Deceased coal activist Sai Awn receives 2017 leadership award

Deceased coal activist Sai Awn receives 2017 leadership award
by -
Hwan Hein/ SHAN
Shan community leader and anti-coal advocate Sai Awn,aka Sai Hsi Khur
Shan community leader and anti-coal advocate Sai Awn,aka Sai Hsi Khur

The 2017 Thusandi Youth Leadership Award has been given to late Shan anti-coal activist Sai Awn, the award committee announced.

Before his death, Sai Awn (aka Sai Hsi Khur), was a local community leader and anti-coal advocate who worked with local youth groups in Hsipaw township’s Nam Ma area, where he opposed coal mining operations and fought for compensation for local residents whose farmland was damaged by mining operations.

“Sai Hsi has selflessly worked for the interests of his people. He predicted the imminent danger so he persuaded the public and youth to hold protests [against the coal mine]. He showed intolerance for injustice and the attitude of a good leader in order for the new generation of youth to follow in his footsteps,” said Sai Hor Hseng, spokesperson for the Shan Human Rights Foundation.

Sai Hsi Khur passed away from lung disease at the age of 24 on July 24 this year. At the tiem of his death, He was still active in anti-mining and environmental activism. After Sai Hsu Khur’s death, his colleague Sai Aung Pa told the Shan Herald that the activist was an honest and hardworking young man who supported his coworkers and valued the environment.

“I feel very happy that he received the award. I believe it will give strength to his coworkers in fighting for farmers’ rights,” said Nan Hla Khin, Sai Awn’s widow. “ I feel very sad that he is no longer in this world. He would have been delighted if he were still alive,” she added.

The award is named for author and activist Inge Sargent (aka Mahadevi Sao Nang Thu Sandi), wife of Hsipaw Saopha Sao Kya Seng and author of Twilight Over Burma: My Life as a Shan Princess.

The Sargent and a committee of local advisers bestow the award, along with a US$4000 prize, every year to a Shan candidate who demonstrates leadership and a commitment to community service, peace, and democracy.

Sai His Khur is the award’s tenth honoree. Last year, the honor was given to Sai Su, 28, the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) party general secretary for Panglong township.

March 25, 2024
Resistance forces have seized 65 Junta bases, camps, and outposts since the beginning of the '...
March 22, 2024
The Junta is deploying jet fighters to carry out airstrikes in the intense fighting zones of...
March 20, 2024
Following a plenary meeting, the 7 ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) signatories to the...
SSPP and RCSS Photo: Myanmar Times
March 19, 2024
Hurn Kayang — The two Shan armies have faced significant criticism on account of their covert...