Showing posts with label Burma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Burma. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Burma at the crossroads
Aung San Suu Ky may have won the election, we are happy for her. But the fight for Burma is still not over. The journey for Burma is still a long way.
Is there any member of JUNTA, still not happy with the change, are they willing to give up their power? or are they taking off their uniform to consolidate their riches and other powers to establish a new power base to control the new government in the coming new Burma? We have yet to see the collective voices for them to support the new government.....
How about the minority and the Panglong Agreement? will the new government still accept the agreement with the minority or a new development be planned for the new Burma, so that the minority can fully engaged and with fairness and justice? This will be a time bomb for the new democracy, will the minority accept the new government and their policies? or will they still fighting for a separate way?
The victory is not only for Aung San Suu Ky, she is just a leader of the movement. There are many people who fight like her, but the names are not give due publicity like Aung San Suu Ky. There are many heroes from different political platforms, and will they come to agreement for the new Burma?
Let us wait and see.....
Best wishes to new Burma....
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Freedom to Aung San Suu Kyi
Freedom to Aung San Suu Ky
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate makes a brief appearance before a cheering crowd and promises to speak at greater length on Sunday(today). Her future is uncertain in the repressive nation. Aung San Suu Kyi had served her term as political prisoner until 13-11-2010.
Congratulation to Aung San Suu Kyi, we are happy for her.
Will Burma be free?.....
How about the Panglong Agreement?....
How about the Shan, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin....and others; will they be free?
We are happy for the release of Aung San Suu Ky; but remember Burma is not only Aung San Suu Ky, there are much more people in Burma who faced tougher future than Aung San Suu Ky, as they have no global political support, no mass media attention...
There are more than one Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, they are still political prisoners, we request that all of them to be released....the world is not only with the satisfaction of one release, we request that all political prisoners to be released.....
There are more than one Aung San Suu Ky in Burma, we pray for them..... Aung San Suu Ky is only one person, a representative of the people for freedom from military rule, she is only one of the Burma, a symbol for hope for Burma, while we remember Aung San Suu Kyi, we must remember who she represented, the people behind her. The ordinary Burmese people who silently support her behind all mass media attention, behind all global political attention. We remember these people who are behind the mass media attention.
We remember many who died not even their names being mentioned and known by the world....
They include Shan, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin....and others....
We remember you, the Burmese....
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate makes a brief appearance before a cheering crowd and promises to speak at greater length on Sunday(today). Her future is uncertain in the repressive nation. Aung San Suu Kyi had served her term as political prisoner until 13-11-2010.
Congratulation to Aung San Suu Kyi, we are happy for her.
Will Burma be free?.....
How about the Panglong Agreement?....
How about the Shan, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin....and others; will they be free?
We are happy for the release of Aung San Suu Ky; but remember Burma is not only Aung San Suu Ky, there are much more people in Burma who faced tougher future than Aung San Suu Ky, as they have no global political support, no mass media attention...
There are more than one Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, they are still political prisoners, we request that all of them to be released....the world is not only with the satisfaction of one release, we request that all political prisoners to be released.....
There are more than one Aung San Suu Ky in Burma, we pray for them..... Aung San Suu Ky is only one person, a representative of the people for freedom from military rule, she is only one of the Burma, a symbol for hope for Burma, while we remember Aung San Suu Kyi, we must remember who she represented, the people behind her. The ordinary Burmese people who silently support her behind all mass media attention, behind all global political attention. We remember these people who are behind the mass media attention.
We remember many who died not even their names being mentioned and known by the world....
They include Shan, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin....and others....
We remember you, the Burmese....
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
U Win Tin
Win Tin or U Win Tin , born March 12, 1929) is a politician and former political prisoner in Insein Prison, Rangoon,Burma. Arrested in July 1989 because of his senior position in the National League for Democracy (NLD) and for his writings, he spent 19 years in prison.
