April
22 - May 10, 2005
READERS’
FRONT
SPDC
URGED TO FORM GENUINE
UNION
4th
ETHNIC NATIONALITIES’ CONFERENCE
MON
POP MUSIC SHOWCASED BY BURMESE
Migrants
detained in
border
town
REFUGEE
ROAD SHUT DOWN
MONS
HONOUR STUDENT FOR EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
CANADIAN
MON EXTEND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
IT
IS NOT THAT SIMPLE: BO KYAW NYEIN
WHEN
THE CIVILIZED MEET THE UNCIVILIZED
ON
SHAN DELARATION
READERS’
FRONT
Dear
Readers,
We
invite comments and suggestions on improvements to Kaowao newsletter.
With your help, we hope that Kaowao News will continue to grow to serve
better the needs of those seeking social justice in
Burma
. And we hope that it will become an important forum for discussion and
debate and help readers to keep abreast of issues and news. We
reserve the right to edit and reject articles without prior
notification. You can use a pseudonym but we encourage you to include
your full name and address.
Regards,
Editor
______________________________________________________
“The
Junta's Mentality and the APC Weapons” by Kambawza Win
I
salute Kambawza Win for the following article (The Junta's Mentality and
the APC Weapons) he has written.
Regards,
Seng
Suk
_______________________________
Thank
you for this comprehensive review of the junta's past record of chemical
warfare. Yes, I do remember reading the different incidents and it
is good to have them all together in one article -plus- additional info
on the German supply source.
Your
article will be a good counter-weapon. In Conventional Warfare, if, e.g.
the enemy has mustard gas, then the friendly forces have to have mustard
gas. If they have nerve gas, then, we have to have nerve gas also. That
is the M.A.D. (mutually assured destruction) philosophy that typified
the Cold War throughout the last 50 years. The rationale was that
by possessing the very weapon the enemy has, this would provide a
deterrent.
However,
in Our War, it is a very Unconventional Warfare, more so since we are on
a poor man's budget. We do not possess any chemical weapons ---
nor do we have any standing army --at this present time. So the
only way to deter the enemy from using Chemical weapons, or, as you
termed it, APC for Atomic, Pathological, Chemical weapons, ---the only
way to deter the enemy is by Public Media. (Since we do not resort to
terrorist bombings)
Your
article is one such counter-weapon. Suggestion: you could warn the
Thais that their beloved King Bhumibol Dam is directly east of
Karen/Karenni and that any APC poison could would-- given the prevailing
monsoons winds – contaminate their water reservoir which I believe,
supplies
Bangkok
. Hopefully, this might contribute towards sobering their
(butt&) baht-crazy mentality. Thaksin is as blind as a baht,
millions of bahts, when it comes to trade with SPDC. The economic
trade from
Thailand
is a major support for SPDC, along with Chinese.
Thank
you again, and keep up your Good Work by producing more counter-weapons.
Comrade
Day
____________________________________
58th
Mon National Day in the
Netherlands
It
is true MP Nai Thaung Shein didn’t participate at the 58th
Mon National Day in
Netherlands
. We were very sorry about that. We had written an agenda that he
would take the chair of the event with an opening speech. But before we
started the event about 4 hours I called him and he said that he
didn’t want to participate the celebration because of the Mon national
flag being placed in the ceremony. (If you want to know more you can ask
him, why he doesn’t like this Mon national flag). Hence, we had
to draw a new agenda and invited other nationalities to take the chair
of the event. The chairs of our celebration this year were Arakan
representative
Burma
representative and Mon representative Nai Nanda Hongsa.
It
was great that our Mon National Day was attended by different ethnic
nationalities. And I believe that it is a new dawn for building peace
and national reconciliation in
Burma
. I want to celebrate MND in the modern way. It is an auspicious
celebration to join hands each other to rebuild our motherland with
peace and harmony.
Htaw
B. Monzel,
General
Secretary of Euro-Mon Community
____________________________________________________
Thanks
a lot for keeping update inside news to us. Freedom, social
justice and democracy are essential ingredients for
Burma
these days.
With best wishes,
MKS
(
Canada
)
Politics
SPDC
URGED TO FORM GENUINE
UNION
(Kaowao,
May 9, 2005)
Ethnic
leaders have urged the SPDC for more dialogue to avoid secession and
political crisis in
Burma
.
The
ethnic nationalities who gathered at the ENC meeting held from April 28 to
May 1 agreed that a tripartite dialogue, supported by the UN General
Assembly resolution in 1994, is essential to solve the political crisis
in
Burma
.
A senior member of Mon Unity League (MUL) who attended the ENC meeting
at the border said even though the burning issue on Shan Independence
Declaration was at the top of the agenda, there was no clear consensus
on it. Some participants including Shan leader, Harn Yawnghwe
himself did not support the declaration. A Mon politician told
Kaowao that the meeting focused more on how to match humanitarian aid to
the general population to improve the standard of living and how to
garner international support to shed light on the SPDC’s unrelenting
pressure against the cease-fire groups in general.
Inside
Burma
, Mon national leader Nai Tun Thein urged the SPDC to form a genuine
Federal Union of Burma and, if not, other ethnic nationalities may
follow suit in declaring independence like the Shan. The Chairman
of Mon National Democratic Front or MNDF said that if the SPDC continues
to pressure the ethnic nationalities, it will face the consequence of
all ethnic nationalities declaring independence because their needs as a
people are not met.
