YANGON: A multi-faith peace prayer ceremony was held at the Buddhist monastery in Wekayin Ahn Village, Nabue village-tract, Kyaukkyi Township, Kayin State on Sept 30, under the leadership of religious leaders aiming for peace across the entire state.
The event was organised by religious leaders and attended by senior monks, leaders of four Karen armed groups, politicians, Karen literary and cultural leaders, and about 20,000 local residents from 324 villages.
During the ceremony, religious leaders took the lead while Karen armed group leaders lit peace candles. Senior monks delivered peace blessings, followed by peace-related discussions and messages from religious leaders.
Afterward, speeches on peace were given by prominent figures including General Saw Chit Thu, Secretary General of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF/KNA); Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Saw Kyaw Aye; No. (2) Regional Commander Maj. Gen. Saw Tin Win; No. (4) Regional Commander Maj. Gen. Saw Mote Thun; former chairman of KNU Dooplaya District Saw Shwe Maung; KNU/KNLA (Peace Council) Chairman Gen. Saw Thaw Le; Secretary General Maj. Saw Kyaw Nyunt; and from the DKBA, Gen. Saw Shwe Wa and Gen. Saw San Aung.
A displaced villager attending the ceremony prayed for an end to conflict, expressing hopes for a brighter future for the youth in Karen State:
“I am originally from Myapadaing village, but now I am living as a displaced person in Kawplawng village because of the conflict," the villager said. "We had to abandon our home, and my children can no longer go to school as schools have closed due to the fighting. This has dimmed the future of Karen youth. Families are separated, and without jobs we survive only by selling our few belongings. Though I have been displaced for just over a month, like many others I face hardship every day. I want to say this especially to whoever is responsible: please avoid such turmoil as much as possible, and build peace so that the youth can have a brighter future. I pray for peace to come as soon as possible.” - Eleven Media/ANN
