Hailing the 77th Anniversary of Independence Day 2025: Aspiration of the people for long-lasting Independence

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Hailing the 77th Anniversary of Independence Day 2025: Aspiration of the people for long-lasting Independence

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THE 4th of January 2025 is a significant and historic day that marks the 77th anniversary of Myanmar’s liberation from colonial rule and attainment of independence. The people must have been eagerly waiting for the auspicious moment of gaining independence since January’s early days 77 years ago. 

The city of Yangon enveloped in the serene atmosphere of the winter breeze waited with anticipation whether the national flag would be raised high upon its soil. 4 January 1948. The news of the impending declaration of independence at dawn spread from Yangon to even the furthest corners of the country. Historical records describe the night as one filled with restless anticipation. Some stayed awake through the night that it was a moment of great significance, eagerly waiting for that moment, others laying out plans for their newfound lives of freedom. Still, others were savouring the imagined taste of independence. Many remembered and paid tribute to the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for this cause. That day marked over 100 years since liberation from the control of another, granting the people the right to carve their own nation’s destiny. It’s no surprise that everyone would feel immense joy and pride on such a momentous occasion.

At exactly 4:20 am, the sounds of cannons from the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the British navy stationed at the Yangon port were first heard. The thunderous cannon fire was not for warfare but rather to mark the auspicious occasion of Myanmar’s impending independence. At the end of the booming sounds, the UNIJET flag, which had stood for over 100 years in front of the Yangon City Ministers’ Office, gradually slid down from the top of the pole. Following this, the flag representing the entire nation of Myanmar rose swiftly from the bottom of the pole to the top, taking its place at the pinnacle. The gentle breeze of the winter season seemed to support the national flag as it fluttered proudly at the top, enhancing its dignity. 

Upon gaining independence, some citizens shed tears of joy, overwhelmed with happiness. Others danced, with exhilaration, some gave offerings, and a few ran and shouted in boundless excitement. Yet, some quietly savoured the taste of freedom. Having been liberated from the bonds of servitude, the people’s collective aspiration was to unite and work towards progress and prosperity. The voices of children would resonate through schools. Factories would operate, their chimneys releasing smoke as a sign of industrial activity. Highways, railroads, and other transport networks would connect the mountains and plains, rural regions and cities, fostering movement and trade. They rejoiced with the hope that wars would cease and the great garden of peace would bloom eternally.

In a speech delivered at the City Hall before the assassination and before achieving independence, General Aung San, as if foreseeing the future, urged the people with clarity: “If you desire independence, cultivate the discipline necessary to attain it. If you want independence, maintain unity required to achieve it. If you wish for independence, build the foundations that can make it possible. After doing so, if you wish to truly savour the essence of independence, you must work hard, be disciplined, and, starting now, reform yourselves by shedding bad habits, outdated customs, and indulgences.” Although the General had warned us, we still lack discipline to this day. Unity continues to fade, and the people have yet to fully and completely experience the essence of freedom.  

The British colonialists deliberately divided and marginalized the hill regions with ill intent, refusing to grant immediate independence to these areas. This strategy has perpetuated mistrust and discord between the hill people and the lowland people until today. Thanks to the far-sightedness of General Aung San and national race leaders, who engaged in extensive discussions and negotiations, the Panglong Agreement was reached, enabling a united struggle for independence. However, after the death of General Aung San, divisive ideologies based on distinctions such as hill people, lowlanders, Bamar, and ethnic minorities have continued to take root. These ideologies resurface whenever opportunities arise and are the root cause of the ongoing conflicts that have yet to be resolved. 

The armed struggle for independence was witnessed during the British and Japanese eras, where the nation’s situation, upon gaining independence, was observed concerning historical events. After more than five years of intense war fare with Allied forces and the Japanese, much of the nation’s infrastructure was severely damaged by the time independence was achieved. Railway stations, railways, and roads were all in disrepair, factories and workplaces were in ruins, and in various cities and regions, there was widespread destruction due to bombings and air raids. The abandoned fields during the colonial withdrawal were also devastated. Many civilians, affected by the war, were still unable to return to their homes. Reconstruction efforts were on going, but much work remained to be done.

