The insurgent dancers were men and women serving in the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and its armed-wing Kachin Independence Army (KIA) that signed a ceasefire agreement with the Burma's ruling junta on February 24, 1994.According a spokesperson of the Manau Committee, "This morning's Manau dance programme was led by the KIO/KIA and they danced in their uniforms. Over 1,600 KIO/KIA people have officially registered with the Manau Committee."
Before 11 a.m. local time, the second phase of today's Manau dance was performed together with over 300 Kachins (also called Jingpo-zu in China) from China's southwestern Yunnan province and Kachins in Burma. The dance was led by Kachins from China, said Manau Committee sources.
In the afternoon from 2 p.m., the Manau dance was led by people in the Central Kachin Culture Office and people from another Kachin peace group called Lasang Awng Wa Peace Group. Kachins from Shan State, Mandalay and Rangoon joined the Manau dance, added Manau committee source.
The Manau Committee budget is over 200 million Kyat (est. US $175,439) for the seven-day long Manau festival marking the 61st anniversary of Kachin State Day, said Committee sources.
At the moment, the donation to Manau committee has registered 30 million Kyat (US $26,316) from KIO, 5 million Kyat (US $4,386) from Lasang Awng Wa Peace Group, 60 million Kyat (US $52,632) from several jade companies in Hpakant while other businessmen also donated, added a committee member.
On the 61st anniversary of Kachin Day tomorrow, two anniversary speeches will be addressed by the Central Kachin Culture Office and junta's Northern Command commander Maj-Gen Soe Win before starting the 'Kachin State Day Manau dance' which will be led by the Central Kachin Culture Office. The Manau will be joined by high ranking officials from both Kachins and members of Burma's ruling junta, according to the Manau schedule.
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