Ethnic representatives’ 5-point demand unanimously approved by the protesting people in Letpadaung Taung yesterday, according to Pineland, a regular contributor to SHAN.

The following are photos taken by SHAN at Mai Jayang, controlled by Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on 5 May. There are 7 displaced persons centers with a population of over 13,000. The pictures were taken at the 10 Mile Center that has some 800 displaced persons.

The Dehong Autonomous Prefecture today held the Brethrens’ Festival in Ruili, known by Shans as Mong Mao, opposite Muse. Kachins, Karens, Lisu, Palaung, Shans and others, in their traditional costumes, participated in the event.

Friends, relatives and colleagues held a merit service for U Shwe Ohn, Shan politician, who died last year, at the Dhammajedi Monastery, Shin Saw Bu Road, Sanchaung township. Some 350 people participated.

For Shans, Thais and Chinese, the 60th birthday is the most important birthday of all, because one’s life has run a full cycle and one is back to square one, the first day one is born. A special ceremony has to be held in order ensure that one’s next cycle is a smooth one.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was at the home of Hkun Tun Oo who has been serving 93 years sentence in Putao (now reduced to 92 years) since 2005.

She was received by
Daw Way Way Lwin (Mrs Hkun Tun Oo)
Nang Khin Ohn Tint (Mrs Sai Nyunt Lwin, serving 79 years)
Nang Kham Awng (Mrs Sai Hla Aung, also serving 79 years)

The 4 Chinese engineers from the Tasang hydropower project who were abducted, according to the latest reports, on 9 May, are:

The Mongnai-Kengtung rail link is still under construction, after forcing people to move out of their lands. It will be passing through Langkherh and Mongpan, west of the Salween, and Mongton and Monghsat, east of the Salween.