The
Mon prominent leader and leading members of United Nationalities
Alliance (UNA) and Committee for Representing Peoples Parliament, Nai
Tun Thein pointed out that many ethnic ceasefire groups, non-ceasefire
groups and National League for Democracy (NLD) demonstrated their
collective and political will to live in a genuine federated Burma.
Since the majority agreed upon on this issue, the SPDC should discuss
these challenges and move to implement the steps in forming a Federal
Union of Burma.
“If
the Burmese regime fails to meet these challenges, many will wish to
follow the Shan’s move by declaring independence,” said the 88 year
old politician.”
4th ETHNIC
NATIONALITIES’ CONFERENCE
(ENC:
May 2, 2005)
The
4th Ethnic Nationalities’ Conference was held from 28 April
to 1 May 2005, at a location on the Thai-Burmese border.
Sixty-two
delegates from the political organizations and invited youth and women
delegates participated in the Conference.
The
Conference agreed to reconstitute the Ethnic Nationalities Council and
base its representation along States lines. Given the current political
situation, the Conference also decided to include representatives from
the National Democratic Front and the United Nationalities League for
Democracy (Liberated Area) in the Council.
The
Conference reaffirmed that the best way to resolve the current political
crisis in the Union of Burma is through a political solution - a face to
face dialogue. The Conference also reaffirmed that the 'Tripartite
Dialogue' as called for by United Nations General Assembly in 1994, is
the solution.
The
Conference established that while the ethnic nationalities have
seriously called for and prepared for a tripartite dialogue, the SPDC
military regime has absolutely refused to enter into a dialogue. Instead
of engaging in a political dialogue with the ceasefire groups who were
fully prepared to negotiate, the SPDC using its military might is
subjugating them and making them surrender their arms. The SPDC is also
increasingly causing conflict between different ethnic nationalities.
The
Ethnic Nationalities Council will continue to work towards a Tripartite
Dialogue as called for by the United Nations General Assembly and to
work towards establishing a genuine federal Union of Burma. The ethnic
nationalities will also together continue to resist the SPDC regime's
use of its armed might and violence to pressure the ethnic nationalities
into submission.
The
Conference calls for the release of democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi and Hkun Htun Oo who is one of the ethnic nationalities leaders, and
all political prisoners who have been unjustly detained.
In
order to resolve the political, economic and social crises that the
people of the Union of Burma, including the family of military
personnel, are facing and to also gain international acceptance, the
Conference once again calls on the SPDC to accept that the solution is a
tripartite dialogue and to as soon as possible initiate national
reconciliation through a dialogue.
A
staff member of the National Reconciliation Programme attended the
Conference as an Observer, and the Director of the Euro-Burma Office
participated as an Advisor to the Ethnic Nationalities Council
The
Ethnic Nationalities Council was established in January 2004 by the 3rd
Ethnic Nationalities Seminar. The Council's mandate is to try to bring
about a 'Tripartite Dialogue'- the military, democracy advocates, and
the ethnic nationalities - to resolve
Burma
's problems.
The
Ethnic Nationalities Council was formed to represent the interests of
the ethnic nationalities who make up 40% of the population (20 million)
of the Union of Burma and whose homelands make up 60% of the territory.
Culture
MON
POP MUSIC SHOWCASED BY BURMESE
(Independent
Mon News Agency: May 5, 2005)
Mon
music performed by rock band, Anat Ghae, has attracted fellow Burmese
musicians who are eager to add some diversity to their collection of
songs. The newer style of Mon music is being reproduced by music
producers in
Burma
for the enjoyment of the Burmese community.
The
Mon celebrity, Pamaukha Chan said some Burmese song producers recently
bought two Mon songs to be reproduced for the Burmese consumer community
who enjoy the new funky rhythm.
The
two Mon songs: “Let Me Love” (Kor-Akhong Charn-Nyeeh) and “Help
Me, Buddy” (Roi Torh Roam) by “Anat Ghae” in CDs and cassette
tapes are very popular, even among some of the Burmese. The first one
was written by Wunna Thukha and composed by “Thaya (Eco)”: the
second was written by Blai Mon Lawi Rot and composed by Pamaukha Chan.
“I’m
so glad the Burmese artists bought our songs. This is the best thing
that has happened and the first time that our songs have the opportunity
to be listened to by the whole country. I’m glad people value
our work and I am waiting to see how the music will be performed by
them”, said Pamaukha Chan, the leader of Mon Musician Association.
While
the Mon composers were planning to produce their own songs, the Burmese
artists also bought their music notes. A Burmese song-writer Min
Thu Ya wrote both songs and translated them into Burmese to be released
in the government’s “Myawaddy” television program, said a Burmese
artist.
The
Burmese musicians, drummer U Saw Phu and Min Thu Ya paid 80,000 Kyat (80
US
Dollar) per song. Min Thu Ya told Pamaukchan that the lyrics of
Mon songs are well versed and flow harmonically; they will blend in well
within the whole entertainment industry of
Burma
.
Min
Thu Ya is a well-known song writer and works for the Myanmar Television
Channel (MRTV-4).
It
was reported two Shan singers who sing the Burmese songs: “Wun
Daing” and “Kyaw Han” also asked the Mon composers to sell their
Mon songs to them.
The
original singer, “Anat Ghae” said he liked these two songs the most
from his whole series of songs in CDs and tapes.