After gaining independence, Myanmar embarked on a path of development and nation-building. However, different political ideologies, diverse thoughts, and communities continued to clash. Communists went under ground. In northern Rakhine State, insurgents such as the Mujahideen sought control, and the situation escalated to the point where the Karen National Union (KNU) came close to Yangon, particularly near Insein. The government with lesser governing experience, dealing with the country’s internal conflicts, has had to navigate and resolve these challenges.

Even the Myanmar Tatmadaw couldn’t assert control amidst the complexity of internal rebel lions in different colours. Armed conflicts, which originated in the struggle for independence, still burn like an unquenchable fire up to this day. 

The past 77 years were not only marked by wars. Successive national leaders have frequently called for discussions and negotiations to end conflicts driven by ideologies, ethnicity, religion, and other causes. They have often sought peaceful solutions through dialogues and agreements, setting aside weapons at times to find resolutions at the negotiation tables. On the other hand, governments have worked on the development of the nation, the nurturing of human re sources, and the construction of basic infrastructure. Moreover, the 2008 Constitution, based on a federal system, paved the way for a democratic path, and political reforms, such as the opening of new parliamentary spaces, enabled the establishment of democratic governments in two terms. 

The journey of democracy has been marked by political changes that began with elector al fraud, leading through a period of political transition. This transition was accompanied by groups like CRPH and NUG, composed of exiled terrorist betrayers, as well as internal and external supporters who have fuelled violence. These individuals and armed groups, including the armed factions of PDF, aimed to destroy the nation and engage in widespread violence. It is well-known that they have committed more and more armed conflicts in their pursuit of their goals leading to the utter devastation of the country. 

Despite achieving independence for a considerable period, the country has yet to attain political maturity. The people remain caught in the consequences of political in stability, including economic downturn, lack of rule of law, and the impacts of armed conflicts. The country’s essential infrastructure — such as roads, bridges, factories, workplaces, electricity supply, and human resource development projects — continues to be in a state of perpetual construction and destruction. 

Some members of the new generation, having lost hope due to the news of those in hiding in the jungles, and those who, believing in instigations wedged by followers of foreign masterminds, invited and welcomed armed conflicts to their regions, have become homeless as a result. Young people, who cannot attend school because the schools are closed, lose their future. Political figures, who, under the pretext of revolution, have raised funds in various forms, are now enriching themselves abroad, using the name of politics to betray their country and its citizens. When these news reports and events are witnessed, they cause great distress to the people. 

The armed groups should all look forward to peace with a vision and political maturity. They should strive for a peace ful resolution to end the armed conflicts. Based on the national spirit of adoring the country, citizens must all work together to build a genuine disciplined democratic nation. Every citizen deserves to experience the taste of freedom on the democratic path. Freedom is explicitly de fined as the right to vote. Each citizen has been entrusted with a small share of political power. This is the most fundamental political right, ensuring that every individual in a free country has the right to participate. 

The main issue with the current armed conflicts is the attempt to solve political problems through military means. The government has kept the door to peace open continuously since the previous administrations. Even now, it remains open. If there is a true desire for durable peace, or if there is political maturity that genuinely considers the welfare of the people, then the weapons in hand should be laid down, and the parties should be brought to the negotiation table for peace. Since the 77th Anniversary of Independence Day, we pray that the people may soon ex perience the fruits of peace by resolving the conflicts that have long been a source of desire and struggle and that peace may flourish swiftly

30-12-2024 Myanma Alinn Translated.

