26 October 2011 : The Zomi National Congress (ZNC) has expressed the need to hold the 21st century Panglong conference immediately in Burma to restore genuine democracy in the country.
In a statement issued by the ZNC it said that the 21st Century Panglong Conference is the only way to solve the festering problem of the ethnic armed groups.
Besides, it urged the Burmese government to release without any strings attached all political prisoners languishing in various jails in Burma, especially 88 generation students like Min Ko Naing, U Khun Thun Oo, U Sai Nywin Lwin and Ko Kyaw Soe.
The ZNC had already issued a statement in Kalemyo calling for a second Panglong conference, in keeping with the demand of democratic activists and political leaders at the 22nd anniversary of the Zomi National Congress, held on 24 October 2010 in Kalemyo, Saigaing division.
The Kalemyo statement said, “Burma should not be a union of an undivided system, but a federal union based on democracy and equality for all, and all ethnic nationals want the second Panglong Conference.”
U Tin Oo, vice chairman of the NLD welcomed the statement and his party is willing to extend all help.
The 23th anniversary of the ZNC party was held on 24 October 2011 in Kalemyo, Sagaing Division. – Khonumthung News.