11 February
Attitude towards the ethnic races
The national leader General Aung San visited Myitkyina in Kachin State on 28 November 1946 as the then Minister of Defence, and held discussion with Kachin leaders. It was a great occasion.
At the meeting, General Aung San explained the efforts to regain independence of Myanmar, assuring that independence would be regained soon. The national leader said that as Kachin people were also included in the ethnic peoples, all should live in weal or woe; and that only then Kachin people would catch up with the changing situation. Because of the colonialists’ separation policy, Kachin people had not seen any progress in a period of over 60 years, he said. If they joined Myanmar, they would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with all other Myanmar ethnic races, he assured.
National unity
The discussions between General Aung San and Kachin leaders were irreplaceable for the country. The meeting had also laid the foundation of the Kachin leaders’ trust in General Aung San. On 1 December 1946, one day before his departure from Kachn, Kachin damsels treated General Aung San with a meal at a special pavilion, honouring him as a trusted true friend. At the pavilion, General Aung San sincerely explained the importance of independence and his true goodwill towards the ethnic races.
The national leader said he had demanded the British government to give equal rights, self-administration, progress and prosperity for the ethnic peoples. He also demanded to ensure unity between Myanmar proper and ethnic regions and the responsibility for the progress of Shan, Chin and Kachin of hill regions and to relief them from the rule of the governor. Those endeavours were the proofs of his goodwill, friendship and love for all Kachin ethnic races.
Aspiration for unity
General Aung San regarded all the ethnic races as members of his family, enjoying freedom and prosperity. In this regard, he noted, “A significant example is that the powers of the world cannot live or even exist alone, without any friends. They are trying to cooperate or ally with suitable countries. Myanmar will have to do the same thing. The country must reinforce itself. So there must be unity among all the ethnic Myanmar races. It is really important. In no way any ethnic Myanmar will become strong, if it goes its own way and pursue its own interest. So, all should be aware of the danger of splitting-up.”
As mentioned by General Aung San, the national unity has always been an important requirement for the county since the independence struggle. During the struggles of the people to become the independent and sovereign Republic of Union of Myanmar, the country showed its strength through the ethnic unity.
Characteristics of Union
The following factors were the base in designating ethnic regions of the country under the Constitution: (1) having visible geographical boundaries; (2) having a language that is different from Bamar; (3) having a uniformed culture; (4) having a tribe of races under a single traditional background; (5) having an adequate volume of economic growth and benefits; (6) having a sizable population; and (7) having the wish to live under own characteristics as a member of the Union. It is the noble and sincere vision of General Aung San and other leaders for all the ethnic races to live proudly as a member of the Union in accord with their ethical characteristics.
(To be continued)
By Kaung Zan Thein
(Translated by TMT)