Source: Global New Light of Myanmar

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THE FRUITS OF PEACE AND STABILITY
THE FRUITS OF PEACE AND STABILITY
There is a very important point to have peace and stability to build a modern and developed disciplined democratic Nation Myanmar is home to various national races and as they have been living together since time immemorial deep-rooted unity and amity have developed among them.Palaeolithic and neolithic culture flourished in many parts of Myanmar from about 20000 years ago learning behind much material evidence as well as the wall painting of “Pyadalin” Cave in Shan Foothills near “Myittha”. A Bronze culture later developed, well represented by the “Nyannggan” archaeological site near “Monywa”, and “Sagaing” Division.The transition to an urban civilization was made in the 2nd century BC. Several cities flourished, among them Wethali (Vaisali) of the Rakhine, Thuwunnabhumi: (Suvannabhumi:), “Land of Gold” of the Mon, and Beikthano (Vishnu City), Hanlin and Thayekkittaya (Sriksetra, “Field of Splendour”) of the “Pyus”, a people whose language has become extinct but whose architectural monuments — the “Bawbawgyi Phayagyi” and “Phayama Pagoda” of Thayekhittaya-remain.Myanmar civilization achieved a high level of development at Bagan from the middle of the 4th century to the end of the 15th century. According to the chronicles, Bagan was founded in AD 107 by the Thamddarit and ruled by a line of 55 kings, but written aridness is available only from “Anawrahta” (1044-1077) onwards “Anawrahta”, the first unifier of Myanmar, established Theravada Buddhism with the help of Buddhist Missionary “Shin Arahan” and laid the foundation of Bagan’s greatness. A thriving economy and the inspiration of Buddhism resulted in the great monument of Shwezigon, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Gadawpalin and a host of other pagodas, several of them decorated with mural paintings on religious themes. The decline of Bagan, brought about by a Mingon invasion in 1287, was followed by political confusion and the emergence of two kingdoms Inwa, Founded by “Thadominbya” in 1365, and Hanthawady (Bago) founded by Banya U in 1369 Nineteen kings ruled in Inwa from 1365 to 1552 and 11 kings in Hanthawady from 1369 to 1538, from 1368 to 1422, there was war between Inwa and Hanthawady.Myanmar entered a new phase of greatness when the kings of Taungoo moved their capital from Toungoo moved their capital from “Toungoo” to “Bago” and three of its kings ruled there from 1538 to 1599.“Bayintnaung” (1552-1581), known also as lord of the White Elephants and Conqueror of the Ten Directions, reunited the kingdom, created the vast Hanthawady Empire and rebuilt “Bago” on a magnificent scale.Following the Break-up of the Hanthawady Empire. Nyaungyan (1598-1606) established a new Myanmar Kingdom and ten kings reigned in Inwa from 1598 to 1752. The most famous of the Inwa kings, “Thalun” (1629-1648) built the “Kaunghmudaw” Pagoda near “Sagaing”. A rebellion which started in Bago led to the downfall of the kingdom in 1752.In the tradition of “Anawrahta” and “Bayintnaung”, “Alaungpaya” (1752-1760) reunited Myanmar and established the last Myanmar dynasty of 11 kings who ruled from 1752 to 1885. The kingdom had a number of capitals, including “Shwebo”, “Inwa” and “Amarapura”, with the last capital, Mandalay, being founded by “Mindon” (1852-1878) in 1859.In 1785, the Rakhine kingdom whose capital was “MyaukU”, founded by “Minsawmun” (1430-1433) in 1430, and which had a line of 49 kings reigning from 1430 to 1785, was made part of the Konbaung kingdom.Myanmar fought three wars against the British and lost Rakhine and “Taninthayi” in 1826, lower Myanmar in 1852 and its independence on 1st January 1886. The colonialist British started to rule parts of Myanmar in 1826 and the whole country in 1886.Since our gaining independence, the entire people of Myanmar faced frequently the danger and terrorism, of insurgents and some ethnic armed organizations. In my childhood “Sitkwin” was my native town destroyed by the ethnic armed organization which was named KNDO.Until nowadays, some ethnic armed organizations and PDF terrorists undermine the peace and stability of the regions with terror attacks on town life and the property of innocent people.As a result, acts of violence have increased nationwide leading to the loss of lives home, and possessions and extensive damage to a large number of public infrastructures.As an example, the university building in “Loikaw” was destroyed in attacks by KNPP and PDF terrorists on “Loikaw” last year. So, the university was closed. A total of 114 buildings were damaged at their university. It needs to spend some K9 billion on repairing these buildings. Such a cost can be used in building many projects of agriculture, livestock and regional development tasks.Currently, destructive acts togethering with national stability are becoming more common. Terrorist attacks were often politically motivated and different forms of crime were prevalent in various regions. These acts include violence that harms civilians, damages public infrastructure and threatens private buildings, residential areas, and villages with heavy