Win Tin was serving a 20 year sentence on charges including "anti-government propaganda." One of the reasons for his detention is his attempt to inform the United Nations of ongoing human rights violations in Burmese prisons. At 81 years of age, he is in a poor state of health, exacerbated by his treatment in prison, which has included torture, inadequate access to medical treatment, being held in a cell designed for military dogs, without bedding, and being deprived of food and water for long periods of time. He has suffered from multiple ailments including asthma, a hernia and a heart attack.
Since the start of 2006 he had not been able to receive visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
In 2001, Win Tin was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for his efforts to defend and promote and right to freedom of expression. That year, he was also awarded the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award.
He was freed on 23 September 2008, after serving 19 years imprisonment; somewhat of a positive coincidence for human rights activists, as they were also seeking a stay of execution in the Troy Davis case, which was granted on the same day as Win Tin's release (this stay, however, was subsequently revoked on 14 October, after a denial of a writ of certiorari by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the acquisition of a execution warrant for the 27 October).
After his release from prison Win Tin made efforts to reorganize the NLD. He relaunched the weekly meetings of the party's Central Executive Committee which had been irregularly held since 2003. He also resumed a regular round table called "Youth and Future" which Aung San Suu Kyi has participated in the past. Win Tin visited family members of political prisoners to offer moral support.
(source: wikipedia)
Aung San Suu Kyi is the hero of Burma; U Win Tin is the heart of Burma.....
Related article
1. A conversation with U Win Tin , http://www.mizzima.com/edop/interview/3405-a-conversation-with-u-win-tin.html
Win Tin was serving a 20 year sentence on charges including "anti-government propaganda." One of the reasons for his detention is his attempt to inform the United Nations of ongoing human rights violations in Burmese prisons. At 81 years of age, he is in a poor state of health, exacerbated by his treatment in prison, which has included torture, inadequate access to medical treatment, being held in a cell designed for military dogs, without bedding, and being deprived of food and water for long periods of time. He has suffered from multiple ailments including asthma, a hernia and a heart attack.
Since the start of 2006 he had not been able to receive visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
In 2001, Win Tin was awarded the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for his efforts to defend and promote and right to freedom of expression. That year, he was also awarded the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award.
He was freed on 23 September 2008, after serving 19 years imprisonment; somewhat of a positive coincidence for human rights activists, as they were also seeking a stay of execution in the Troy Davis case, which was granted on the same day as Win Tin's release (this stay, however, was subsequently revoked on 14 October, after a denial of a writ of certiorari by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the acquisition of a execution warrant for the 27 October).
After his release from prison Win Tin made efforts to reorganize the NLD. He relaunched the weekly meetings of the party's Central Executive Committee which had been irregularly held since 2003. He also resumed a regular round table called "Youth and Future" which Aung San Suu Kyi has participated in the past. Win Tin visited family members of political prisoners to offer moral support.
(source: wikipedia)
Aung San Suu Kyi is the hero of Burma; U Win Tin is the heart of Burma.....
Related article
1. A conversation with U Win Tin , http://www.mizzima.com/edop/interview/3405-a-conversation-with-u-win-tin.html
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Burma's election
Today will be Burma's first election in 20 years. The multi-party general elections are scheduled to be held in Burma (officially Myanmar) on 7 November 2010, in accordance with the new constitution which was approved in a referendum held in May 2008. The general election forms the fifth step of the seven-step "road map to democracy" proposed by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in 2003, the sixth and seventh steps being the convening of elected representatives and the building of a modern, democratic nation, respectively. The date of the election, 7 November, was announced by the SPDC on 13 August, 2010.
The voting begins despite the criticism of unfair election,the ruling military is expected to emerge as the winner. The junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is contesting in 1,112 out of 1,159 seats. They are able to contest all seats, why not all? The seats uncontested by them, is their strategy to allow for some pro-government opposition seats, to form an image that there is still democracy in Burma, and there is opposition voice. The Junta will still rule Burma after election. But many Burmese still hope that some change toward democratic reform might nonetheless follow. That is their hope....
