I thank Gazala Paul for writing such an extensive article, and his recommendation on Future Federalism in Burma, but I would like to respond to certai

I thank Gazala Paul for writing such an extensive article, and his recommendation on Future Federalism in Burma, but I would like to respond to certain points. In the article “A Cry from Burma”, he wrote, “The military claimed that it had to take over power (1962) because there was a secession plot by the leaders of the ethnic nationalities.”


In Response to Recent Articles

By S. N. Oo


I thank Gazala Paul for writing such an extensive article, and his recommendation on Future Federalism in Burma, but I would like to respond to certain points.
In the article “A Cry from Burma”, he wrote, “The military claimed that it had to take over power (1962) because there was a secession plot by the leaders of the ethnic nationalities.”

During 1948- 1958 the semi-democratic government under U Nu was at first going pretty smoothly, but being pressurized by the Burman nationalists U Nu changed the Constitution: e.g. The Upper Chamber of Nationalities was becoming more and more under the control of the Burmans. Buddhism was declared the state religion, which was contrary to the original Constitution, and this angered the Christians and the Muslims. ( This is not to rekindle old wounds, but to explain facts and to avoid past mistakes)

By 1961 the Sawbwas realised that the Union was not only totally under the control of the Burmans but becoming under the Military; therefore, the question of “ to secede or not to secede “ came to be an issue amongst Shan leaders including U Htoon Myint who was anti- Sawbwas. This was not a crime, it was a right provided by the Constitution.( The Shan State had the right to secede after ten years , 1958) The secession issue did not arise out of conspiracies by the Shan leaders; it originated from real grievances. The aspiration of the Non-Burman ethnic leaders was for all nationalities to work together as equal partners.

The majority and more prominent Shan leaders were committed to working out a solution with the elected U Nu Government. That was the reason why they called for a recess of Parliamentarians, to have a discussion on “Federation” In March, 1962, during a high level seminar on “federal issue s” attended by Prime Minister U Nu and senior Shan Representatives and lawyers on both sides, the Military under General Ne Win staged a coup. The present long and never ending conflict could have been avoided if the debate was allowed to continue.

The military further claimed that “Without a strong military presence, there would be ethnic violence”
This is also propaganda of the military regime. It has shut away the truth and has been drumming this into the citizens of Burma and the international communities for years, and yes, some are naive enough to believe whatever the junta says. This is because the regime has been practising how to lie convincingly for years; the generals sound so genuine yet they are blatantly lying.

It is true that in the Shan State there are various ethnic races but during the Sawbwa regime and under the British rule from 1887- 1942 all these groups had lived peacefully together. The people were able to enjoy basic human rights with continuous peace and stability. There were no prejudices or bigotry between the groups. This does not mean that Feudalism should be revived; it would not be right for the 21st. century.

After the military coup, the various groups have been corrupted and indoctrinated to think ill of each other by the Burmese military’s divide and rule method. The regime has shattered the eight regional states of the Union of Burma. In each of the regional states they have caused conflicts between the national races like the Pa-O and Was against the Shan, and within each national race Buddhists against those of other religious background, and ceasefire groups against the resistance groups. All society and family units have been completely destroyed. Like Harn Yawnghwe stated the regime has atomised the whole population of Burma, mentally and physically. Yet it is surprising that in spite of the junta’s cunning and evil efforts there is a realisation amongst all ethnic leaders that they must work together for the common good of all concern.

Several ministers and diplomats of Asian countries warned recently a sudden regime change in Burma could lead to an Iraq-type anarchy with rival factions battling each other for power.
This is exactly what the junta wants the world to believe. Are some governments so very ignorant of human psychology that they cannot identify whether somebody is lying or telling the truth? “Like Kyaw Zwa Moe wrote, “both ethnic groups, ceasefire and non-ceasefire have called for a form of democracy that would provide autonomy for their respective states”. The ethnic nationalities do not want to fight with each other, neither do they want to dominate; they want equal opportunity and status. It is only members of the military and those with the same mentality who are power mad, and try to hold on to power by force. They murder or get rid of anybody who is a threat to them, not by election or fair means but by guns and ammunition. They even kill or imprison their own people, like Khin Nyunt and many others. Kyaw Zwa Moe wrote, “anarchy is the best description of Burma’s present state, a military-ruled system of anarchy”. I totally agree with him. Any form of anarchy couldn’t be any worse than the present situation in Burma where the people are terrified and facing starvation.

Unlike Iraq all ethnic groups in Burma have no conflict amongst themselves. As has been identified by most people interested in Burma the problem facing the country for nearly half a century is a political and constitutional one, and not a conflict between the different ethnic nationalities. It is a conflict between the SPDC and all the ethnic nationalities, including the Bama citizens.
If the present dictatorial regime is removed the darkness and evil that have engulfed the people of Burma for nearly half a century will disappear. The people of Burma will regain their soul and spirit to rebuild their country.

I support Sao Yawd Serk, the Commander of SSA in his call for unity amongst all citizens of Burma. He said although the objectives of the Burman political opposition are different from those of the Shan they are not opposed to, but are supportive of each other. He also called for closer ties between the Burmans and the Shans so as to keep up the momentum of striking while the iron is hot or catch the fish before the water becomes muddy (sic).

The Shan State Armies came into existence because of the unfair, unjust and bullying nature of the totalitarian and dictatorial regimes. They are not war mongers. The peoples of the Shan State want just to be able to live freely in their own country of birth. Like all citizens of Burma they are fighting for their rights, honour, truth, justice and freedom. This surely is the common aim for all citizens of Burma? We must get rid of the misunderstanding, distrust and the fear created by the junta. All peoples of Burma can together rebuild the country into a genuine Federation based on true democracy. No doubt there will be plenty of talk but if it is based on fairness there is no reason why the final settlement cannot be reached satisfactorily.

I would like to call on the United Nations and member nation states to please:
1. Study carefully how Burma was constituted before the military coup so that they can understand the root of the conflict that has been going on for nearly half a century.
2. To carefully study the psychology of the generals; whether they are sincere or not when they say that they are working towards Democracy. Whether there will ever be a tripartite talk, because without such a talk there can never be democracy and peace in Burma.
3. Please research and study carefully the real situation of Burma; not only in towns and cities but in hidden villages.
4. Recognise that the generals are not children to be coaxed to do the right thing nor are they adolescents who have committed their first offence and need to be offered an incentive to reform; they are hardened criminals who do not have any consideration for other people’s points of view. They are without any human decency.