Thanks to government’s goodwill endeavours, national race leaders’ cooperation Shan State is free from armed conflicts except in far-off areas

A ceremony to mark the return to the legal fold of a national race armed group led by Brigade (758) commander U Mein Sin with the rank of vice chief of staff from Shan State Army (South) (SSA-S) (Ywet Sit) who have abandoned armed struggle line took place at Thirihantha hall of Laikha in Shan State (South) .

Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Kyaw Win of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Thaung Aye, the ministers, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, the director-general of SPDC office, heads of departments, Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of the Philippines Madame Phoebe A Gomez and diplomats, resident representatives of UN agencies and officials, President of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, members of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, local journalists, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Women’s Affairs Organization, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, War Veterans Organization and other social organizations and local national races totalling over 1500. A total of 848 members led by Brigade (758) commander U Mein Sin with the rank of vice chief of staff from Shan State Army (South) (SSA-S) (Ywet Sit) were also present.

Similarly, SSA Brigade-1, SSA Brigade-7, SSNA (Mong yun), PNO, Ya La La Pha, MTA (Nar Rai), MTA (Mat Kyann), MTA (Shwepyiaye), SSS, Ka La La Ta, KNPDP, KNDP (Nagar), Ka Ma Sa Nya, Ka Yan Pyithit Party and KNG totalling 15 groups, which had returned to the legal fold attended it.

First, members of national race armed group led by Brigade (758) commander Mein Sin were warmly welcomed by members of departments and social organizations and local national races.

Later, Commander Brig-Gen Thaung Aye, Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt presided over the ceremony.

Brigade (758) commander U Mein Sin elaborated on their return to the legal fold, the acts of terrorism and drugs trafficking of SSA-S (Ywet Sit).

Next, deputy commander of Brigade (758) U Sai Ta made clarifications on the reason for the return to the legal fold.

Next, column commander U Sai Yone of Brigade (758) said he was glad to see the assistance of the government and the Tatmadaw. He said he would participate in the tasks for peace and security of the State, nation-building and regional development in cooperation with local people.

On behalf of the local people, Nan Hlaing Kham, spoke words of thanks.

Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Thaung Aye extended greetings to U Mein Sin and party.

Next, U Mein Sin and party handed over the arms and ammunition to the commander. The commander again presented the arms to U Mein Sin and party to be able to carry out security, tability and regional development tasks. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein presented gifts to U Mein Sin and U Sai Ta.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Kyaw Win presented gifts to column commanders U Sai Yone and U Tun Kyaw.

Commander Brig-Gen Thaung Aye gave presents to U Sai Khe and U Sai Sai of Brigade (758).

Minister Col Thein Nyunt presented two Mazada jeeps and two TE-21 trucks provided by the State to U Mein Sin.

Later, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo presented 20 power tillers provided by the State to U Sai Ta.

After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein inspected display of arms and ammunition brought by commander of Brigade (758) U Mein Sin and party.

The Secretary-1 and party cordially greeted members of Brigade (758) of Shan State Army (South) (SSA-S) (Ywet Sit) and local national races. Members of national race armed group led by U Mein Sin brought 24 assorted heavy weapons, 834 small arms, 1990 magazines, 157,971 rounds of ammunition, 55 grenades, 63 mines, 15 communication sets and 120 walkie-talkies.