Some 40,000 polling stations across the Southeast Asian country opened on Sunday shortly after 6am local time (23.30 GMT) and were to close 10 hours later. The time of announcement of election results not make known to the public, the regime has not said when results would be announced, this will provide comfort zone for them to make political move on the election results. But it was almost certain that the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) would emerge as the victor despite widespread popular opposition to 48 years of military rule.
The USDP is fielding 1,112 candidates for the 1,159 seats in the two-house national parliament and 14 regional parliaments. Its closest rival, the National Unity Party with 995 candidates, is backed by supporters of Burma's previous military ruler. The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Force, is contesting just 164 spots. On the number seats contested, the opposition is not able to form any government even they have won all the seats. The opposition candidates have had to abandon campaigns because they could not afford the $500 registration fee, several months' wages for most Burmese. Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Aung San, the general who won Burma its independence and the country's greatest hero, is prohibited from contesting this election under new electoral laws, because she is serving a custodial sentence. She is due to be released six days after the poll. A tactical move by the Junta.
The last election held in 1990, was comprehensively won by the National League for Democracy, led by the country's most famous democracy champion, Aung San Suu Kyi. But the NLD was never allowed to take power. Today Suu Kyi is under house arrest, the NLD is a banned organization, and millions of Burmese will boycott the poll at her suggestion.
Veteran dissident, U Win Tin however pleads with young people in Burma not to vote in poll. U Win Tin is the prominent former political prisoner, insists jail is no deterrent in battle to oust the military regime. U Win Tin is the most prominent campaigner for democracy in Burma, which is controlled by a military regime, and spent 19 years behind bars. In an impassioned call to his people ahead of an election on Sunday that has already been decried as a sham by international observers, U Win Tin called for a boycott of the vote.
"It is the only thing left to us: there is no hope to come from voting for this party or that party. This government aims to win, and it is so detested that it is impossible for us to do anything but boycott," he said. "Of course it is not safe to stay at home and not go to the polling stations and people will be worried that they will be punished, but the military junta wants to claim this election as free and fair and so we have to reduce the legitimacy of that claim by not taking part at all."
The authorities were closing down phone lines in some townships across Burma on Saturday while cyber net attacks, closing down internet access, have been reported. Other ballot rigging has been already seen, with reports of villages and barracks being called out to "pre-vote" for the government-backed Union and Solidarity Development Party.
But some are still taking the chance to participate in the election, as they said it may be the first move to democracy, and even the space is small it is a good start for the country.
Another question is, is the Junta the legitimate government to allow the election? National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi won the election in 1990. National League for Democracy is the legitimate government under democracy, their government in exile should be the legitimate government, if there is any. The party that won the election(elected by the people) was not given the power to rule the country by the Junta. They are still the legitimate government, not the Junta, so Junta has no power to call for a election, as they are not the legitimate government, and the election is illegal. Legally the election results will not be legitimate. If there is no government in exile, I wonder why the international community did not support one, which should be waiting to take over the power when the Junta collapse. Is the international community really care? The so called global superpowers are more concern in East Asia, Middle East; than the small country like Burma..... where there is petrol or strategic interests now....
Will the Junta really return the power to the people?, the answer is slim, but it is hope that it is an initial step to democracy for Burma..... or is it another "legitimate mandate" for the Junta to rule after the election, and the international community will have the "legitimate reason" to accept them?...... just hope that it is not another part of global political games of superpowers....
Personally I am more concern for the minority; and the Panglong Agreement; will the democracy return to the spirit of Panglong or a new agreement be negotiated for the new Burma? Democracy without peace is demon go crazy ......without peace after democracy, there is always platform for military power...
We remember you, Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, especially Shan, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin....We pray for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released on 13-11-2010, the world is waiting for the release, and to see the real changes in Burma......
