Kayin State heavily suffering internal insurgencies in the past is now enjoying the fruits of peace and regional development as the sounds of guns have been silent there, said President Win Myint.

The remarks of the president came from the message sent to the 63rd anniversary of Kayin State Day which falls on November 7.    

“The sounds of guns have now almost fallen silent in Kayin State which has suffered heavily the brunt of internal armed conflicts. Ethnic brothers and sisters and all armed groups living in Kayin State have worked ardently with courage for peace in Kayin State. They have made a bold decision and joined hands to work under the leadership of the Union Government in development projects with vision and enthusiasm. Because of this cooperation, Kayin State is now enjoying the fruits of peace and development,” said the president.

“After gaining independence because of the impact of political instability, there were long years of internal conflicts, as a result of which we were not able to do development works with full steam. Thus, our country lagged behind in many sectors. The states where ethnic nationals live suffered more from the internal conflicts,” said the president.

The president added, “At this time we are working for internal Peace and National Reconciliation to build a Union based on democracy and federalism.

“Therefore, now is the time, for all ethnic Union nationals to take lessons from undesirable experiences of the past and march forth in unity with collective strength and joined hands for the emergence of a peaceful Union.”

That is why our Union Government has been exerting strenuous efforts for internal peace and national reconciliation ever since the time we took over state responsibilities. For the emergence of a democratic federal republic we have conducted political dialogues and the Union Peace Conference – 21st Century Panglong for three times. We have now reached agreement on 51 fundamental principles of the Union Accord, the president continued. 

As the Union Government has been implementing development projects all over the country, it has also been implementing projects for Kayin State development in areas such as transport, education, health, human resources, supply of electricity, development of SME’s, and development of eco-tourism. Because of the efforts and cooperation of the local people, I believe that there will be continued sustainable development, the president said. 

In striving for the transformation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar into a stable, peaceful and prosperous Federal Democratic Republic, all ethnic nationals and Union citizens need to work strenuously with collective strength, hand in hand and cooperate to overcome all difficulties and challenges, the president said. 

Edited by Win Htut