There
are over 20 professional singers in the Mon community who, together with
other artists, musicians, singers, song writers and composers formed a
music association in 2001. Since then the music industry in the Mon
community has grown more active and Pamaukha Chan credits the
association for the growing popularity of Mon songs which has enabled
the singers to reach a professional level through networking with other
artists in the entertainment industry.
Migrant
Watch
Migrants
detained in
border
town
(Taramon/
Gore Lavi, May 7, 2005)
About
seven hundred migrants have been detained last week in Ranong, southern
Thailand
, a Mon woman told Kaowao today.
“We
concerned that the Thai police are going to crack down and we dare not
let the migrants stay in our houses,” said the woman.
As
there are too many migrants to put in jail, they are detained in the
Township
Sport
Center
. The traffickers were unable to bribe the Township authority for
the release of migrant workers, reported the source.
“It’s
not possible to bribe the Thai police to release our people (migrants)
this time,” a Mon worker said under condition of anonymity.
He
said that about one thousand migrants were arrested. The migrants
are from Mon state, most are Mon. They traveled to Kaw Thaung, southern
tip of
Burma
opposite the port city of
Ranong
by express boat or special ship. “Nobody is allowed to meet the
detainees,” said the woman. “We heard that they may be deported back
to their native township.
Along
the
Three
Pagodas
Pass
border, several hundreds of migrants are waiting to enter into
Thailand
.
REFUGEE
ROAD SHUT DOWN
(Kaowao,
May 7, 2005)
The
road from Halockhanee and Ban Tong Yang refugee camps to Sangkhlaburi
has been closed by the Thai authorities after a dispute between some
refugees living there.
The
reason for the closure was a dispute between some refugees from the two
camps that started a week ago. A NMSP teacher who lives in the Mon
refugee camp said that two Burmese nationals who visit the Mon refugee
camp accused NMSP soldiers of looting while drinking and then beat them
afterwards.
Local
sources reported that all cars were prohibited from crossing over the
border into Sangkhlaburi; however travelers paid bribes to authorities
to visit the border town. “Each passenger pays the driver 1500
Baht who then hands over the cash to Thai authorities at checkpoints
along the road,” Lawi Weng, a Mon journalist said. The normal price
was 1000 Baht.
The
road is the only means of communication between camp residents and
family members outside of the camp. The closed off road has
affected Mon refugees located on the Burmese side and the Tong Yang camp
refugees who regularly visit the border town.
Nai
Roy Jit, a refugee from the new camp said that there is not enough food,
water and no electricity, plus the people live with little security and
have no reliable access to information outside of the camp. It has been
about one week since Thai authorities banned the motor road.
Nai
Jondae whose wife lives in the camp said that he is worried about his
two sick babies who were not receiving any medical treatment in the camp
and who had to risk his life to bring back medicine for them from
outside the camp two months ago.
The
Thai government relocated Burmese refugees in urban areas who hold
Persons of Concern (POC) status to refugee camps along the Thai Burma
border on March 31, 2005. More than 830 Burmese POCs have relocated to
the camps while waiting to leave for third countries.
Overseas
Mon
MONS
HONOUR STUDENT FOR EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
(Kaowao,
May 8, 2005)
The
Mon community in
Fort Wayne
,
Indiana
, hosted a celebration in honor of Dr. Mi Jarai Mon for her personal
achievement in completing her Ph. D in Agriculture.
The
MRC reported that over 200
Mons
including those who live in
Washington
,
California
, and Ohio States traveled to the one of the largest overseas Mon
community to join in the celebration with members of the Monland
Restoration Council and Mon Women Organization. The two
organizations jointly hosted the ceremony and the Chairman of MRC, Nai
Pon Nya Mon and other community leaders delivered messages to the crowd
encouraging the younger Mon generation to keep up with their studies and
pursue post secondary education.
“I
could not have achieved this alone. Many of you helped me one-way
or another. In particular, I have gained strength and motivation from
the Mon people in
Burma
. When I was in
Burma
, I would hear people say: "The
Mons
are not well educated". It was hard for me to convince them
otherwise. As you know, in
Burma
, we have very few Mon doctorates. Universities in
Burma
have not offered Ph.D. degrees until just the last few years. We
usually have to be selected as a “government scholar” to be able to
go abroad and study for our doctoral degree. I have always
believed that no matter who we are - Mon, Burman, Chin, or Shan - anyone
of us can achieve great things if we are given the opportunity to do so.
I hope my achievement in my education would help prove that this is
indeed the case,” said Mi Jarai.
Presently,
Mi Jarai Mon serves as the Chairwoman for the Mon Women Organization
(USA). In her local community and at university in
Burma
, she was an active member of Mon Literature and Culture Association.
She was thrilled to receive letters of congratulation from overseas
Mons
.
Fort
Wayne
,
being the largest overseas Mon community has built Mon Buddhist temples
for the
Mons
who practice Theravada Buddhism and established head offices of MRC and
MWO for community works. Over 500
Mons
are now
United States
citizens living in the
USA
; mostly in
Fort Wayne
.
CANADIAN
MON EXTEND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
(Kaowao:
May 8, 2005)
Calgary
– The Mon Community in
Calgary
,
Canada
held a "New Year’s Opening Meeting" on April 23 in
Calgary
.
The
gathering was organized by the Mon Cultural Society of Alberta.
