PPST calls all stakeholders to implement the Panglong Agreement for Union Peace

12 February 2022
PPST calls all stakeholders to implement the Panglong Agreement for Union Peace
Photo: CJ

The Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), which is made up of 10 ethnic armed groups, has called for the implementing of the essence of the Panglong Agreement, which was drafted by national leaders to bring peace to the Union.

The warning was issued in a statement by PPST on 12 February, "Diamond Jubilee Union Day Myanmar."

The PPST's message stated that it would not be possible without the implementation of the collective responsibility Articles 1-4, Article 7 for self-governing in its respective states and Article 8 and 9 for independent financial management in their respective states.

It is imperative to implement these principles for all local and foreign organizations and governments working for peace in the Union, said the statement.

Successive governments since Myanmar’s independence have not implemented the Panglong Agreement and thus the civil war, which lasted for 70 years, was marked by political instability and many other issues, including the economic downturn, according to PPST’s message.

The PPST points out that the military coup has disrupted the peace process.

Myanmar has been embroiled in armed resistance to overthrow the military dictatorship in many regions and states since the February 2021 military coup and fighting has intensified between the junta military troops and 10 ethnic armed groups including the the Karen National Union (KNU), the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) and The Chin National Front (CNF) that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).

The junta military marked the 75th anniversary of the "Union Day" on 12 February, as fighting intensifies in ethnic areas.