1-1-1886: End of Burmese monarchy and beginning of semi-autonomous rule for the Federated Shan State ( under British  colonial rule) 1943: Constitution (Japanese occupation): all powers of government,, and all authority, legislative, executive ant judicial, are derived from the people- would seem an  even stronger affirmation of faith in democracy.

12-2-1947: The Panglong Agreement (14 Shan reps., 6 kachins, 3 Chins and Aung San, for government); in which the Hill Peoples undertook to cooperate in framing the constitution for the Union of burma. In 1947, the name of democracy found high favour in world councils and in Burma,it seems a key to independence. Democracy is usually defined as government by the people,and held to signify a government representing the numerical majority of the people as determined by periodic elections.In a democracy with adult sufferage,the exercise of the franchise is no longer a privilege but a duty.

4-1-1948: On January 4,1948Burma became independent of the colonial rule and had its constitution for the first time as an independent nation.The constitution emerged through elected constituent assembly and it gave fundamental rights, freedom of expression and association and it was a parliamentary democracy quasi-federal in character.The House of Representatives was directly elected on proportional ethnic basis.The basic proplem was to enshrine the newly won independence in a constitution that, in virtue of its inherent vitality,would maintain the stability of national life and yet permit of growth and development in response to changes in the environment.

1948-1961: An experiment at democracy.Democracy was fragile,rule of law was by-passed, rampant corruption became a hallmark and multi- coloured insurgency threatened stability,made even worse by U Nu"s proposal  to make Buddhism the religion,though it was he who convened the Sixth Buddhist Synod at Kaba Aye.

2-3-1962: The Shans took the lead in drafting some amendments to the 1947 constitution so as to have equality and a genuine federal union,to which all ethnic groups agree.The Burmese army being hungry for power,made an excuse for seizingpower saying it was a threat to the integrity of the state.The 7ethnic nationalities(Shans, Kachins, Karens, Karenni, Mons, Rakkhines and chins)and the CPB (communist party of Burma) went into armed struggles to achieve their goals of self-determination, liberty and equality.The military coup in Burma on March2,1962 was opposed by students and intelligentia. After four decades of bloody clashes, the much hated junta is still clinging to power.The reign of terror continued with martial law. It formed the only party allowed-the Burma Socialist Programme Party with a fond cry of Burmese Way to Socialism as opposed to the popular ethnic groups "genuine Federalism".The centralized constitution of 1974(after a sham referendum)was unpopular.Bad govern ance and pilferage by government employees led to communal riots in 1967(Sino-Burmese) and religious riots instigated by military intelligence in 1987 between Buddhists and Muslims .Mosques were torched, many Muslims were killed.

The 1988 mass country-wide uprising brought down 3 governments in the space of 3 months, the government of Sein Lwin(butcher of Rangoon) lasting only 17 days. After months of anarchy and lack of administrative apparatus, the army again seized power after killing hundreds of monks, students,government employees and innocent people. It promised multi-party elections and transfer of power to a civilian government.Election was held in 1990.When the NLD won a
landslide, the army refused to honour its commitment and held onto power tenaciously up till the present day.

Clarion Call:-The UN,ASEAN and Nobel Laureates plus 59 former heads of State tried to nudge the junta to expedite the political process and release all political prisoners but to no avail.Having a jaundiced view of the world, SPDC will not listen to anybody. It is still violating human rights, reinforcing its rule using fear and perpetuating its hegemony on the populace.All dissidents are arrested, interrogated and detained.The SPDChas lost its credibility.It has been correctly dubbed,"a pariah state" by western countries. Warning to all ethnic delegates attending NC:-if you do not lead your people out of the political doldrums to liberation, sovereignity and self determination,you will be led into perpetual servitude.Your siblings and the generations that follow will curse you for your incompetence and lack of foresight.You will be blacklisted in a dogskin book, not in the golden book of good deeds. Make your own decisions.The choice is yours.Create your own destiny.You are the masters of the present situation. Looking back in history, future generations will say with admiration, "This is their finest hour. "Remember Thomas Aquinas advice,"Revolt against tyranny is legitimate.

Khunsam, Kutkhai of federated Shan State
29.06.07

Back to top| Back to Home|back to Homepage