In the midst of secrecy, the 18th anniversary of the Zomi National Congress was celebrated in Rangoon on October 24.

A significant number of distinguished officials, personalities and youths took part in the celebrations of the 18th anniversary of the ZNC in an undisclosed venue. Secrecy relating to the venue was maintained for reasons of security.

A ZNC member in exile told Mizzima over telephone, “Identities of participants and the location of the venue of the celebration cannot be disclosed for security reasons. However, the names of the President and the Secretary of the council can be made public.”

The founder of ZNC, Pum Za Kap and celebrated cartoonist, Zozam were the big names among the participants. The two distinguished personalities graced the function and exhorted the participants to continue the struggle for ushering in democracy.

ZNC has drawn attention to the grievances of the people of Chin state to U. N. delegates over a 100 times, according to Gin Khan Lian in his General Secretary’s report. ZNC played a vital role in the formation of Veteran 88 Generation, Committee of Representative of People’s Parliament and the United Nationalists Alliance.

Cin Sian Thang, in his Presidential address reiterated federalism as a means to national reconciliation and restoration of democracy. He advocated a free-market economy for future democracy in Burma.

ZNC, Burma was formed in 1988 after the 8.8.88 democracy uprising. Two candidates of the ZNC were elected as Members of Parliament in the 1990 general elections, as a mandate political party.