President Thein Sein attends CND celebration

20 February 2015 — Burma’s President Thein Sein arrived in Hakha, Chin State today, attending a celebration of Chin National Day at the Vumtu Mawng Football Ground.

He had the honour of planting ‘Bawitung’, a traditional wooden post erected as a mark of victory, and joined in dancing with Chin tribal groups.

The former prime minister looked inside the Chin traditional house on exhibition and sat on the porch drinking a cup of Chin traditional rice beer as he watched the ‘khuangcawi’ ritual performance.

Standing on the front large terrace called ‘Thinthang’, he addressed the public saying that it was one of the peace-talk outcomes that had made it possible for Chin National Day to be celebrated.

In his message, he said: “Despite difficult accessibility and geographical challenges, the government will make relentless efforts to undertake development measures, which is why the local people should join with the government and the local government.”

The 69-year-old leader of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party also took part in the opening ceremony of a new operation theatre at the Hakha General Hospital.

Later at night, the State government organized a bonfire party with a variety of traditional dances in the compound of the government building for the president.

After making visits to pagodas and monasteries in Hakha and spending a night at the Union Guest House, Thein Sein left by helicopter for Kalay Township, Sagaing Region on 21 February.

It was the first time President Thein Sein had attended the Chin National Day celebration in Hakha since his presidency.

The country’s leader was accompanied during his trip by top officials including Win Htun, minister of Environmental Conservation and Forestry; Dr. Than Aung, minister of Health; and Khin Maung Soe, minister of Electric Power.

Meanwhile, Shwe Mann, Speaker of the Assembly of the Union and the House of Representatives; and Khin Aung Myint, Speaker of the House of Nationalities, attended a Chin National Day celebration.

Asho Chin in Irrawaddy Region held an official celebration in Yayta village, Myanaung township of Irrawaddy Region today.#