Related articles
1. Burmese general election, 2010; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_general_election,_2010
2. Burma election 2010; http://www.burmaelection2010.com/
The voting begins despite the criticism of unfair election,the ruling military is expected to emerge as the winner. The junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is contesting in 1,112 out of 1,159 seats. They are able to contest all seats, why not all? The seats uncontested by them, is their strategy to allow for some pro-government opposition seats, to form an image that there is still democracy in Burma, and there is opposition voice. The Junta will still rule Burma after election. But many Burmese still hope that some change toward democratic reform might nonetheless follow. That is their hope....
Some 40,000 polling stations across the Southeast Asian country opened on Sunday shortly after 6am local time (23.30 GMT) and were to close 10 hours later. The time of announcement of election results not make known to the public, the regime has not said when results would be announced, this will provide comfort zone for them to make political move on the election results. But it was almost certain that the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) would emerge as the victor despite widespread popular opposition to 48 years of military rule.
The USDP is fielding 1,112 candidates for the 1,159 seats in the two-house national parliament and 14 regional parliaments. Its closest rival, the National Unity Party with 995 candidates, is backed by supporters of Burma's previous military ruler. The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Force, is contesting just 164 spots. On the number seats contested, the opposition is not able to form any government even they have won all the seats. The opposition candidates have had to abandon campaigns because they could not afford the $500 registration fee, several months' wages for most Burmese. Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of Aung San, the general who won Burma its independence and the country's greatest hero, is prohibited from contesting this election under new electoral laws, because she is serving a custodial sentence. She is due to be released six days after the poll. A tactical move by the Junta.
The last election held in 1990, was comprehensively won by the National League for Democracy, led by the country's most famous democracy champion, Aung San Suu Kyi. But the NLD was never allowed to take power. Today Suu Kyi is under house arrest, the NLD is a banned organization, and millions of Burmese will boycott the poll at her suggestion.
Veteran dissident, U Win Tin however pleads with young people in Burma not to vote in poll. U Win Tin is the prominent former political prisoner, insists jail is no deterrent in battle to oust the military regime. U Win Tin is the most prominent campaigner for democracy in Burma, which is controlled by a military regime, and spent 19 years behind bars. In an impassioned call to his people ahead of an election on Sunday that has already been decried as a sham by international observers, U Win Tin called for a boycott of the vote.
"It is the only thing left to us: there is no hope to come from voting for this party or that party. This government aims to win, and it is so detested that it is impossible for us to do anything but boycott," he said. "Of course it is not safe to stay at home and not go to the polling stations and people will be worried that they will be punished, but the military junta wants to claim this election as free and fair and so we have to reduce the legitimacy of that claim by not taking part at all."
The authorities were closing down phone lines in some townships across Burma on Saturday while cyber net attacks, closing down internet access, have been reported. Other ballot rigging has been already seen, with reports of villages and barracks being called out to "pre-vote" for the government-backed Union and Solidarity Development Party.
But some are still taking the chance to participate in the election, as they said it may be the first move to democracy, and even the space is small it is a good start for the country.
Another question is, is the Junta the legitimate government to allow the election? National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi won the election in 1990. National League for Democracy is the legitimate government under democracy, their government in exile should be the legitimate government, if there is any. The party that won the election(elected by the people) was not given the power to rule the country by the Junta. They are still the legitimate government, not the Junta, so Junta has no power to call for a election, as they are not the legitimate government, and the election is illegal. Legally the election results will not be legitimate. If there is no government in exile, I wonder why the international community did not support one, which should be waiting to take over the power when the Junta collapse. Is the international community really care? The so called global superpowers are more concern in East Asia, Middle East; than the small country like Burma..... where there is petrol or strategic interests now....
Will the Junta really return the power to the people?, the answer is slim, but it is hope that it is an initial step to democracy for Burma..... or is it another "legitimate mandate" for the Junta to rule after the election, and the international community will have the "legitimate reason" to accept them?...... just hope that it is not another part of global political games of superpowers....
