Both government and prominent Shan leaders urged for unity among the country’s many ethnicities during speeches at the 100 years anniversary of the coronation day for the late Shan Prince Khun San Toan Hoan in Thenini Township, northern Shan.
Burma’s Vice Prime Minister Sai Mawk Kham and Shan State Prime Minister Sao Aung Myat addressed the opening ceremony.
“All scattered Shan people should be unified, unity means not to destroy each other, instead it means to come together to defend against our invaders. Unity can’t be created by oneself alone, everyone has to take responsibility,” said Sai Mawk Kham during a speech.
Sao Harn Yawng Hwe, son of the late Prince Sao Shwe Theik of Yawng Hwe Township and former president of Burma, requested for people to get involved in the democratic movement and hold a political conference like in Panglon.
“When there is problem we need to resolve it by meeting face to face. Unity will be needed for democracy. If people aren’t unified, we couldn’t hold a festival such as this one,” he said.
The 100 Years Coronation Day festival, also called the Theinni Township festival, started after Theinni Prince Khun San Toan Hoan's new palace was coronated in 1914. The prince died several years later.
English version translated by Aung Myat Soe, edited by Brennan O`Connor
