Kachin youth held a conference near Myitkyina over the weekend to discuss peace in Burma’s war-torn most northwestern state. According to the organizers the conference was the first of its kind since fighting between Burma's military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) erupted last year.
Most of the 100 people who attended the conference were youth but church leaders also took part.
“Participants exchanged their opinions on the war and discussed peace,” said conference organizer M. Naw Li.
The conference started with singing and was followed by discussions. Art was also displayed.
Awng Wa, a former ethnic Kachin 88 generation student leader and chairman of All Kachin Students and Youth Union (AKSYU), said peace can only take root after real reform are introduced.
“Genuine peace will not come to the country without justice. So peace and justice must be implemented at the same time.”
