Secession Not A Crime

Secession Not A Crime: Htoon Myint Taunggyi

Back To The Past-Today 
23 January 1957 

One of the most talked about political booklet, the Secession Issue, was written by a well known Shan political critic today. 

"Khwe-yay Twe-yay" (literally, To Part Or To Join) was completed by Htoon Myint of Taunggyi, co-founder of the Shan State People's Freedom League (SSPFL) and retired Secretary of Parliament today. 

He informs his readers that many thinks 'the propagation of secession will amount to a criminal offense. They forget that it is a legitimate right provided by the Constitution itself', citing Chapter 10. Right of secession from the Union Constitution, that provides two constituent states, Shan and Karenni, to withdraw from the union. 

He acknowledges that 'If the sentiments of the people were measured, the answer to the call for secession would far outweigh those for the union'. He dismisses accusations that the call for secession is a foreign intrigue. 'As the saying goes, "Where there is rot, there are flies"', grievances comes first. "External intrigues, if there are any, are secondary". 

Nevertheless, he counsels that the choice "is not advisable for those who are bent on it whatever happens later. This kind of secession can only serve as fuel for a world war that can destroy peace not only for Shanland, but for Asia and the rest of the world. He says 'Secession is not the only alternative that can do away with Shan grievances", that he "believes there is another choice" i.e. to restore the right of state's autonomy. "The secession weapon is put to use only when the first measure fails". 

He outlines his own proposal towards the end of the booklet: 

'1. Shanland possesses the characteristics necessary for the founding of a separate nation. 
2. Owing to both the geographical conditions and its natural resources, Shanland has a high potential to become a developed nation. 
3. If there is little or no hope of benefiting from the Union, we would like to secede and set up a republic on the following basis: 

a. The secession must be free from external intrigues and interference; 
b. It must not come under neo-colonialists and feudal powers; 
c. Shanland shall enjoy equal rights with other nations, and in turn be beneficial to world peace. 

Though basically we are secessionist, we shall keep an open mind to Burmese efforts made in the spirit of Aung San's saying ["The right to secede must be recognized, but it is our duty to show (our sincerity) with work so they don't wish to secede"]. In other words, they need to show their sincerity so that we won't wish to secede.' 

Finally he warns Rangoon that "Recitations of the sacred incantations i.e. "Nation Unity" and "the perpetuation of the Union" will not remove the secession issue. It should not be taken for granted that the Shan dare not secede. Threats accompanied by proverbs like "The tiger bites those cattle that leave the herd" will not have any effect on the issue either. 

There is only one solution: the implementation of Aung San's immortal saying".