desired by the ethnic people, after we can live together in peace and unity without misunderstandings. This is why we are discussing peace.”
Altogether around one-hundred, including representatives from the eight ethnic groups from northern Shan State: Kachin, Shan, Ta’ang, Lahu, Man Zi, Kokant, Wa, and Lisu, and political and civil society groups took part in the workshop.
Reporting by Nan Saing Phoo for S.H.A.N.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
