Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win yesterday morning met religious organization leaders from Loikaw and Kaehtobo traditional group at the state government office hall in Loikaw.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Senior General said that peace and stability are of importance in Kayah State. Terrorist groups threatened the security around Loikaw and there was no peace and stability in the previous year. The state becomes peaceful and stable now. But, some areas far from the urban areas need peace and stability. So, arrangements are being made to take measures for peace and stability and security.
Although the State Administration Council has invited all for restoring peace and stability and perpetual peace, some armed organizations do not have the willingness to cooperate with the government. Tatmadaw has extended the ceasefire for perpetual peace till the end of 2023. The Prime Minister himself invited all for holding peace talks without preconditions in April 2022. The Prime Minister himself received the armed organizations which came to Nay Pyi Taw. The National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee held meetings with those organizations for the interests of the regions and organizations in a transparent manner. It was regrettable that any ethnic armed organizations from Kayah State did not participate in the peace talks, but the government always welcomes them to the talks.
In the meeting with the religious organizations, the Vice-Senior General said that only when local people, religious organizations, Tatmadaw and relevant state government join hands in restoring peace and stability for perpetual peace across the nation will the region be stable as quickly as possible.
Leaders of religious organizations explained their cooperation in social affairs and gave blessings.
In his response, the Vice-Senior General discussed that regional peace and stability are important for internally displaced persons, and local people faced terror acts of armed groups. People need to cooperate with the government for ensuring peace and stability. Likewise, religious organizations play a key role in the peace process. If the regions are peaceful and stable and do not have conflicts, there will be no displaced persons. Hence, local people are to cooperate with relevant officials for ensuring peace and stability.
The Vice-Senior General said there is no suspicion for religious organizations’ religious and social measures. But, they all need to act righteously. The government encourages their acts with the gratitude and compassion of Jesus Christ. Even if they do anything in the correct way and aid, they need to inform relevant departments about their moves. As some scrupulous persons commit unlawful acts based on religion, the government needs to do the necessary verification.
Tatmadaw members are following ROE and Geneva Convention. They do their work related to religious buildings. As armed terrorists take covers behind religious buildings, schools and dispensaries in attacks, Tatmadaw make counterattacks as defending themselves. Hence, the people, religious organizations, state government and Tatmadaw are to join hands in driving off armed terrorists and restoring perpetual peace. All the people need to remember the essence of peace and stability they had enjoyed in the peaceful period and cooperate with the government for restoring peace to Kayah State soonest. Hence, all people in Kayah State are responsible for the peace of the state with collaborative efforts and cooperation.
The Vice-Senior General, SAC member Porel Aung Thein and Khun San Lwin and Lt-Gen Aung Aung from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) presented rice, cooking oil and foodstuffs to leaders of religious organizations and cordially greeted them. — MNA/TTA
