Peace marchers return home chanting slogans for equal rights and self-determination

Peace marchers arrived in Laiza (Photo: Kachinnet)

Peace marchers chanted slogans as they prepared to return home demanding equal rights and self determination for ethnic nationalities, and to bring about a genuine federal union in Burma on Mar 21 at 11 am. The second group of peace marchers who arrived in Laiza on March 18 began their journey from Yangon on Jan 21. 130 peace marchers including 16 monks and one nun traveled 56 days on foot to reach Laiza for peace in the country. Peace marchers were greeted by thousands of Laiza residents and IDPs, KIO/KIA personnel and its allied troops from ABSDF, Palaung, Ko Kang and Arakan Army as they enter Laiza city on Mar 18. Kachin traditional music groups welcomed them with local tunes and drums, said a Laiza resident.
Ko Yan Naing Htun, a leader of the group, said his group went through various obstacles during their journey but glad to finally reach their destiny. He said, “Our intention is to demand to end civil war and to have peace not only in Kachin but also in the whole country”. Peace marchers made donations to IDPs and visited Jeyang and Hpunlum-yang IDP camps located near Laiza on March 20.
Another group of peace activists led by Bass guitarist Ko Ye Lwin and former Capt. Nay Myo Zin arrived in Laiza on March 15 at 6:30 pm. They had encouraged local residents and ABSDF troops by singing songs and making donations, said a resident.
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