29.10.2006
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Editorial: Democracy for ALL
_ by Dr. Tayza
True democracy must come with equal human rights for all people, regardless of their race or religion. It is especially important in Burma’s case because Burma has more than a hundred ethnic groups, each with their own language and culture.
Burma’s problems will never end without solving the problem of disunity among major ethnic groups in Burma.
Even during the struggle for Independence, Burma gained her Independence only when all ethnic groups made a unanimous voice calling for the establishment of a united and independent Burma.
In our second struggle for freedom_ this time, the struggle for democracy and human rights_ we will be able to free our country from the clutches of military’s iron fist only if we can make a united ethno-democratic campaign.
Without ethnic help, democrats will not be able to over throw their much hated military regime. Even if, by miracle, they can get it done by themselves alone, it will take them a very long time to do it. Even after victory, without ethnic groups’ cooperation, the democrats will face insurmountable difficulties to restore democracy, stability and prosperity in the country.
So, close cooperation with ethnic groups is the key stone or corner stone or foundation stone for a successful campaign to restore democracy, stability and prosperity in Burma. Without it, all efforts will just end in bitter failure.
We can learn good lessons from Iraq. Because of disunity among its ethnic groups, the democratically elected government of Iraq is having difficulty to assert its authority over areas outside the capital Baghdad. Even in Baghdad, Iraqi government is unable to maintain stability and security for its people. As long as Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds are trying to wipe out each other, Iraq’s problems will never be solved. Although some may try to put the blames for problems in Iraq on the presence of coalition troops, the truth is Iraq’s problems will go on and on and on even long after all coalition troops have been withdrawn, unless and until all warring factions in Iraq come to realization that they must learn to live side by side in a peaceful harmony with each other in their country.
Likewise, our struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma must regard ethno-democratic solidarity as our priority. We have, in fact, learnt our own lessons in the past. The mistrust between Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) and ethnic forces prevented ABSDF from becoming a strong and credible force. The rift between Buddhist and Christian factions inside Karen National Union led to their strong hold and head quarters in Manerplaw being taken over by SPDC army. Disunity inside Kachin group (KIO) seriously weakened them and now they are frequently bullied by both Burmese and Chinese authorities. And SPDC has on many occasions encouraged Wa group to attack Shan groups.
And recently SPDC military regime is tying to woo ethnic groups with business opportunities and fake promises for limited autonomy. Regime’s aim is to get endorsement from ethnic groups on their pro-military constitution, which is being drawn up by the National Convention organized by SPDC regime.
So, at this very critical moment, Burmese pro-democracy leaders must make their best efforts to prevent ethnic groups from being tricked into accepting SPDC regime’s pro-military constitution.
Comments:
Nai OK said _
More spilt among pro-democracy groups, greater satisfaction of SPDC. Even if all opposition groups are in one unit, the strength is still weaker than junta. If there is still many small groups, it's like in Burmese saying nwar kwe lay kyar kyite lay.
Comments:
Aung Kyi Oo said _
Hi Friend, everything are right. Forget about what we did or what happened. Now is time to unity and time to fight back together. Every body have responsibility. If we come from Burma, you are one for the country. I don't want to lose best chance. Now time is bringing us best chance for our country. Wake up Burmese people. Please leave your personal feelings for a while. Support anything what you can.
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