Kantarawaddy Times
On May 28, the Kawyaw ManuManaw Literature and Culture Committee officially announced that the ethnic name currently referred to as “Kawyaw” or “ManuManaw” by residents within Karenni State will now be unified and referred to as “Kawyaw ManuManaw.”
This decision followed a meeting held on May 19 in Daylakyo Village, where attendees agreed to and signed a resolution to adopt the new unified name.
Participants in the meeting included members of the Hpwan Baw Kwat Township Administrative Council, national leaders, members of the Literature and Culture Committee, community elders, and youth representatives.
In Karenni State, the Kawyaw ManuManaw people are referred to by different names depending on the regions they reside in.
A Kawyaw ManuManaw man shared his opinion, stating that the new name designation will help greater unity among the ethnic group.
“The idea of having a single ethnic name has been discussed for a long time. Although some people still don’t agree with the idea, I’m personally happy if everyone agrees to this announcement. In my view, using one name makes things simpler and creates more unity,” he said.
According to the announcement, in the past, the name “ManuManaw” was used in the Toe Khot and Nanphe regions, while “Kawyaw” was commonly used in the Daylakyo area.
Because these naming differences have caused division among the ethnic group, the National Central Committee and the Literature and Culture Committee held discussions and agreed to designate a single unified ethnic name.
As a result, the Kawyaw ManuManaw Literature and Culture Committee has called on all indigenous and local ethnic groups in Karenni State, including local authorities, the interim Karenni State government departments, regional defense forces, the state police force, civil society organizations, social and welfare groups, educational institutions, healthcare departments, and child and women’s affairs organizations, to officially adopt and consistently use the name “Kawyaw ManuManaw” in accordance with legal and procedural guidelines to ensure smooth and coordinated operations.
