Myanmar's Shan State parliament urges government to intervene in conflict

The Shan State parliament has approved an urgent proposal requesting government intervention to bring an end to a simmering conflict between the Myanmar National Army (Tatmadaw) and ethnic armed groups, which has displaced thousands of civilians in the northern region of the state.

Nang San San Aye, a Shan Nationalities League for Democracy MP representing Thibaw/Hsipaw township, put forward the urgent proposal citing the suffering faced by affected populations, reports the Myanmar Times.

"Villagers have had to abandon their homes and businesses. Children have lost their right to study because of conflict. This conflict needs to stop for the benefit of all ethnic people in Shan State," said Nang San San Aye during the fourth session of the regional legislature.

However, the state border and security affairs minister on July 15 advised Shan State lawmakers to put the proposal on record, a less forceful parliamentary motion, but MPs voted instead on an up-down ballot on the matter.

"Mostly the (motions to put on) record are not implemented. That is why I wanted the proposal approved by the hluttaw. We were able to approve the proposal with 76 votes," said Nang San San Aye.

The legislature's militarily appointed MPs voted unanimously against the urgent proposal.

On July 16, thousands of ethnic Kachin, Shan and Ta'ang youths staged a protest march in Lashio town to demand respect for their human rights and peace in the region.