The 6- day conference 12 major armed resistance movements in Panghsang, officially known as Pangkham, is to begin today with an opening address by Bao Youxiang, the United Wa State Army( UWSA)’s supreme leader.

” I doubt Bao will be able to participate in the conference after the official opening though,” said an informed source. ” He isn’t fully recovered from his illness yet.”

Ta Pang, as he is known, has for years been suffering from trichinosis, a neurological disorder related to eating uncooked meat during his days with Communist Party of Burma(CPB).

The agenda does not mention which topics are to be discussed, although it is anticipated that the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement(NCA) draft recently negotiated by 16 armed groups and the ongoing fighting along the Sino-Burmese border will be top issues.

According to the source, the following is the conference agenda:
30 April       Welcome dinner
1-2 May         Discussions by participating movements
3     May        Break
4      May       Discussions by participating movements
5      May       Visit to Mongmai’s tea and coffee plantations
6      May       Review and approval of conference statement.
Farewell dinner

Prominent leaders include:
Khun Okker(PNLO), Khu Oo Reh(KNPP), Tun Myat Naing(AA), Mai Phong Kyaw (TNLA),
Peng Daxun (MNDAA), Sai Yee(RCSS),Sao Hso Ten (SSPP),Nai Hongsa (NMSP), Zipporah Sein (KNU), Hsan Perh (NDAA), N Banla (KIO) and Zhao Zhongdang, among others.