Central Committee of Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) sent a formal message to 2013 Shan New Year Festival urging Shan people to unite to achieve their goals.

It said there are too many exaggerations in social media causing deterioration to the unity among Shan ethnics and create misunderstandings between them.

The SSPP urged on the importance of not falling into those traps from others plotting to destroy Shan unity and weaken its people. They also urged Shan people to see what the truth is instead of believing simply believing what others are saying.

It also warned the people that drug addiction is a problem in Shan State and youths need to avoid the use of narcotics drugs. The SSPP said they have opened drug rehabilitation centers.

Finally, the Shan ethnics must unite to face the difficulties and be freed from servitude to be developed, it said.

The SSPP is an ethnic armed organization based in northern Shan State, which hasn’t signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA).

The SSPP had recent clashes with forces of Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) based in southern Shan State, which signed the NCA, in some townships in northern Shan State. Shan monks and people requested both armed groups not to fight each other.