weapons and bombs. They have also targeted non-military entities, such as cargo trucks, passenger vehicles and residential buildings all of which harm innocent civilians.Terrorists have been repeatedly targeting villages that do not support them, using tactics such as dropping bombs launching surprise attacks and planting landmines. These acts have led to frequent casualties among innocent civilians and Buddhist monks. The brutal actions of terrorist groups have caused widespread fear among residents, prompting security forces to intensify protective measures in the affected areas.A society free from coercion, threats, and criminal activities allows people to enjoy the benefits of peace which in turn fosters national progress.The government is working toward ensuring long-term stability by adhering to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and striving to end armed conflict across the country. Efforts are focused on maintaining peace and the rule of law with local militia groups playing a rob in protecting regions where the rule of law is not fully enforced.Some ethnic armed organizations, with misguided attitudes towards the state and its people, also took advantage of the ensuing stability to launch terror attacks and destroy peaceful regions. As a result of these events, innocent civilians lost their lives, homes and belongings as well as public infrastructure in the area.In our country over 100 ethnic groups have lived in friendship and harmony since time immemorial. All the national people have found unity in diversity having been born and living on the same land. The geographical features of our country include high mountain ranges and major rivers. That flow from the north to the south made transport difficult and impeded interactions among the national people. Moreover, under colonialism, they were subject to many years of systematic divide-and-rule practice. The national people became suspicious of one another promoting our leader to make strenuous efforts during the struggle for our independence so that the central Myanmar and the mountainous regions could gain independence together.The noble Buddha said that “Samagganan Tutpaw Thukhaw” (သမဂ္ဂါနံ တပေါ သု‌ခေါ — ပေါင်းစည်းညီညွတ်စည်းလုံးခြင်းသည် ကြီးပွားချမ်းသာတိုးတက်ခြင်း၏ အကြောင်းရင်း ဖြစ်၏။) likewise, “Unity is Strength” is a Myanmar Proverb.A society without unity is probably occupied and destroyed by external and internal enemies. It is very important for every important nation regardless of the place they live to have a strong Union Spirit. Only the Union Spirit is the true patriotism all the nationalities will have to safeguard. Our Three Main National Causes: Namely, the Non-disintegration of the Union, the Non-disintegration of National Solidarity and the Perpetuation of Sovereignty are bound duties of the people. Today neocolonialists usually interfere with their multi-dimensional warfare with sovereign states.Our national people have the right to settle anywhere in the country with the result that in every area magnanimous national people have harmoniously to live. In this day and age, it is impossible to separate each national people and the very thoughts and notions that give rise to such regional bias have become anachronistic. This is a sign of progress for greater national reconsolidation. I would like to reconsolidation. I would like to urge you to build on the national reconsolidation that might lead to the disintegration of the Union.Today the State Administration Council (SAC) is implementing two political visions – to strengthen the genuine disciplined multiparty democratic system and to build a Union based on disciplined democracy and Federalism. The stability and peace of our nation along with the rule of law are crucial for the country’s development and nation-building. Therefore, I deeply and respectfully urge the entire people including all ethnic people including all ethnic peoples to work together with the government to achieve a ceasefire in armed conflicts. I indeed believe that we surely get the fruits of peace and stability when internal armed conflicts end based on the Spirit of Union and Patriotism.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar 
How a dramatic day at the UN deepened cracks between Europe and US
How a dramatic day at the UN deepened cracks between Europe and US
A dramatic day of high stakes diplomacy at the United Nations has exposed growing cracks in the transatlantic alliance since President Donald Trump returned to the global stage and massively shifted US foreign policy.When Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago, Europe had no stronger partner than the United States.But this week, in the halls of the General Assembly and at the Security Council, the US worked against its closest allies and sided with Russia, Belarus and North Korea to pass resolutions on the conflict in Ukraine.To mark the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion, Ukraine sought a symbolic General Assembly resolution that would require the 193-member body to reaffirm Kyiv's territorial integrity and call for Russia to withdraw its forces in line with the UN charter.That resolution did pass on Monday, but with less