Loong [Uncle] Hein Swe Moe, the patron of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), passed away yesterday at the age of 91 in Mandalay, according to the party’s spokesperson.

Sai Leik confirmed that the party veteran died peacefully on the afternoon of April 6 in his home in Marthayar, Mandalay. His body is to be cremated on Saturday.

“Loong Hein Swe Moe was a respected person,” he said. “When the SNLD was established in 1988 in Yangon, at that time U Thet Win was the chairman. But it wasn’t very successful because it did not include the Mandalay members. When they held another meeting in 1989, Khun Htun Oo was selected as chairman and Loong Hein Swe Moe became patron.”

He added: “He has been our party patron ever since.”

The SNLD spokesman further praised Loong Hein Swe Moe, noting that his house was a regular venue for party meetings. He took responsibility for everything, including food, accommodation and transportation, said Sai Leik.

Prominent in several avenues of Shan affairs, Loong Hein Swe Moe was also the patron for the Shan Literature and Culture Association in Mandalay since its establishment.

Loong Hein Swe Moe was an ethnic Palaung from northern Shan State’s Namhsan Township. He married Nang Ei Kham Leang, who passed away about 10 years ago. He leaves behind six children.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)