Myanmar marks anniversary of historic pact with minorities

The head of Myanmar’s military government has appealed for national unity among the country’s restive ethnic minorities as he presided over a parade marking the 75th anniversary of a historic agreement that sought but failed to ensure harmony

BANGKOK -- The head of Myanmar’s military government appealed Saturday for national unity among the country’s restive ethnic minorities as he presided over a parade marking the 75th anniversary of a historic agreement that sought but failed to ensure harmony.

The armed forces and government ministries took part in the parade in the capital Naypyitaw that also included dozens of elaborate colorful floats representing the country’s various regions where the minorities predominantly dwell.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council that seized power last year from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government, praised the minorities for signing the 1947 Panglong Agreement, which was supposed to unify the various ethnic groups following decades of British colonial rule.

However, Myanmar has been plagued for decades by nearly constant conflict as the minorities have sought the autonomy they believe they were promised in the areas where they live, mostly along the country’s borders.