“Our main future plan is nationalism. We will work for nationalism and develop this Lahu area. After the Lahu area has become developed, we will strive for the designation of the Lahu area as a special region. Only then, we can obtain a self-administered zone. We will strive for it step-by-step through the political dialogue,” said Col. Solomon.

He continued that the LDU has set down future plans including the plan to strive for the establishment of a self-administered zone during its sixth congress held on March 19-20.

“Political dialogues will be held. Regional development will be carried out. We will select a delegation and send it to discuss the five sectors under the UPDJC (Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee). We will carry out resettlement in the Lahu area. We will implement education and health [sectors] there. We also have plans to do agriculture and livestock breeding for regional development,” he said.

Col. Solomon previously served as the vice-chair of the LDU but he has been re-appointed as general secretary during the sixth congress.

A statement released on March 21 also said the LDU has decided to hold a political dialogue as outlined in the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) since it has already signed the NCA and give priority to regional development.

The policy and constitution of the LDU were also amended during the congress and decisions have been set down to cooperate with respective organizations for Myanmar’s peace process and prioritize the involvement of public participation in peace and political dialogues.

“We plan to hold a public consultation or a similar-level meeting in the country,” said Col. Solomon.

Some changes have been made in the LDU’s leadership and 13-member central committee and five-member auxiliary committee have been elected democratically, according to the LDU.

Kyar Khun Sar continues to serve as chair while Kyar Ja Har and Col Solomon have been elected as vice-chair and general secretary respectively.

The LDU was reestablished by its chair U Phon Tint Shin in 2008 and the congress has been held every four years. Kyar Khun Sar has been serving as chair since 2012. 

Before the LDU was established, the Lahu National Unity Party (LNUP) was established at the Thai-Myanmar borders in 1973 and it was reorganized as the Lahu National Organization (LNO) in 1976.

The Lahu National Development Party (LNDP) and the LNO merged in 1997 and established the Lahu Democratic Front (LDF). Then, it was reorganized as the LDU in 2008.