Mon families, with children in tow, brought tons of food and donations
for the monks, poured water on the Buddha Image, with Buddhist monks and
elders overseeing the affair. New Year messages were delivered by
a Mon monk, Rev. Ao Bhae Sa and fellow community leaders Nai Khaing
Waeng, Nai Sumana and Nai
Cham Toik
spoke about community activities and future get together.
The
MCS also formed its sub-committees for Culture and Literature, Finance,
Auditing, External Affairs and Information to assist the works of the
existing EC committees.
The
Mon community in
Calgary
is the most active group in
Canada
. Several of the Mon recently migrated to
Calgary
,
Alberta
over the past 5 years.
Alberta
is an oil rich province that offers good employment opportunities and
low taxes, and properties are affordable for a family just starting out.
The
Mons
in
Canada
first founded the Mon organization in 1995 in
Toronto
during a Christmas holiday season.
The
Mon community in
Calgary
also organize Mon national day, fund raising event for the
Mon
Buddhist
Temple
for the Mon community and Canadian citizens. The aims of the MCS
are to promote and preserve Mon culture, literature, and to assist their
people in the homeland and in exile in resettlement.
Commentary
IT
IS NOT THAT SIMPLE
(By
Bo Kyaw Nyein)
Even
in today's world where globalization is the popular term, many
countries, if not all, are facing internal issues, which must be handled
with great care and sensitivity. Race related issues in
United States
, Catholic / Protestant split in
United Kingdom
, Muslim minority issues in
Kosovo
,
Israel
/Palestinian in the Middle East region, Aborigines in
Australia
, you name it, there are several burning issues in nearly every part of
the continents of the world that can easily arouse raw emotions. If
these issues are not confronted and resolved with care and sensitivity,
they will continue to keep their societies fragmented and unable to
successfully address common issues of oppression and poverty.
Burma
is no exception.
Many
Burmese, like many white Americans, are uncomfortable to discuss or
express their opinion when it comes to Ethnic (race) issues because it
is the sensitive matter in the first place and because no one likes to
be seen as a bigot. So while the silent majority is shy to express their
views, only the bold and the restless who are determined to make the
name and purposely exploiting the sensitive issues raise their voices.
Some may even try to heighten the rhetoric to attract attention. So many
times, extremists from both sides grab the microphone and sadly, only
the voices of extreme are heard and thus further push the moderate and
logical voices away from the scene and epicenter. In my humble opinion,
that is the case in
Burma
also.
Like
many citizens of
Burma
, I came from a mixed blood where my maternal grand father was a pure
blooded Mon, who took great pride in his heritage and spoke Mon at home
(he lived with us) and who was also a Mon activist during his time. My
father was a Burman (Bama) from
Upper Burma
. Being a Bama, we never really understood the actual meaning of
discrimination and what it is like to be a minority in
Burma
. Like many innocent Burmese who were forced to leave their motherland
because of the Military Dictatorship, I was forced to leave my country
for my safety after I had spent nearly five years at infamous Insein
jail and arrived on the foreign shores as an immigrant in the Western
world. Naturally, I came face to face with discrimination and quickly
learned the actual meaning of being a minority in the west. Like myself,
many of the Burmese who were forced to leave their country and arrived
on the shores of the Western world who had to struggle and overcome the
life as an immigrant and succeed in the foreign culture, clearly
understand the meaning of 'minority' and 'discrimination'. And in our
hearts we truly have a sincere desire to solve the complex ethnic issues
facing our people, in a fair manner as humanly as possible.
I
was one time confronted by some of my fellow Burmese comrades who are
sympathetic to Ethnic issues for not speaking out strongly or for not
raising the issues. The problem that many of my fellow Burmese are
facing is that we realize clearly that Ethnic issues are not the only
issue facing our nation and the people, and 'political solution' must be
solve in order to tackle the 'constitution solution ' in order to
resolve complex Ethnic issues. The root cause of many of our problems in
our country
Burma
, at present time, is the failure of the Burmese to remove Military
Dictatorship. Without finding a solution for the replacement of this
dreaded and harmful system of military domination in our country, we
cannot find an avenue that will lead us to a just resolution of our
complex Ethnic issues. Without finding a fair solution for all residents
of our country, it is very hard to find stability that is much needed
for the prosperity for all the people of all Ethnic backgrounds. And of
course, it is very easy to bring out the raw emotions and to be
misunderstood and misquoted during the discussion of sensitive issues
such as Ethic (race) problems.
Like
many countries in our global village that we know as planet Earth,
Ethnic issues are very complex and it is the legacy of our history and
human evolution. Because there are over 135 different Ethnic groups and
subgroups in
Burma
, we face a very complex and difficult problem. Some may want to
downplay the legacy and consequences we face today because of the
'divide & rule' policy practiced by successive British Colonial
administrations in
Burma
, but it was, in fact, significant. After years of suspicion, hatred and
significant bias and suppression against the Bama(s) (during the
Colonial rule), it is hard and it will take time for the wounds to heal
and to build mutual understanding again. Moreover, the racist policies
of post-independence regimes against the ethnic minorities found
widespread support among our Burman population even after it became
evident that the government was committing equally violent acts against
the majority Burmans.
We
Burmese must also accept the fact that Burma Army is still committing
serious abuses and atrocities against our ethnic minorities. Although
Burman or Bama(s) dominates the
Burma
army top officials, it is also a fact that the Burma Army seeks to
maintain its dominance over the population and it shows no preference
when it come to protecting its power and killing or destroying its
enemies. It has proven again and again that it will shoot its own
unarmed and innocent people. Incidents in 1962, 1969, 1974, 1975, and
1988 are clear examples that Burma Army did and does shoot its own
people without any discrimination based upon ethnicity.