support than in past years. Many members abstained to avoid a tricky tension created by the US.Washington's diplomats had urged other countries to vote against the measure and to instead support their "forward looking resolution" that was only three short paragraphs. It took a neutral stance on the war, without blaming Russia, and called for a swift end with a lasting peace to follow.Washington not only introduced their measure in the General Assembly where every nation's vote is equal, but also in the more powerful Security Council. Resolutions there are legally binding - though sometimes hard to enforce - and there had never been council action on Ukraine because of Russia's veto power as a permanent member.The move caught Europe off guard. One European diplomat told the BBC that the US behaved like a bully and did not take into account their stance on their continent's security.Another who sits on the Security Council, Slovenia's ambassador Samuel Zbogar, told the BBC that Europe is struggling to adjust to the 180-degree change in the US position - and the speed at which Washington is moving.He said the European Union will need to do some reflecting at the body's council meeting next week."Leaders will have to develop a plan on how the EU can actively be involved in finding peace, rather than reacting to what others are doing. It's up to us now in Europe to come forward," he told the BBC.There were plenty of reactions in the halls of UN headquarters in New York, as European leaders worked to reconcile with the latest US position.Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y0de4wpvlo?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR18_UUqp4xuLyl78FVSjSePRFD52PLyD1L9c9P37IJ_RfO0uhTEWpREBQ_aem_vkzsBu5AVLNanQDf2RzMmQ
ASEAN expecting neutrality and connections in the Trump 2.0 era
ASEAN expecting neutrality and connections in the Trump 2.0 era
 Southeast Asian countries need to hedge and expand trade and security alliances to navigate changing increased protectionism and changing geopolitics under the second term of US President Donald Trump, an online forum heard on Feb 12. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may not be a key priority in Trump's foreign policy, but what is significant is how individual ASEAN countries deal with the United States and other major powers, according to the experts who participated in the webinar "Asia and Trump 2.0: Geopolitical Outlooks". The webinar is organized by the Asian Center (AC), University of the Philippines.Experts have noted how Trump's policy of raising tariffs imposed against its major trading partners like China is also affecting ASEAN as the region is also part of the China supply chain. They also cited Trump's directives such as the US withdrawal from the Paris climate pact and the World Health Organization will have repercussions worldwide. But while ASEAN countries are not major powers, these countries "still have agency" when it comes to international relations, according to Melissa Hubahib Loja, a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for European, Comparative, and Constitutional Legal Studies, University of Copenhagen. "The best way for (non-major powers) to exercise their agency is to adopt a rational approach to real politics," Loja said, noting that balancing, band wagoning and hedging are the "rational strategic options" for small states. Collin Koh Swee Lean, senior fellow at the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, cited Singapore as a case study in 6 strategic hedging. Koh said the city-state, a small and trade-dependent economy, maintains a consistent and principled foreign policy when dealing with major powers like the US and China. Koh said that regional governments like ASEAN are not likely to choose sides and would instead choose to band together to assert their interest on the global stage. "We are likely going to see greater intra-ASEAN cooperation," he said, adding that he expects ASEAN member states to agree on more vital issues, especially on trade as US tariff hikes threaten their respective economies. Koh also sees "growing participation in regional security" by other non-US regional powers such as those in either the Pacific or Europe. Maria Thaemar Tana, Japan Foundation Global Japan Studies Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo, said that while hedging remains ASEAN's "best strategy", its effectiveness is limited by internal divisions, weak enforcement mechanisms and growing external pressures. Aaron Jed Rabena, assistant professor at the Asian Center, said ASEAN countries and reduce dependence on the US in light of Trump's "unpredictable and volatile" trade and foreign policy. However, Rabena added that the strategy of each ASEAN nation also varies from time to time based on their perceived and actual threats and opportunities.He said that while most ASEAN countries don't have a dispute with China, this is not the case with the Philippines. The Philippines currently has a defense treaty with the US and has a dispute with China over the South Sea. "This is quite a challenging strategic environment, but the Philippines really needs to find the right balance in its foreign policy," Rabena said.For Noel Christian