Civil Society in Yangon to Mark 2nd Anniversary of Armed Conflict in Kachin State

On 9 June, 18 civil society organizations will commemorate the 2nd anniversary of renewed fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin State. The outbreak of fighting two years ago broke a 17-year ceasefire agreement between the two sides.

While there have been several peace talks and a tentative agreement was reached last week between the Union Peace Working Committee and the KIA, these are not yet enough to bring real peace. Ongoing militarization and conflict in Kachin State pose a serious risk to the security and wellbeing of the people. On this occasion, 18 groups have come together to jointly organize events to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the armed conflict, those who continue to struggle to survive and those who work for lasting peace.

A march will be undertaken, starting at Independence Monument in Mahabandoola Park and ending at ZawTanarYaMa Monastery. Wreathes will be gathered along the way to be laid in memory of the dead at an interfaith prayer ceremony. There will also be performances, sharing of experiences from an internally displaced person, screening of the documentary film “Hopes Behind War”, acknowledgement of media coverage of the conflict and the peace process, and presentation of a collective statement.

What: March and gathering of wreathes
Where: Starting at Independence Monument, Mahabandoola Park, Kyauktada Township
When: 9:00am

What: Interfaith prayer ceremony and commemoration event
Where: ZawTanarYaMa Monastery, Thit Taw Street (Forrest Street), Alone Township
When: 12:00pm

For more information, please contact:

Jaw Gun (Kachin Peace Network): [email protected] or 0973140728
May Sabe Phyu (Kachin Women Peace Network): [email protected] or 09421170783

This post is in: Peace and National Reconciliation, Press Release