Message On Sixty First Anniversary Shan National Day

_{February 07, 2008}

 
After more than six decades of co-independence with Burma Proper and other non-Burman ethnic states, Shan State is still reeling under the Burmese military occupation and suppression, under the pretext of “national unity” advocated by the Burmese military regime.
 
The fact that co-habitation, under the Burmese military rule, and peaceful co-existence is not feasible has time and again been proven by the military’s gross human rights violation, extra-judicial executions, and using rape as a weapon of war among others on the people of Shan State.
 
For years, starting from the first shot fired in Tangyan in 1959, which signalled the Shan revolution to regain birthright self-determination, the Shan people have been on the receiving end of brutal suppression and military occupation by the Burmese military.
 
We have also strived to advance our cause through various possible means, but still unable to free ourselves from the tyrannical rule of the Burmese military regime, after all these years. Two critical questions could be asked. Is it because of our shortcomings or the intertwined fate of being part of the Union of Burma?
 
In my opinion, it is more to do with the intertwined fate than our shortcomings. Like it or not, Shan State is seen as part of Burma and it is within this context that we have to formulate our policy and strategy of liberation. In other words, it is only possible to advance our cause through co-operation and co-ordination with all oppressed peoples, Burman included.
 
This brings us to the taboo theme of federalism versus total independence or secession among us. I would like to repeat the same thing I have written a few years ago, for I presume this is still plausible.
 
If the Shan wants to be heard and advance their aspirations, they would need to seriously think globally and act locally. It would need to sell the idea that it is part and parcel of a viable force, in collaboration with all non-Burman ethnic nationalities and Burman opposition groups, to replace the illegitimate military junta. To do this, "broad coalition-building" among all the opposition is essential, even those within the rank of the enemies, who are ready to reform, embrace justice, equality and democracy should not be neglected.  The Shan cannot win this fight alone and it is crucial that the "multi-pronged" approach is employed, coupled with the motto of "Common goal, Diverse actions", as urged time and again by the late Chao Tzang Yawnghwe.
 
Finally, a pragmatic approach, which is  in line with the international mood is the way to go. At this point in time, international system hinges more on maintaining or aiming at national and political integration ( status quo) than socio-political disintegration (ethnic self-determination).
 
Of course, it could be argued that Kosovo is about to achieve independence and the West in general is backing the one-sided independence declaration, while only Russia is explicitly against it. But it is just an exception for the United Nations could hardly shoulder the human and financial cost any longer and that an independent Kosovo is the only outlet to shake out its ongoing extremely expensive responsibility.
 
In contrast to the situation of Kosovo and East Timor, Shan State independence would not be recognised by China, India and Asian countries. So our best bet for now is to struggle in unison with all other oppressed peoples within the arena of so-called Union of Burma than going it out alone.
 
While we may have made false moves collectively or individually in the past, we can now safely assumed that the majority of our people and the organisations that represent them are united in our goal to strive from a non-state nation to fully fledged nation-state, either within the mould of genuine federalism or total independence, depending on the ever changing value and needs of our people and existing international political configuration of the day.
 
A Shan in exile
 
*The writer has been one of the contributors to SHAN since its founding in 1991. His identity is withheld by request – Editor

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