Feb12th: 76th Anniversary of the Panglong Agreement & Union Day

February 12th will mark the 76th Anniversary of the Panglong Agreement and Union Day

Thinzar Shunlei Yi

At the SEA-Junction panel marking 2 year Anniversary of the revolution, I highlighted 3 (S)s of #whatshappeninginmyanmar & #WhatShouldHappenInMyanmar

1.   Spirit of the revolution 
2.   Strikes & ongoing Sanctions 
3.   Strategy to go forward – 2 Is and 2 Rs

February 12th will mark the 76th Anniversary of the Panglong Agreement and Union Day. Yet we are still not a union. We haven’t finished the nation-building process. Every year, the Panglong anniversary reminds us of our unfinished work. It also inspires us to keep marching toward our real goal of federal democracy.

The goal of our revolution can no longer be the naïve dream of Oneness. We don’t need to be ONE to fight the Junta. We can be ourselves and keep our unique identities. That’s who we are, and that’s our strength.

Non-violent political defiance and different actions are still happening on a large scale in different places in Myanmar.

Yesterday, we welcomed the sanctions imposed by the US, UK, and Canada and are now joined by Australia. But my question is what about India, Japan, Korea, and our neighboring countries?

New Delhi Police has blocked the actions of commemoration of the 2nd anniversary of the people’s resistance. India is a neighbor of the Sagaing Region where the Junta has burnt the villages the most. But we are hearing constantly that Manipur State Government has been evicting and jailing the refugees. This year, I’d like to request you to focus on two countries this year that start with “I” letter – India and Indonesia.

“The goal of our revolution can no longer be the naïve dream of Oneness. We don’t need to be ONE to fight the Junta. We can be ourselves and keep our unique identities. That’s who we are, and that’s our strength.”

We must hold India accountable of their actions/inaction and complicity with the Junta’s crimes in Myanmar. And we also must encourage Indonesia to not repeat the same mistake. ASEAN should abandon the Five-Point Consensus in its present form and: Negotiate a new agreement on the crisis in Myanmar with the NUG and representatives of EAOs. Provide that new agreement with enforcement mechanisms.

And I’d like to bring about the two “Rs” – Revolution and Rohingyas.

What is happening in Myanmar is not just anti-coup resistance, it’s about a revolution to root out the dictatorship from its core. The revolution is a broad base, and everyone has a role to play. Social and cultural revolution must go together along with armed and political revolution.

Last but not least, I’d like to ask if we are following what is happening with the Rohingya people now. What is their current situation? Nearly 400 Rohingya died during sea crossings and that’s the highest death rate in recent years.

Donors should provide urgent humanitarian support for the Rohingya people in Bangladeshi refugee camps, such as Cox’s Bazar, and ensure access to gender-responsive healthcare, formal education, and safe spaces for women and girls. Rohingya women should be centrally involved in the design and implementation of the humanitarian response.

Thank you.

05-02-2023 [Thinzar Shunlei Yi, Democracy Activist | ACDD Advocacy Coordinator | #Sisters2Sisters]

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