Now, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is in the process of being transformed into a peaceful, modern and developed democratic nation with flourishing discipline. The most fundamental requirement in the process is restoration of regional peace and prevalence of law and order along with a condition in which people can lead a peaceful life. What is the most important for ensuring stability and peace of the Union is that we all have to remain united and harmonious and to strengthen the unity of national brethren who have been living together sharing joys and sorrows in the Union since time immemorial.
Looking back the conditions of Shan State more than 15 years ago, as you know unlike the conditions in the post-independence period, it lagged behind other parts of the nation in various sectors including transport, education, health, and social affairs. In addition, due to the armed conflicts, local people had to live in a state of alarm and went through the hell in the period. In order to remedy such evil consequences local people were suffering, the Tatmadaw, since it took over State duties, has been working hard in various sectors for improving the social well-being and unity of national races.
At the same time, it tried its best to wipe out the danger of narcotic drugs in Shan State that was an evil legacy the colonialists left on purpose. Due to the benevolent attitude and unremitting efforts of the Tatmadaw and cooperation of the leaders of national races, now Shan State except some fringes no longer sees armed insurgency and enjoys fruitful results of peace along with improvement in the security, transport, economic, education, health and social sectors. The danger of narcotic drugs in the region is dwindling away.
However, some parts of Shan State have yet to enjoy the taste of peace. So, all local people to work hard for peace and stability are restored well throughout the entire Shan State. The government as well as of national people are very glad to see that U Chit Maung and party have unconditionally exchanged arms for peace to be harmonious with the people in the interests of national people.
After understanding the genuine goodwill of the government and the national people and development tasks of the State, a national race armed group, Shan State Nationalities People’s Liberation Organization (SSNPLO) led by Chairman U Chit Maung that had returned to the legal fold unconditionally exchanged arms for peace at the sports ground in Banyin Model Village of Hsihseng Township, Shan State (South), on 26th July, 2007.
Also present were responsible persons from 17 national race armed groups including SSA Brigade (1), SSA Brigade (7), SSNA (Mongyun), PNO Group, MTA (Narai), MTA (Matkyan), MTA (Shwepyiaye), SSS, Ka-La-La-Ta, KNPDP, KNDP (Dragon), Ka-Ma-Sa-Nya, Kayan Pyithit Party, KNG, SSAS (Meinsin), SSNA (Wamyeim) and Wa Special Region- that had returned to the legal fold.
A 137-member national race armed group led by SSNPLO Chairman U Chit Maung unconditionally exchanged arms for peace with one M-82 launcher, one BA-72, one Winchester, one M-7, two 60mm Homein-made mortars, four RPGs, two M-79s, 23 M-22s, five M-21s, five BA-64s, seven BA-63s, eight .30 carbines, two Colt pistols and three revolvers, eight 9mm pistols, four M-20 pistols, three hand-made guns, two short barrel guns, four long barrel guns, two M-23 China-made sub-machine guns, 34 M-16s, one M-16 sub-machine gun, two M-16s/40mm and one .38 pistol together with assorted ammunition and grenades.
And with the concept that armed struggle line is unnecessary for the drive for democratic transition the people are implementing together and is opposed to democracy, they have given up the armed struggle line. So, their choice will help achieve perpetual peace for which the entire people are desirous and expedite the tasks for regional development.
