During a Buddhist ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the massacre of Shan civilians by the Burma Army, Shan youths offered food to monks and made merit for the victims who were killed 23-years ago.

The Burma Army massacred 56 villagers, including women and children, in 1997 near Sai Hkao and Tat Fa Ho villages, in Kunhing Township, Loilam District. Shan civilians were returning to collect rice and other items from their villages. After the army burned their bodies and their personal belongings.

“We are making merit for the victims killed by Burma Army between 1996 and 1998,” says Nang Ying Nawnt, chair of Tai Youth Organization. We want the youth to understand their own history, so these kinds of horrific things never befall the Shan people again, she told SHAN.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians were forced from their homes and many were killed and raped by Tatmadaw soldiers during their Four-Cut Policy in southern Shan State.

Sai Hing Lek, from Muse, told SHAN. It’s an important day for all Shan people to remember. “We will never forget what happened on the day of the massacre,” he explained.

The Committee of Shan State Unity (CSSU) declared June 16 Shan Human Rights Day.

A  statement by CSSU called for action against the perpetrators, redress for the victims and for this kind of horrific slaughter never to happen again. The statement also said peace must be restored immediately in the country.

Buddhist ceremonies for the victims of the massacre were held in Taunggyi, Muse, Hsipaw, Tachileik and Karli in Shan State and the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.