Enemy is close to us, says Chin leader

_{By: Kwarn Lake (Tel:++6683 9474191)}
 
In connection with the assassination of Karen leader Pado Mahn Sha , Dr. Biak Lian board director of Chin Human Rights Organization and the project officer of National Reconciliation Program, warned that,"Our enemy may be near by, so all of the ethnic leaders and activists must always be careful for their security. We have lots of things to do. It is not yet the time for us to take leave", told at the interview with SHAN. 
 
 "We should not be only shouting for unity but we must also practice it.All ethnic groups should cooperate. Our aims and objectives are the same, so we must come and join hand with each other to move forward." “The junta wants to divide us and make us fight against each other.  So, it is important for us to not fall on their trap and essential for us to be united".   

Chin National Day was held in Chiang Mai yesterday and over 300 people including different ethnic organizations such as Kachin , Lahu , Shan , Mon and other groups participated in the celebration, also it was celebrated by Chin people around the world.
 
On February 18-23 of 1948, the Chin people gathered in Falam town near the Mizoram border, in order to change traditional hereditary system to election system and, 20 February is recognized as a National day for Chin people.

"It was amazing that over 5,000 people could gather at that time, despite the difficulties of transportation and communication in Chin State. We must feel proud of it", he added.
 
The Chin including other ethnics such as Kachin and Shan representatives joined in the negotiations between Britain and Burma on independence and signed the 'Panglong agreement' with the Burmese interim government in 1947. They agreed to the formation of a Union of Burma in return they were promised full autonomy, which they have never received, according to Jinnah from Burma Issues.