Personally I am more concern for the minority; and the Panglong Agreement; will the democracy return to the spirit of Panglong or a new agreement be negotiated for the new Burma? Democracy without peace is demon go crazy ......without peace after democracy, there is always platform for military power...
We remember you, Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi, especially Shan, Chin, Mon, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin....We pray for Aung San Suu Kyi to be released on 13-11-2010, the world is waiting for the release, and to see the real changes in Burma......
Related articles
1. Burmese general election, 2010; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_general_election,_2010
2. Burma election 2010; http://www.burmaelection2010.com/
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Myanmar: worst countries in suppressing internet users.
The Top 20 Countries with the highest number of internet users
1. China
2. United States
3. Japan
4. India
5. Brazil
6. Germany
7. United Kingdom
8. Russia
9. France
10. South Korea
11. Iran
12. Italy
13. Indonesia
14. Spain
15. Mexico
16. Turkey
17. Canada
18. Philippines
19. Vietnam
20. Poland
(source: World Internet User Statistics were updated for September 30, 2009, http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm)
The top 10 Asian countries
1. China
2. Japan
3. India
4. South Korea
5. Indonesia
6. Philippines
7. Vietnam
8. Pakistan
9. Malaysia
10. Taiwan
A list of 13 "enemies of the internet" has been released by human rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Belarus
Burma
China
Cuba
Egypt
Iran
North Korea
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
The New York based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement in April last year, which said Burma is one of the 10 worst countries in suppressing internet users.
Blogging in Burma is nearly as dangerous as protesting on the streets against the country's military-run government. So it will come as no surprise to those who closely monitor Burma's heavily restricted media and censored Internet that CPJ has ranked the country as the worst place in the world to be a blogger.
Under a military dictatorship since 1962, Burma routinely suppresses freedom of expression among its people. All news outlets inside the country fall under the strict and comprehensive surveillance of the state's censorship board and are also held in check by various publication laws. Prior censorship is imposed on all local media and is strictly applied against any news that might cast the government in a bad light.
The Internet is one of the few places where Burmese can receive independent news and views, albeit at their peril. That's particularly true for bloggers, many of whom have dared to post outside news or their own views on local events. Various laws restricting the right to information and expression have been promulgated and if violated can lead to long jail terms for journalists, bloggers, and Internet users.
(source: http://www.cpj.org/)
1. China
2. United States
3. Japan
4. India
5. Brazil
6. Germany
7. United Kingdom
8. Russia
9. France
10. South Korea
11. Iran
12. Italy
13. Indonesia
14. Spain
15. Mexico
16. Turkey
17. Canada
18. Philippines
19. Vietnam
20. Poland
(source: World Internet User Statistics were updated for September 30, 2009, http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm)
The top 10 Asian countries
1. China
2. Japan
3. India
4. South Korea
5. Indonesia
6. Philippines
7. Vietnam
8. Pakistan
9. Malaysia
10. Taiwan
A list of 13 "enemies of the internet" has been released by human rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Belarus
Burma
China
Cuba
Egypt
Iran
North Korea
Saudi Arabia
Syria
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
The New York based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement in April last year, which said Burma is one of the 10 worst countries in suppressing internet users.
Blogging in Burma is nearly as dangerous as protesting on the streets against the country's military-run government. So it will come as no surprise to those who closely monitor Burma's heavily restricted media and censored Internet that CPJ has ranked the country as the worst place in the world to be a blogger.
Under a military dictatorship since 1962, Burma routinely suppresses freedom of expression among its people. All news outlets inside the country fall under the strict and comprehensive surveillance of the state's censorship board and are also held in check by various publication laws. Prior censorship is imposed on all local media and is strictly applied against any news that might cast the government in a bad light.
The Internet is one of the few places where Burmese can receive independent news and views, albeit at their peril. That's particularly true for bloggers, many of whom have dared to post outside news or their own views on local events. Various laws restricting the right to information and expression have been promulgated and if violated can lead to long jail terms for journalists, bloggers, and Internet users.