Adding
insult to injury, Burma Army is not shy to exploit disharmony and
suspicion among Ethnic groups in
Burma
. After the atrocities committed in response to political unrest in
1974, 1975 and 1988 the Army propaganda machines spread rumors that it
was Chin soldiers who shot the Bama innocent civilians and many Burmese,
with extreme and narrow nationalistic views, along with some who were
simply uninformed readily bought this lie.
The
Burma
army ruthlessly crush the Ethnic villages they deem supportive of Ethnic
armed groups in accordance with their '4 cuts' strategy. Many innocent
Ethnic villagers and citizens views these heinous atrocities as abuses
committed by the Bama(s) as a whole, rather than the true fact that it
was committed specifically by Burma army. Since the majority Burmans
have not expressed sustained outrage against these atrocities, such
views are not surprising. Adding fuel to this misunderstanding is the
exploitation by some Ethnic leaders who have intentionally ignored the
fact that under the military dictatorship, the Burmans have no more
influence over the actions of the Burma Army than do the ethnic groups
who are the victims of these daily atrocities.
In
the midst of this mishaps and misunderstanding it is very hard for
logical and practical voices to be heard. It is very easy to provoke and
manipulate raw emotions when it comes to Nationalism, and human history
had proven again and again that undesirable events and consequences
could follow if we are not careful. Hitler and Japanese fascists clearly
exploited German and Japanese nationalism and how, recently, Slobodan
Milosevic exploited Serb Nationalism and look at where Balkanization
took his country and him.
Early
human evolution started with Nations (a people with common language and
culture) evolving into nation-states with defined boundaries. Now we
appear to be moving towards forming regional supra groups like EU and
ASEAN and experimenting with the concept of countries without
boundaries. And yet we (Burmese) are talking about secession and
independence and we are busy fighting and killing each other while our
neighbors are building national wealth and development and aiming to
become a new Super Power (ie China) and countries like Thailand, are
fast becoming regional leaders and achieving 1st world status of
developed nations. We all should be ashamed that while the other
countries in our region are moving forward, we are moving backward
towards self-destruction and annihilation.
It
is very sad that even with their education and an experience in growing
up in the Western world, some of the so-called and self-appointed Ethnic
leaders still long for Colonial rule. While it can be debated that some
of us benefited far more from colonial rule than we now do under
dictatorial rule of incompetent and corrupt generals, we must never
forget that a master-slave relationship can never be acceptable-whether
that master is British or Burman. And when the British concluded they
could no longer govern without the support of the Burmese people
themselves, colonial rule ended. When the generals in
Rangoon
reach the same conclusion, this tyranny will also end.
It
is very easy to say that every people of every race have the rights for
self-determination. But it is a very different matter when it comes to
reality. For example, the Shan are not the only people in the
Shan
State
. There are
Pa-Laung
,
Pa
-O, and Wa and many other minorities (33 ethic groups) within the
Shan
State
. What about their rights? Some of them may feel that they are treated
as second class or third class citizens. Shall they declare
Independence
from the Shan(s)? Are we going back to the City States? Shall we expect
to be called Independent States of Taung-gyi and Lashio? Even among the
Chins there are Lushei (Lushay) who are complaining of their
mistreatment and non-acceptance from other Chins. The fact is that many
minority sub-groups within minority groups have their grievances, anger,
conflicts and that is why Ethnic problems in
Burma
are very complicated and require extra care and sensitivity.
If
Ethnic problems were easy to solve, the Palestinian/Israeli conflict
would not have lasted this long and been so destructive. Everyone
understands and acknowledge the rights of both the Palestinians and the
Israelis. But realizing these rights in a fair manner is another issue.
There are many extremists who want to kick the Jews out to the sea and
of those who want to enslave the Arabs and spread their territories
endlessly as their rights mentioned (with self interpretation) in their
own religious texts. Some Palestinians became suicide bombers,
sacrificing their lives in the name of their people. But it is clear
that extremism does not and cannot bring lasting peace. Only practical
applications based on logical analysis of the issues can find the
peaceful and long-term solution.
There
are definitely practical voices in the Ethic leadership community. Even
among the brothers, Dr. Chao Tzang Yawnghwe (Eugene Thieke), who is also
the scholar and thinker and whose approaches are far more logical than
his extremist eldest brother. Dr Choa Tzang Yawnghwe who had taken part
in armed struggle and thus understood the difficulties and reality on
the ground and combining his academic credentials was able to see more
clearly than many dreamers who are simply staging 'Statement Politics'
where their achievement is nothing more than announcing and declaring
statements. Because of his logical approach and more realistic and
moderate views, even though many may not agree with him on several
issues, many Bama leaders and politicians had great respect for him. It
is my sincere hope that the younger generation of Ethnic intellectuals
who have aspirations to become leaders one day will follow Dr. Chao
Tzang Yawnghwe's thinking, rather than narrow Nationalistic views of
misguides extremists.
Credible
Leadership
Whenever
we raise the issues of Ethnic problems of
Burma
, there is a big question about who has the legitimate right and
responsibility to decide on issues that are so complex and so important
for the future of our country and her people.
