Chin party sets parliamentary agenda

Friday, 07 January 2011 20:25 Ko Wild

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Chin National Party (CNP) representatives said yesterday they were deciding how to best address issues concerning a recent famine and Cyclone Giri relief in Burma’s new parliament.

Party members met in Hakha, Chin state to discuss a range of issues in a three-day party conference.

Rat infestations in August 2010 had resulted in widespread crop destruction and severe food shortage in some parts of Chin State.

“Many people are suffering from famine. There are also victims from Cyclone Giri in parts of southern Chin State still in great need”.

The Chin State Parliament will need to respond to their relief needs”, CNP general secretary Ceu Bik Thawng told Mizzima.

Also on the conference agenda were ways of cooperating with other minority parties such as the Shan Nationals Democratic Party, All Mon Region Democracy Party, Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party, Rakhine National Development Party, Chin Progressive Party and Ethnic National Development Party.

“We have, at this stage, spoken with the secretaries of Shan Nationals Democratic Party and Rakhine National Development Party and will hold an inter-party meeting to discuss the proposal this month.”, Ceu Bik Thawng said.

Thursdays’ meeting was attended by 32 delegates including eight out of nine MPs-elect.

The party will also talk about drafting a charter for rights for Chin State to ensure the right to of children to learn Chin languages in schools, among other rights.

“Our party will form a drafting committee to draft the charter and draw on expert opinions” Ceu Bik Thawng said.

But the party would not rush the drafting process, he said.

In the short term, the CNP plans to provide ethnic rights, politics and Chin history workshops to MPs-elect and young members.

Delegates from Mindat, Hakha, Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Tedim, and Falam Townships attended the party conference.