Moratilla, dean of the Asian Center, "neutrality is what is imperative and applicable at this point". He said that this has already happened in the past, with the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 at the height of the Cold War. Moratilla said there's no point for the Philippines to antagonize either the US or China and learn from other ASEAN countries "as to how they do it, and also as not to appear very adversarial and very hostile to either one of them". Irine Hiraswari Gayatri, senior researcher at the Research Center for Politics, National Research and Innovation Agency in Indonesia, said Indonesia is diversifying economic partnerships to reduce reliance on the US market. For example, Gayatri said Indonesia has joined BRICS, demonstrating how is widening alliances. She said Indonesia "maintains strategic autonomy while regulating partnerships with both China and the US."
Let’s strive to build a peaceful and prosperous Union through the Union spirit
Let’s strive to build a peaceful and prosperous Union through the Union spirit
Looking at the current situation in the country, it can be seen that due to the actions of certain ethnic armed organizations and terrorist groups, local communities in some areas are deprived of security and peace, facing numerous hardships and suffering.The various hardships and suffering faced by local ethnic people are not theirs alone but are the shared struggles of all the people living together in the Union, as national brethren born on the same land. Just as in a family, when one sibling faces hardship, the other siblings also feel sorrow and distress, sharing the burden of grief and pain.Regretful emotionDue to various domestic and international influences, as well as the malicious and destructive schemes originating from abroad, we should recognize the fact that the devastating situations affecting both sides often involve our fellow citizens. Even now, due to misunderstandings, misguided beliefs, and incitement, Myanmar citizens have been engaging in conflicts, killing, and destruction among themselves. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Myanmar citizens have died, gone missing, suffered injuries, or endured immense hardship. This is a deeply saddening reality for all of us as fellow citizens and members of the same national family.Since Myanmar gained independence in 1948 until the present day, it is possible to estimate the number of people across the country who have lost their lives or been injured due to various armed conflicts. These conflicts have resulted in the loss of countless lives and the destruction of countless bodies of the nation’s citizens. The lives of families affected, as well as significant human resources, have been lost, which constitutes a great loss to the nation. This is a tragedy that deeply saddens all citizens. Therefore, it is time to cease all armed conflicts.Initiate unityDue to internal and external influences, actions that lack careful consideration and harm the nation and its people, along with armed conflicts, have caused significant damage and losses. A large majority of those affected are young individuals between the ages of 18 and 30. We would like to draw the public’s attention to this issue. Therefore, it is essential to reflect deeply on activities that incite conflict, create divisions, or promote hatred among one another. Instead, we should cultivate empathy, compassion, and unity among all national brethren, ensuring the youth are not wasted or lost to such conflicts. Let us nurture and develop a generation of strong, capable young people who contribute to building a modern, prosperous, and peaceful Union with unity and harmony.In recent periods, various insurgent groups have carried out violent attacks, resulting in significant damage to towns and villages. Armed terrorists residing within states and regions are engaging in actions that destroy their communities. The residents of these regions must take responsibility for the development and stability of their areas. It is essential for the local population to proactively prevent and safeguard against actions that aim to disrupt development and undermine peace and stability in their regions. The terror attacks carried out by local ethnic groups demonstrate a lack of national spirit and misguided ideologies. These actions reflect political immaturity and betrayal of their birthplace and people.Lesser developmentTo establish a peaceful and prosperous nation, the unity and solidarity of national brethren are as vital as life itself during this critical time for the nation. It is essential to strive for everlasting durable peace among ethnic nationalities and to work collectively for the nation’s benefit with the unified strength of all ethnic people. Due to the prolonged armed conflicts over many years, countless lives and resources have been lost, and the nation has significantly lagged compared to neighbouring countries. This reality must be recognized. If divisions and conflicts persist among national brethren, further losses and destruction will occur among the ethnic communities. The nation’s development will fall even further behind than it already has.The main objective is