On Feb 7, the Shan State Army will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Panglong Agreement, which enshrines the rights of ethnic groups in Burma

Shan State Army (SSA) leader Yawd Serk insists he is ready to hold peace talks with the Burmese government to break the country's political deadlock.

"The SSA is ready to enter talks through political means if the Burmese government gives us the opportunity, " said Col Yawd Serk. He reiterated his readiness to negotiate with the junta as SSA troops and Shan people were preparing an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Panglong Agreement on Feb 7.

The Panglong Agreement, signed in 1947 by national hero Aung San and ethnic leaders, enshrined the rights of different ethnic groups in Burma during Burma's independence struggle. General Aung San, father of Burma's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was assassinated a few months after the agreement was signed. The Panglong Agreement became a legend of the fight for freedom by the Shan and ethnic groups who have been oppressed by the Burmese authorities for over 60 years.

Feb 7 is the day most Shan people remember as it marks the day they adopted their national flag and national anthem - Kherh Tai Kherh Raza. The atmosphere at all SSA bases along the Thai border to the west is expected to be more lively on that day. A religious ceremony will be held to make merit for Shan fighters who lost their lives during their struggle against Burmese troops.

The SSA has long been fighting against the Burmese government for greater autonomy of the Shan State. It refuses to give up the fight although several rebel groups laid down their arms.

Col Yawd Serk says he has more than 10,000 heavily-armed troops. He admitted the use of weapons would not be the only way to achieve the goal of freeing Shan people from slavery. "The SSA has tried to move towards a political fight. There will be light at the end of the tunnel as democratic countries are paying more attention to us. Now, some powerful countries feel sympathy for us and advise us not to give up our efforts," he said.

In the past, events to celebrate the Panglong Agreement were usually held at the SSA main base on Doi Tailaeng opposite Mae Hong Son's Pang Ma Pha district. But this year, the venue has been moved to a border area opposite Chiang Rai's Mae Fa Luang district.

"This venue is the safest place as it is not vulnerable to attacks by Burmese troops," said a leading member of the panel responsible for organising the event.

Non-governmental organisation activists, songs-for-life singers and other rights groups will flock to the border to attend the event, which will recall the legend of the Panglong Agreement, that has yet to materialise. At least 2,000 people are expected to join the event.

Security will not be a worrisome issue on that day as the Thai Border Committee will meet in Chiang Rai during the time of the celebrations.