Palaungs

   An ethnic minority nationality who live in Shan State, especially Tawngpeng state, where they had their own sawbwa during the dynastic and colonial periods. They speak a Mon-Khmer language, and their culture has been heavily influenced by neighboring Shans (Tai). Living in upland areas, they have practiced slash-andburn (swidden) agriculture. They also cultivate tea leaves as a cash crop, used to make pickled tea or let-hpet, which is popular with the Burmans (Bamars). Although their indigenous religion is animist, many Palaungs have become Buddhists. A Palaung armed group, the Palaung State Liberation Organization/Army, operated in northern Shan State, but in April 1991 it signed a cease-fire with the State Law and Order Restoration Council; a small breakaway group, the Palaung State Liberation Front, has rejected the truce.