Posted by Thawngsian Tung (CNC-Japan)
Special Contribution
By John Smith Thang
Members of "Chin Democracy and Human Rights Network" protesting in front of Myanmar Embassy in Seoul on Feb. 22, 2009.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was formed an independent multi-nations state, a combination of different nationalities and their territories. The ethnic Chin is one of eight major nationalities in Myanmar, the other seven are Kachin, Karen, Karenni, Shan, Mon, Arakan, and Burman.
In Myanmar, Chin state lies approximately between North Latitude 21°0' and 24°15' and East Longitude between 93°15' and 94°0. It has an estimated area of 13,907 sq miles.
The Chin people are obviously involved in freedoms and independent movement in Union of Myanmar through fighting the British colonization, Japanese Fascist in World War II and the Communist in civil war. For example the "Chin Rifles," one of federal govern army made up of Chin ethnics, and its military hero Capt. Thai Coeng were borth outstanding fighters again Fascist Japanese in World War II and Communists in Arakan and Pagu Yomas.
"Chin National Day"
It was the Chin Conferenc held on Feb. 20, 1948 in Falam town, the state capital of the Chin state, that abolished traditional ruling system such as chieftainship and feudal system. It was only on the occasion of the conference that Myanmar stated to have democratically elected leader in the state followed.
The day of February 20 was designated as "Chin National Day" and it is the beginning of freedom and democracy in Chin state.
It is the first time democratic ruling system was practiced in Chin state. In the process of democratization this "Chin National Day" was reaffirmed by the Chin affair council on Oct 9, 1950. Since then "Chin National Day" have been widely celebrated as commemorative day.
However, in 1962 a military coup took place and since then Myanmar has been under the ruthless military rule. The military abolished all the nationalities treaties and even constitution. Human rights for the ethnics and their basic freedom were flatly denied,
Subsequently the "Chin National Day" was abolished and Chin people were forced to observe "Chin state day" on the same day of February 20, which is meaningless for Chin people. The military turned the Chin territory into a simple state on Jan. 3, 1974, stripping the Chin people of its independence.
Nationality of Chin People
The word "nation" comes from the Latin "natio," meaning birth of place or origin; it was used to refer to a certain group. Likewise the "Chin National" also symbolizes the origin of Chin people's birth place on the Chin land and reflects the Chin people's dignity, freedom, and cultural.
Chin people never belonged to Burman nationality. They did not migrated to the Chin state. They have always been the native residents and owners of the China territory.
In terms of territorial boundary "the Chin Nationality" is from Matupi, Palatwa, Mindat, Kanpalet, Hakah, Thantlang, Falam, Tedim and Tuanzang townships of Chin state. People of these nine towns are the founders of the Chin territory and native residents.
People living in other areas like Asho, Lushai and Thado in Myanmar are also Chin nationals but they do not have clear cut territory of their own.
Therefore "Nationality" is very important and meaningful in geographical, political and historical context. Moreover the term "Nationality" is a choice of Chin people for their political rights.
It is the rights of Chin people and this rights should be protected. Myanmar's military government has no legitimacy to abolish and to change the "Chin National Day."
In fact Myanmar's military government itself is illegal government. According to UN Declaration on Indigenous People, Article 33, "Indigenous peoples have the rights to determine their own identity in accordance with their customs and traditions."
Furthermore "Chin Nationality" compares equally with other nationalities in Myanmar. Therefore "Chin National Day" is very important day for Chin people and it is the highlight in the Chin people's identity. Through this symbolic day of "Chin National Day Chin people want to preserve and pass down the Chin cultures and customs into the future generation.
Nowadays, military government ruined the cuture and identity of the Chin people by sending troops to their territoy. The life of the Chin people was deteriorated.
Chin people are denied religious freedom as well. They are foced to observe Buddhism instead of Chiristianity. Over 99 percent of Chins are Christian.
Presently, thousands of solciers are sent to evey towns and villaages in Chin state to oppress the people there. The soldiers are asked to marry Chin women by the military government which promisses them for promotion as part of bio-genocide.
Conclusion
Looking back on the whole story, it is a consequence of aggressive policy of Myanmar military government. Certainly, the Myanmar military government neglected the development of Chin people and disregarded Chin sincerity toward the formation of union country in early time.
The Myanmar military government destroys and ruins the Chin identiry and their territory by banning "Chin National Day."
They even international aide to the cyclone victims in last year and brutally attacked monks' peaceful deomostration in September 2007.
Finally, the Chin people in South Korea gathered in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Seoul early this year, and called for democracy, human rights, and freedom in Myanmar on the occasion of the "Chin National Day."
They demanded that the military government stop oppressing the Chin people politically, social-economically, and religiously.
They also called for international community to show staunch support in their struggle for democracy. They urged the international society to get involved in their efforts to end the ethinic repression in Burma.
The author - John Smith Thang is Director of "Chin Democracy and Human Rights Network" based in Korea. He can be reach at cdhrn.kr@gmail.com
Source : http://theseoultimes.com/ST/index.html