The Center Chin Youth Organization was established over the weekend with nine serving members from Chin youth organizations at the 3-days youth conference.
The Chin Youth Conference, organized by the Chin Center for Peace and Reconciliation (CCPR), was held at GBH Hotel in Kalay Town, Sagaing Region on February 23-25. Representatives from Chin youth organizations from Chin State were present at the conference and had dicussions over the projects that they were implementing in their areas and the challenges that they are facing.
The Center Chin Youth Organization's serving members are Salai An No Bik, of Matupi Youth Organization’s chair, as the organization's chairman, Salai Thang Loon from Kanpetlet Youth Organization as vice-chair (1), Mai Ngun Meng from Hakha Youth Organization as vice-chair (2), Salai Kee Hung from Mindat Youth Organization as secretary, Hau Lian Sang from Tonzang Youth Organization as assistant secretary (1), Kham Lian Sang from Thado Youth Association as assistant secretary (2), Bawi Neih Sung from Kalay Youth Organization, Dika from Hualngo Youth Organization, and Aung Soe from Paletwa Youth Organization as a treasurer.
“We will do as much as we can in our areas on timber issues and provide security to hold ceremonies and festivals peacefully,” said Salai An No Bik.
The coordinators of the Chin Youth Conference in Kalay Town have received letters from the organizations that refused to attend and recognize the conference for failing to represent all Chin youths.
“The groups who said we didn’t represent [the Chin people] will say this to any organizations. This is our first step to represent everyone. I was in the union-level youth policy drafting committee but this committee doesn’t exist anymore so this [the Center Chin Youth Organization] is separate [from the committee],” said Salai Thang Loon from Kanpetlet Youth Organization, who has been elected as vice-chair.
“It’s difficult for any organization to represent the Chin [people]. Chin youths have many groups and networks. The main thing is to work together,” said Salai Kee Hung, secretary of the Center Chin Youth Organization.
The organization will focus on the drug issue, environmental issue, networking among youths, issues on providing supports to youths in health and sports, and cooperation on regional security.
Around 70 people from 19 youth organizations including students' organizations from various areas were present at the conference.