to restore durable peace for the Union. Engaging in political dialogue and advancing a multiparty democratic system are essential steps toward achieving peace in the Union. It is necessary to reduce and eliminate differences in political views, ideologies, ethnic matters, religious beliefs, and racial issues. Everyone must strive to resolve these differences peacefully through democratic methods and parliamentary procedures. When considering peace, political dialogue is not the only approach. Solutions can also be found through democratic means. Only then can political issues be resolved through political methods. (Verse 1)Cycle of conflictsIt has been over 70 years since armed conflicts began, and fostering peace for Myanmar can only succeed through political means, grounded in a spirit of unity and mutual understanding among national brethren. This requires meeting, discussing, and negotiating to find solutions. Peace demands sincerity. However, if political solutions are merely proclaimed as a facade, while strategies shift opportunistically and actions lack honesty, the journey toward peace will not only remain out of reach but will also perpetuate the cycle of conflict. In such a scenario, ethnic communities will suffer even more, and the nation will continue to decline further.The government is steadily advancing following the people’s aspirations, and adhering to a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system. To strengthen this authentic and disciplined multiparty democracy and to establish a Union based on democratic and federal principles, the government is tirelessly and vigorously carrying out initiatives. These efforts are being made in the interest of the nation and its ethnic peoples. In this regard, preparations are underway to organize free and fair general elections under a multiparty democratic system.The essential requirement for the nation’s development and the building of a democratic State is the intellectual advancement and rational thinking of all its people. It is being nurtured to enable citizens to safeguard and manage the nation’s interests through their wisdom and knowledge.Effective initiativesFor regional development, it is essential to collaborate on inclusive and sustainable development centred around the people in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, education, health, communications, and others. Efforts must be made to establish economic frameworks that enable fair and equitable use of natural resources while ensuring their long-term preservation. The government is actively working to advance agriculture and livestock industries to achieve food security. Regional development can only be effectively secured when residents work hand in hand with the government. This collective effort is vital for the progress and prosperity of one’s state, region, and nation.Foreign instigation, support, ideologies, beliefs, and misunderstandings that distort perceptions should not be allowed to exploit the interests of the Union and its people, leading to terror acts through armed conflicts. If such actions persist, resulting in divisions and destruction among the people of Myanmar, we must realize that it will threaten the future of our regions and our people. To ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and developed Union and region, the spirit and strength of all national brethren living within these areas are crucial. As the strength of the nation lies within, the strength of regions and states also depends on the collective unity and effort of all ethnic citizens residing within them.Unied strengthThe Panglong Agreement, which served as the foundation for Myanmar’s independence, stands as strong evidence of unity and solidarity. It is a result of the collective strength and support of all national brethren working together. The invaluable legacy of unity and solidarity established firmly by our national leaders and forefathers must be preserved and safeguarded without fail. It is the responsibility of all ethnic people in the present era to ensure this. We must continue to build upon the strength of unity among the people to initiate non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty, through the united strength of the entire people.Union spiritFor the enduring stability and sustainability of the Union, we must prioritize the Our Three Main National Causes and uphold a spirit of patriotism among ethnic communities, a spirit of unity and solidarity among ethnic groups, and a spirit of Union. With these principles, we must protect and safeguard the nation and the people.We must protect, nurture, and develop valuable human resources to ensure the future generations of the nation do not face destruction. The ethnic people in states and regions must also come together and collaborate in the reconstruction process with correct thinking, ideas, and concepts, working with a spirit of unity so that the entire Union can achieve peace and prosperity, progressing in all aspects. This is a call to action and encouragement to carry out these efforts with the spirit of the Union.Translated.Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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