CHIANG MAI- January 27. During National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s three-day tour of southern Shan State, ending on January 26, she explained about the standpoint of her party and constitutional reform at public rallies in four townships, Nam Jarng, Mongnai, Larngkhur and Taunggyi.

According to local sources, there were about 2,000 people in the Langkhur rally; half were local people and the other half were followers of NLD.

It was rumored that local people were asked to participate in the rally in exchange for getting electricity provided in their villages. “We don’t know who circulated the information,” said a local source.

People’s questions to Suu Kyi included: “Is lasting peace possible? and “What is your standpoint on 8 states versus 14 states?” In response, Suu Kyi said: “It is not important whether there are 8 states or 18 states. It is the responsibility of the government, so the government will do it.”

Most of the questions were asked by her followers; the local people had the chance to raise only a few questions. “Most of the questions were asked by their people; only two of the Langkhur people got the chance to ask questions,” said Sai Leang, a Shan youth in Langkhur.

“Her aim is to get support from the people to amend the 2008 constitution. She asked people, do you support amending the constitution? People raised their hands in support of her,” said: Sai Leang.
At the rally, when one participant asked Suu Kyi a question, she replied: “Judging by your accent you are Burman, so I would like to caution you. We Burmans living in Shan State, are the guests, and the Shan people are the owners of the house. We have to respect the owners of the house; the owners of the house also should treat the guests nicely.”
There have been many comments posted on facebook about Suu Kyi’s tour in Shan State.
 Some people cordially welcomed her; some people were curious about whether Suu Kyi understood the plight of the Shan State people. A picture was circulated in facebook showing flag on NLD truck. “Why is NLD’s flag higher than the Shan State national flag, and why is the Shan State flag hangings upside down?,” asked Sai Kham Pang.