Many people from several townships in Shan State were not invited to participate in the 61st anniversary of Independence Day and even more were unaware of the celebrations, according to sources from Shan State.

In Kyaukme, only government personnel and students were invited to the ceremony which was held at Metta Mon Hall, said a tailor.

But there has been no information of the number of attendees at the ceremony.

“In so far as I can remember, ordinary people like us have never been invited to participate,” she said.

However, in Taunggyi, one person from each household had to attend to the ceremony at the monument ground near St. Joseph Cathedral, according to a resident.

“They [authorities] did nothing special. They just did it as an obligatory event. They held some concerts in the football field. Only few people were at the occasion,” he said.

Sports and games were also held in Mongnawng sub-township, Kehsi township, southern Shan State, according to sources.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe sent message to the people that, “The entire people are duty-bound to safeguard the motherland... while keeping a watchful eye on attempts of neo-colonialists to harm the sovereignty of the country,” according to Myanmar Times report on 4 January.