Shan people around the world will celebrate the 69th anniversary of the Shan National Day, which falls on February 7.
The Shan National Day was proclaimed on February 7, 1947 by the prince of Tawngpeng, Sao Khun Pan Jing, who served as the President of the Federated Council of Shan States.
The main venue of the celebration is traditionally Loi Tai Leng, the Thai-Burma border headquarters of the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army-South (RCSS/SSA-S), in which hundreds of people participate every year.
“Shan National Day is unity day,” said Lt. Gen. Yawd Serk, the chairman of the RCSS/SSA-S. “It’s the day that everyone meets and talks to each other to build unity.”
Lt. Gen. Yawd Serk also said that there are three purposes in holding the Shan National Day. The first is to pay respect to “patriots” who have fought for the nation. The second is the unity of Shan people. And the third purpose is to think about the future of the Shan.
“Our new generation has to think critically. We have to learn our mistakes from Panglong Agreement,” he continued, referring to the agreement that was signed by Shan, Kachin, Chin and Burman representatives in 1947 in order to demand independence from British as a unified country.
Townships across Shan State such as Muse, Namkham, Mong Pan, Kesi and Taunggyi are also reportedly holding events to mark the 69th anniversary of the day. Shan communities living in the United States, Thailand, and Japan are also organizing commemorations.
By SAI AW / Shan Herald Agency for News (S.H.A.N)
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