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Ceremony to mark the 6th anniversary of the resumed war in the Kachin region held in Mon State

On June 9^th 2017, a ceremony marking the sixth anniversary of the resumed war in the Kachin region was held in Mawlamyine, Mon State. More than 50 participants joined together at Pine Khit Hall, in Mawlamyine’s Myine Thar Yar Ward, to spread awareness about the ongoing conflict and build cooperation amongst civil society.

The event lasted two hours and included a speech by Mi Lawi Han from the Mon National Education Committee (MNEC), an overview of the impact of the conflict on civilians in the war-torn Kachin region by Kachin peace negotiator La Mai Kun Jar, as well as a question and answer period.

“We have had to flee from the war-torn area for six years. If we do nothing, [the civil war] will only go on longer and longer. That shouldn’t happen. We’re holding this ceremony in order to encourage cooperation from all citizens throughout Burma [to stop the civil war],” said La Mai Kun Jar.

The ceremony was organized by six groups: MNEC; Mon Women Network (MWN); Saytanar Foundation; Mon Youth Educator Organization (MYEO); Jeepyah Civil Society Development Organization (JCSDO); and Border Health Initiative (BHI).

“We’re confident that if we’re united, we can stop the civil war. Previously, civil society didn’t have a chance to contribute to the peace process and there was no budget for civil society to participate in the peace process. Today, we have seen some improvement. Now, many organizations talk about peace and we have a broader peace network. In order to achieve genuine peace and justice in Burma, I urge everyone to give their support,” said Lai Mai Kun Jar.

The majority of participants were members of local Mon youth organizations, as well as members belonging to groups composing the event’s organizing committee. Event organizers declined to invite government officials.

The Kachin ceasefire with the Burma government collapsed in June 2011 after mounting tension over the Kachin Independence Organization’s refusal to transform the Kachin Independence Army into Burma Army controlled Border Guard Forces erupted in fighting.

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