From
my prospective, NLD led by Daw Suu were the leaders elected by the
people during 1990 election. There are Khun Htun Oo and SNLD leaders
also elected by the people. So without the participation of these
elected leaders, any discussions on a National Constitution are not
legitimate. Other so called technicians and Constitution experts can
offer their advice and publish their thinking and findings, but the
final decisions for forming a fair Constitution will not be legitimate
without the participation of these elected leaders.
Some
people like to blame "shortcomings" of the Panlong agreement
for our lack of unity (rather a failure by the government to meet its
obligations under it), but if we examine the process carefully, the
Panlong agreement did not happen because of one single event. Bogyoke
Aung San continuously demonstrated his leadership starting with the 1936
Student strike and after years of struggle and successfully forming the
leading alliance known as AFPFL, Bogoyke Aung San gained acceptance as
the undeniable leader of the country and AFPFL. AFPFL was not an
organization formed only by the Bama; people from all walks of life and
many leaders from minority Ethnic backgrounds participated with the
single goal of
Independence
for the country. Only when U Aung San had established his and AFPFL
Leadership position, he negotiated with the British for the
Independence
of the country. And it was the supreme EC who chose the representatives
for AFPFL. Similarly, following his father footsteps and knowing the
importance of legitimacy and credibility of leadership, Daw Suu had
demonstrated her will and determination and it is the fact today that
not only the Burmese but the whole world has recognized and accepted her
leadership for the country. So in my view, it is only appropriate both
for the military government leaders and Ethnic leaders to discuss the
future of our country with the full and active participation of Daw Suu
and NLD leaders (along with SNLD leaders).
Today,
George Washington is hailed as the founding father of the
United States of America
. During his time there were many conspiracies within the Continental
Congress to replace General George Washington. The American Constitution
was not written by a single person but was a collective work of several
talented and unique minds and it took more than seven years to complete.
America
was extremely fortunate to have brilliant minds like Alexandria
Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and George Mason among others to contribute
to create such a unique and valuable constitution. If one reads the
Federalist Papers and other historical documents on American
Constitution one can easily see the torturous efforts and debates these
founding fathers had to experience in their writing of the American
constitution. One of key aspects of the American constitution that
attracts me most is the rights of the States and Federal (Central)
Government and the creation of the Senate to protect the rights of the
smaller states in addition to a clear separation of power. It would be
wise to consider these time-tested accomplishments if and when we
consider our free and Fair Constitution for
Burma
.
If
we look at the current situation in Burma, even though they are
experiencing difficult times with internal unity, SPDC is still strong
and they are getting stronger financially every year to withstand
Western led sanctions with the finding of Natural Gas in the energy
thirsty global environment. They have played well with their strategy of
'Time & Space' of closing the political space of Daw Suu (and NLD)
and stretching the time and rule of military government longer. While
many of the self-appointed Ethnic leaders are fighting hard for their
right to be heard, they are totally separated from other entities such
as NCGUB, NCUB, MPU in their efforts to replace the SPDC. In the
opposition camp, we are not only separated by ideologies such as
Communism, Democratic Socialism, Capitalism, we are separated along
Ethnic lines as well. These are mostly non-violent oriented groups, but
there are also many armed resistance groups.
If
all these groups are going to continue to wage their separate wars in
separate ways against the well established entity (SPDC), backed by its
500,000 strong army and the natural resources of our country, we will
never win. If, after wandering in the political wilderness for more than
half a century, we still cannot figure out how to form a unity to fight
one common enemy, it is our fault. If we truly love our country and our
people, we should join hands and find a realistic political solution for
our country. Please let me say it from the bottom of my sincere heart
that there are many Burmese of Bama origin who truly want a fair and
free constitution for our country. I am confident that the silent
majority understands the suffering of our Ethnic brothers and sisters,
because we too are now suffering like you. We all are in the same boat.
Let's join hands and find the common and fair political solution by
showing the united force to change the system we all know as 'military
dictatorship'. Let us demand that our elected leaders participate in
writing the free and fair constitution for our country where even the
military will have a proper role in a democratic society, and where the
voices of the people in each State will be fairly represented in our
government. Let us encourage all capable individuals, technicians,
experts, and constitutional scholars to contribute in writing this new
Constitution. Let's work together to realize our dreams.
There
are many Bama extremists who may possess Maha Bama Chauvinistic views,
as there are many Ethnic leaders who possess strong anti-Bama feelings.
The Burma Ethnic issues are far too complex to be addressed with
emotional rhetoric and pointing the finger of blame on specific people.
I hope our younger generation will understand that book knowledge is
sometimes very different from reality on the ground. I hope we all can
avoid the experience of the six blind men touching the big elephant and
coming to different conclusions. We need to examine the problem in
totality and must explore it from all angles, and we must come together
to solve the problem in a fair manner. I just want to say to my young
Ethic brothers who aspire to become respected intellects and scholars
that: It is not that Simple.
WHEN
THE CIVILIZED MEET THE UNCIVILIZED
Kanbawza
Win
The
EU, that had just renewed its sanctions and shunned the Burmese regime
because of its gross records of human rights violations and vehement
hatred for democracy, has announced it will hold ministerial talks with
the Burmese regime at
Kyoto
. No one can expect any result from their encounter as their brain wave
length are not the same? But it is a historic first ever meeting since
the Junta came to power killing thousands of people and can be construed
as the proper way of civilized international community responding to an
uncivilized Burmese regime even though it will be very hard, if not
impossible for the uncivilized Burmese Generals to understand the norms
of the well mellowed civilized European Union representing some 25
countries.
