"Several ethnic Shanni organizations in northwestern Myanmar’s Sagaing Division have objected to an ethnic Naga politician’s move to have Hkamti and Homalin townships incorporated into the Naga Self-Administered Zone (SAZ). U Aung Khin, chairman of the Shanni Solidarity Party (SSP), told The Irrawaddy on Monday that his organization objects to the actions of respected Naga politician U Ki Shi Mu, who asked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to make Hkamti and Homalin part of the Naga SAZ during the State Counselor’s trip to the area from Jan. 21-23. “Our residents will protest if the government recognizes Homalin and Hkamti as part of Naga,” he said. “It will become an ethnic conflict if the government recognizes our region as part of theirs.” Homalin and Hkamti townships both fall within Hkamti District in Sagaing Division. The Shanni recognize the area as their territory and it was historically ruled by Shanni saophas, or rulers. Their culture is still alive in the region, but the Shanni say this would be thrown into question if the area is incorporated into the Naga SAZ. There are 80,000 Shanni in Homalin and 10,000 in Hkamti, according to the SSP..."