Preparations for Chin National Conference in full swing

05 November 2013: Preparations are in full swing for the Chin National Conference which will take place in Hakha, Chin State from 12 to 15 November.

More than 500 leaders and representatives of different Chin organizations and groups are believed to participate in the conference, the first of its kind in 65 years.

According to local media reports, U Aung Min, Minister of the President’s Office, and U Win Tun, Minister of Environmental Conservation and Forestry of the government of Burma, are also expected to attend the event.  

Jointly organized by a committee comprising members of the Chin National Front (CNF), political parties, and civil society organizations, it is aimed at strengthening solidarity and finding a common position among the Chin ahead of Burma’s political dialogue.

A statement by the organizing committee said that the conference would discuss various issues relating to constitutional reform, framework for political dialogue, land and natural resources, jurisdiction, rights, economy, education, health, human welfare, refugees, gender and drug.

In preparation for presenting to the conference for review, the committee is conducting extensive research into different Chin tribes, previously numbered 53 by the government of Burma.

Meanwhile, the Zomi Congress for Democracy (ZCD), the Chin Progressive Party (CPP), and Mindat-based K’Cho Development Association said that they would not participate but indicated that their members might do on an individual basis.#