Wa, Mongla armies hopeful after meeting with state counsellor

Two powerful ethnic armed groups from the Wa and Mongla special regions are optimistic that the government’s much-touted 21st-century Panglong Conference late this month can begin the process of healing decades-old ethnic divisions, according to U Zaw Htay, deputy director general for the President’s Office.

“They hold out much hope for the 21st-century Panglong Conference regarding the peace-making process and collaboration with the Union government,” the deputy director general said after he and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi met with representatives from the two groups on July 29.

Both groups are non-signatories to the so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement and enjoy administrative autonomy over the regions they control along the border with China in Shan State. The Wa Special Region is run by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the country’s largest non-state armed groups, with estimates putting its troop strength at 20,000 to 30,000. (Courtesy of mmtimes.com)