11 February

The Kokang ethnic people held their New Year celebrations in the Buddhist Kokang Dhamma Building in Mandalay yesterday.

Union Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Nai Thet Lwin, addressed the ceremony, saying it is important to safeguard the rights of ethnic nationals since our country is home to over a hundred ethnic races. He said more and more ethnic races across the country are celebrating their traditional festivals ever since the Law Protecting Ethnic Rights has been enacted. He said this will increase close relations between all ethnic races and unite them in speeding up the peace process so that we become closer to realizing our dream of a democratic federal Union.

Next, Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung delivered opening remarks and U Aung Win Khaing, a representative of the Kokang ethnic people, spoke words of gratitude.

Following this, cultural troupes performed traditional dances and the guests were treated to traditional Kokang dishes. —MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)