Civilized
in the sense that if two persons or groups did not see eye to eye they
sit down, negotiate (sometimes banging the table or shouting at each
other or calling names) and parted their own ways but did not come to
shooting or arresting each other (not to mentioned torturing) as in
Burma. Then after discussion, each goes on its own way and does not
persecute the other because he dares to disagree with his idea. Even if
one committed a crime he is given a fair trail with the right to choose
its own lawyers and even if in custody are allowed to see its kit and
kin. However this kind of civilized norms is non- existence in a place
called Burma (the Generals love to be called by their chauvinist name as
Myanmar) the classic example is the arrest of Khun Htun Oo of how he was
denied all the civilized norms of the homo
sapiens, not to mention the fate of U Tin Oo and Daw Aung
San Suu Kyi.
The
people of
Burma
by nature are very polite and courteous and would never call a person by
name but by a prefix as Uncle, (Oo) or Aunt (Daw) and so on. However the
Junta and its advocates being rude or rather uncivilized would call it
by name e.g. Aung San instead of Bogyoke Aung San and Suu Kyi instead of
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. During half a century of military rule in
Burma
the erosion of moral capital is so enormous that it has spread even to
the Diaspora community indicating the
Burma
is going backwards in its civilization.
In
the civilized society even the most powerful person was not above the
law e.g. President Nixon was given a fair and open trial in his
impeachment. However, in uncivilized Burma as of today is that everybody
welcomes the Prime Minister with pomp and ceremony and tomorrow he was
carted to jail and tortured including all his near and dear ones. Is
this a civilized norm? Will the remaining Generals have enough guts to
have a fair and an open trial on Khin Nyunt? No they are afraid that
Khin Nyunt will reveal all the bribes, kickbacks and the atrocities
committed by the other Generals? The uncivilized people are unable to
face the facts in other words they are very much afraid of the truth.
If
there was an incident like Depayin, as claimed by the regime instigated
by the people themselves then why was that up to this day there was not
an independent enquiry commission? We don't mean that it must be an
international enquiry commission (like the rapes of Shan Ethnic Women
where the Burmese army is sore afraid lest their atrocities became
public) but an enquiry commission with the Burmese people, for the
Burmese by the Burmese even if it is under the heels of the military
boots. Is it because of Khin Nyunt? The Military Intelligence knew in
advance that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all her associates including U Tin
OO were order to be killed by non other than Than Shwe himself and Khin
Nyunt sent his men to rescue the lady thus thwarting the butchery or in
other words Than Shwe's plan. Why was this story not revealed? In a
country where problems are solved by arms and might depicting the law of
jungles can we called it civilized?
Now,
the uncivilized Burmese team whose motto is lying
the very concept of truth, will be meeting a civilized EU
group who want to find out nothing but the truth, what will be the
outcome? It is already made known that EU has decided to give more than
Euro 35 million ($45 million) for Burma humanitarian aid but who can say
that how many of them will fall into the hands of the corrupt Generals
when it has a track record of siphoning off the humanitarian aid. The
attitude that "I am the only
pebble on the beach" is still very prominent in the
heads of the Burmese Generals. They want to be the monarch of all they
survey.
How
many times has the EU send its Troika Missions and what are the results
today? In January 2001, the EU high delegation led by non other than by
its prominent Swedish Foreign Ministry Asia Pacific Director went to
Rangoon
. The following year in March, another mission was followed by its
rotating chairman the Spanish Foreign Ministry Asie et Pacifque
Director. Six months later another similar trip was promptly follow up
by Danish Foreign Ministry's Asia Director but so far nothing
substantial has come out of these EU missions. A hypothesis can be drawn
that sending professional men to
Burma
will not bear fruit because it is too uncivilized and
Burma
is bereft of professional men especially in the field of international
relations. Hence EU will be meeting the Generals themselves at the
ministerial level.
The
civilized Europeans can differentiate between the government and people
of
Burma
. Humanitarian Aid is for the latter but the bankrupt regime is looking
with hungry eyes hoping to slice off apiece as big as possible. They
could scarcely comprehend the word "humanitarian"
as they themselves are the ones causing humanitarian disasters. All they
want is how to exploit them. In their hearts of hearts they know that
once the NGOs really started working for the welfare of the people of
the country then the whole country will come to witness the regime's
idea, ineffectiveness and will reveal them as parasites with the power
eluding from the Generals.. This is the crux of the Burmese Generals'
idea. The attitude is that they are unwilling and unable to anything
beneficial for the country and people and will not let other people do
it either.. If this kind of thinking is not an uncivilized thinking then
what kind of people are uncivilized?
The
law of the jungles prevails where the strong and the mighty prey on the
small and the weak, a classic example is how the regime treated its
adversaries be it an ethnic or a democracy movement. The end justify the
means is their whole philosophy. In the jungles the strongest become
prominent e.g. a lion become king. This was reflected in
Burma
when the Generals take out the photo of its national leader, the
architect of modern
Burma
, Bogyoke Aung San and replaced it with a picture of a mythical lion. So
what do you expect more when the civilized meet the uncivilized? But if
the civilized EU would be only giving a slight slap on the wrist, which
have been the case so far, the uncivilized Burmese will get away easily
again and perhaps even regain some legitimate ground, intentionally or
unintentionally, denied to it by the international community. However if
EU manages to persuade the Junta to let the NGOs do the job then it will
go into the Guinness Record Books as the eight wonders of the world.
