According to the National League for Democracy (NLD), State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and various other members of her NLD party will be celebrating Union Day in the Shan State town of Panglong this year.
Union Day, which takes place on February 12, is usually celebrated by government officials in Yangon, although the original Panglong Agreement actually took place in the Shan town 70 years ago. The document was signed by Shan, Chin, and Kachin ethnic leaders, along with Suu Kyi’s father General Aung San, who all agreed to cooperate in claiming independence from the British together and consequently allow for the establishment of autonomous states for non-Bamar peoples.
Members of ethnic armed groups will also be present at the Union Day celebrations. President Htin Kyaw will also be hosting a commemorative dinner at his Naypyidaw residence.
Suu Kyi will remain in Panglong the next day to celebrate General Aung San’s birthday.
