The meeting, on 13th March, was at Mon Pitika hall on Shwe Dagon Pagoda Rd, Rangoon.
More than 100 people attended. They included university students, Mon Buddhist monks, Mon families and representatives from the Mon Literature and Culture Association, the Mon Population Data Collecting Group and other Rangoon based Mon associations.
Nai Maung Toe, an attendee of the meeting, said: “First he [Nai Hong Sar] explained his role and responsibilities. He then talked about the meeting between the NCCT and U Aung Min. [The representative from the government’s Union Peace-Making Working Committee. (UWPC)]
“He also explained that nine members from each side will continue to meet to work on the ceasefire issue.”
This followed an agreement made between the UPWC and NCCT at a meeting on March 9th to 10th that nine members from each side would work together to draw up the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement Draft.
“According to what Nai Hong Sar explained the ceasefire situation has progressed compared to previously. We are very glad to hear that. He also said that they [the NCCT] won’t put a time limit on the ceasefire talks and will continue in discussions for the sake of the whole nation,” said Nai Pae Than, an observer at the meeting.
He said that Nai Hong Sar explained that they had to spend more time working on the nationwide ceasefire and that negotiations were still ongoing. Once the ceasefire was signed the political details would be discussed.
Nai Hong Sar has been involved in politics and resistance movements for more than 40 years. At present he is the NCCT chairman. He is also the General Secretary of the United Nationalities Federation Council (UNCF) and vice-chairman of the New Mon state Party (NMSP).
