The demand for establishing Wa State concerns not only constitutional amendment but also public members, said Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sai Mein.

He made the remark in meeting with the local media on April 18 while he was in Panghsang, controlled by United Wa State Party/United Wa State Army (UWSP/UWSA).

Wa group held a parade to mark the 30 anniversary of making peace in Panghsang on April 17. Lt-Col Sai Mein attended the event representing RCSS.

"UWSA adopted and implemented one of the 12 policies, which is to build a modern and strong army. As national brethren, we are delighted to see such progress," he commented.

Addressing the parade, UWSP secretary general Pauk Yu Chan said Wa nationals would demand the Union government to allow establishment of Wa State and continued life-long efforts would be made to reach their goal.

As for the demand made by the Wa group, Lt-Col Sai Mein said: "This directly concerns constitutional amendment. I think it also concerns the people."

Under the constitution enacted in 2008, six townships in Shan State namely Hopan, Maimaw, Panwai, Narphan, Matmann and Panghsang (Pankham) are designated as a self-administered region after being formed into seven districts.