Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), led by Sai Leun, one of the 6 ceasefire groups that refused to disarm as demanded by the ruling military junta in late September, has reportedly invited no junta officials to participate in the celebrations of the Shan New year which fell today 7 December 2010, according to local sources.

“The reason was because we have no contact since relations between us turned sour following our refusal to disarm,” a source from Mongla group said. “Another reason was because no junta personnel remain here as they have withdrawn from Mongla.”

The group started the celebrations on 30 November and will conclude this evening. It was held in Mai Hoong Hsarm Ton (Three Banyan Trees) of Mongla and was presided over by Sai Hseng La, the new General Secretary of NDAA. In previous year, Sai Leun, Chairman of the group himself had participated, but he was not seen in this year’s event, participants said.

Thousands of people, both Shans and non Shans alike, from the surrounding areas including the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and Shan State Army (SSA) North’s First Brigade participated in the event.  

The Wa group was led by Sao Peti and the First Brigade group by Chief Administrative Officer Lt-Colonel Hsai Fa.

The aims for celebrating the Shan New Year this year, according to Sai Hseng La are 1) To imbues the people, especially the new generation, with a sense of tradition, 2) To promote unity and friendship among the allies, and 3) resist all oppressions in unity.

Samples of Shan traditional houses and utensils were also displayed in the event, locals reported.

The Shan/Tai reside mainly in Shan State (Burma), Yunnan Province (China), Northern Thailand, Assam Province (India). They are known as Shan in Myanmar, Dai in China, Thai Yai in Thailand and Tai Ahoms in India. Thai and Laotians are included in the family of Tai. The Tai language is spoken by 90 million people, 13th most spoken in the world and the 6th most spoken in Asia, according to Linguasphere 2000.