The townships of Kyangin, Pale, Mogok and Myawady held mass rallies in support of the State Counsellor who is defending Myanmar against the lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 12. 

The rally in Kyangin took place at about 8 am with local residents marching from the clock tower Kyangin Myoma Market to the Bogyoke Statue. 

"At the clock tower, we also held talks. Over 2,000 supporters and about 30 horses went round the market and marched towards the Bogyoke Aung San Statue. We chanted slogans. This case in concerned with our whole country. We stand by Mother Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is contesting the case at the ICJ. We are holding a rally to show our support. Now, people of different religions, various organizations and political parties are coming to the forefront for their country," said local resident Shwe Thee.  

The rally in Pale, Sagaing Region, was held in the morning. 

'The international community is suing our country. We didn't commit genocide. For this case, our Mother Daw Aung San Suu Kyi herself is defending our country in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, our people show our unity to the world. This time, it is vital for our country to be united. Concerning the ICJ case, don't discriminate against religion, politics or colour. There must be no discrimination against colour. I want to say that people of different faiths, parties and organizations need to be united at this time," said Regional MP Zaw Htet for Pale Township Constituency No (1). 

The rally attracted about 5,000 people including students, nurses, civil servants, political activists and civil society organizations.  Besides Pale, similar rallies took place in Kalaywa and Minkin of Sagaing Region in the morning on December 12. 

A similar mass rally took place at Mone sports ground in Mogok, Mandalay Region, on December 12. 

The rally was attended by local residents, ethnic organizations, government departments, social organizations and students. 

"Mogok Htapwe Gems Merchant Association had planned to hold this rally since earlier this year. But we could hold it today as the NLD (National League for Democracy) would join it. At this event there is no discrimination against race or religion. The aim is to show our support to the State Counsellor," said association chairperson Phyu Phyu Myint. 

About ten thousand local people of different national races such as Lisu, Kokant, Shan, Danu, Gurkha and Hindu attended the rally. 

The Myawady rally took place in the support of the State Counsellor over the ICJ case in the morning. 

Local resident Win Cho said: "Regarding the genocide case, nothing special could happen again in Rakhine State. As we face genocide accusations, Myanmar people will not oppress the accusers of the other country.