Chaingmai
ON
SHAN DELARATION
I do understand the reasons of declaration for the Shan States
Independence by the Shan leaders. It's because of cruel repression done
by the SPDC government. The Shans had suffered very much and there is no
way to escape tortures of military government. The declaration is the
only way out for them.
But
I do not understand the announcement of NLD leaders, who sided with the
military generals.
The
NLD can stay quite in this conflict, as they themselves had shut their
mouth about the formation of NCGUB May be the old military leaders who
had dominated the NLD headquarters for life. (Exactly the same as
generals from the SPDC government) had made secret understanding with
the SPDC Generals to work for a permanent military rule in
Burma
.
May
be they are afraid. If they are scared they should surrender their
chairs to the younger members.
U
Thaung
_________________________________
This
giant political maneuver by Shan elders can be construed as the direct
or indirect ramification of the largely discredited National Convention.
The political imbroglio endangering the safeguarding of the Union of
Burma has been exacerbated. If done so with a solid determination
of reinstating the pre status-quo of 1947 Panglong Agreement, the Shan
elders have its logical points to declare independence.
Meanwhile,
taken the collective struggle and mutual existence of all ethnic
nationalities into account, the Shan elders ought to reassess the
efficacies while venturing the diverse spectrums of political
reconciliation.
On
the other hand, for the Burmese military junta, this is yet another
revelation of political alarm, ticking the clock. Stringent reforms have
to be implemented. As demanded, political prisoners should be released;
there must be inclusive and extensive talks involving the military
regime, the 1990 elected leaders and representatives of ethnic leaders.
Unless such significant pursuits – "Give and Take Policy/
Compromise" is made in the political circle, more secessionist
campaigns are inevitable.
This
is my sincere observation and analysis on
Burma
's political turmoil with specific reference to the declaration of Shan
independence.
Sincerely,
Papao
_____________________________________________
Traveling
to the Federal Union by tripartite dialogue was a dream. You may
reach where you want to go but only in the dream. You think you are
already there but when you wake up, you will see you are still in your
bed room.
You
have to have your state government and State independence first before
you build a Federal Union. If you don't have your self-independence, you
can't create your own destiny but you try to build a Federal Union, I am
sure that it won't happen equal and justice Federal Union.
The
NLD should not oppose the independence of Ethnic Nationalities if they
recognized that all other Ethnic Nationalities didn't have their freedom
and equal rights since 1948 until now.
I
totally support not only on the Shan Declaration Independence but also
other Majority Ethnic Nationalities' independence.
Saw
Pyi
_______________________________________
Their
announcement, I don't know whether it's real or just to get attention.
However neither of it is not right from any angle. My poor so-call
handful of Shan, they don't think correctly whether it's possible or not
before they start anything. They should know that there is only one
choice to defeat the military which is united with all opposition. Also
there is necessary to learn regional political situation of neighboring
region since we can not ignore our neighboring countries.
Thailand
has the problem of northern Muslim separatist rebels, India has Mizoram
separatist Mizo rebels and other, northern part of Chinese people even
they don't like to call themselves of Chinese, separatist rebels in Ache
of northern Sumatra in Indonesia, separatist Hmong ethnic rebel in Laos,
and so on and on. Can I say these are the real obstacles issue for them?
Having
the motivation is good but must be right motivation is important. Mr.
Andrew Marshall "The Trouser People "or Sir J.G Scott
(high-ranking British officer) their literature about the Shan and Wa
people before the British colony and under the British colony was very
good to read. However it's just for the information and its not
provoking of to cry spilled milk and awake of national pride in this
globalization age. Democracy is good but abusing the right is fatal
mistake for themselves and others too.
Zaw
Ne
___________________________________________________
Kanbawza
Win’s article has the same meaning that I was thinking about.
"April Fool" is a correct word to response the unrealistic
announcement (Shan Independence).
Cheers
Htun
Aung Gyaw
__________________________________________________
Ethnic
issues and self-determination are certainly a part of a wider democracy
movement. How can we talk about democracy by putting aside ethnic
issues? Obviously the half-century internal political conflict that we
are experiencing now is without doubt a result of our country's failure
to address ethnic issues and accommodate their aspirations. It should
not come as a great surprise and concern that our ethnic brothers and
sisters put their issues before or side by side democracy. Instead
ethnic minorities should have learnt enough from their experiences sixty
years ago that because they put "
Independence
" before their interests for the common good, eventually they bear
the dire consequence. Consequently they will repeat their mistake and
lose the opportunity again if they put aside their issues for this
illusive democracy.
Greh
Moo
University
of
Toronto
______________________________________________
Extreme
advocacy for ethnic rights in
Burma
has detrimental effect to the achievement of Democracy in
Burma
. It is reasonable and understandable to see "identity
politics." However, putting ethnic issues before Democracy will
unfortunately exacerbate the suffering of all inhabitants living in the
land
of
Burma
, for it helps the military regime justify the need to have the power in
their hands. Therefore, it is very important to be realistic when it
comes to ethnic issues in
Burma
. A clout of ethnic issues should not be impediment in the establishment
of democracy in our homeland.
Some
of our ethnic brothers are pushing too much and too hard in order to
raise ethnic issues. It is nothing wrong with this effort. However, they
must be aware of the ramification effect of what they are doing.
Regards,
Tin
Maung Htoo
Burma
Forum
Canada