(source: http://www.cpj.org/)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Burmese Chinese - Tiger Balm family
Tiger Balm (虎標萬金油)or Tiger Ban Kim Ewe or "Ten Thousand Golden Oil" is the trade name for a heat rub or ointment manufactured and distributed by Haw Par Healthcare in Singapore. It was originally developed in the 1870s by a herbalist, Aw Chu Kin, in Rangoon, Burma, who asked his sons Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par on his deathbed to perfect the product. Oversea Chinese around the world will remember Tiger Balm, especially the old generations, this was the medical herbal oil that accompanied them from childhood to old age. Even the young generation are familiar with the tiger balm....
Tiger Balm is available in several varieties, the weaker Tiger Balm White (which is recommended for use with headaches) and the stronger Tiger Balm Red (which is not to be used on the head). There is also another version called Tiger Balm Ultra.
Aw Chu Kin(胡子钦)
Aw Chu Kin ( 胡子钦, 原名胡诞钦 ? - 1908 in Rangoon, British Raj) was a Burmese Chinese herbalist. He is best known as the original inventor of Tiger Balm.
Aw Chu Kin's father was a Chinese herbology practitioner in Xiamen and a Hakka from Zhongchuan, Yongding, Fujian Province, China(福建省永定下洋中川村客家人). Being of a poor background, Aw Chu Kin first immigrated to Singapore in 1863 where he stayed at the kongsi of his clan at Telok Ayer Street. He then moved to Penang and started to work as a practitioner of Traditional Chinese medicine, known as a sinseh (先生) in Penang Hokkien. Afterwards, he moved to Rangoon where, with the help of his uncle, founded his medical hall or medical shop, named Eng Aun Tong(永安堂药行)("The Hall of Eternal Peace") in 1870, located at 644,Canton Road(仰光广东街644号).
Aw Chu Kin got married in Rangoon. He had three sons, the eldest of whom, Boon Leng (Gentle/Refined Dragon) died young. He was survived by his two sons, Boon Haw (Gentle/Refined Tiger) and Boon Par (Gentle/Refined Leopard). In 1892, Aw sent Boon Haw to his grandfather's village to be instructed in traditional Chinese methods while Boon Par stayed in Rangoon to receive British education.
In 1900, his two sons Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par decided to manufacture and market the medicinal ointment under the name Eng Aun Tong, the name of the medical hall. In respect of the said balm, they adopted a trade mark consisting of the device of a tiger. The word "TIGER" is taken from the name of the elder brother Aw Boon Haw. "Haw"(虎)in Chinese means tiger. The Chinese word Haw means the animal tiger. The Chinese word Par in the name of the Younger brother means the animal leopard. The trading name Eng Aun Tong was coined to denote the quality of the product from the popular medical hall in Rangoon. The trade mark TIGER and the device of a leaping tiger were being used in respect of the balm since 1900.
When Aw Chu Kin died in 1908 at Rangoon,he left his medical hall Eng Aun Tong to the son, Aw Boon Par, having despaired of eldest son Boon Haw's rebel-rousing ways. The gentle leopard, finding the responsibility too much to bear, later asked for his older brother's return from China to carry on the family business in Rangoon.
Wife: Lee Kim Peck
Sons: Boon Leong; Boon Haw, Boon Par
Aw Boon Par(胡文豹);
Aw Boon Par ( 胡文豹; 1888 in Rangoon – 1944 in Rangoon) was a Burmese Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for introducing Tiger Balm. He was educated in English school in Rangoon, Burma. The lesser known, and a quiet leopard, compared with his brother, Aw Boon Haw.
He was the son of Hakka herbalist Aw Chu Kin. His father left the business to Boon Par and after Aw Chu Kin's death in 1908, he called his elder brother Aw Boon Haw to run his father's apothecary Eng Aun Tong ("The Hall of Eternal Peace") together.
"I will learn all I can about Western medicine, you can prescribe Chinese medicine," Boon Par said to his brother. "Together we won't lose a single patient. He can choose between east and west and the fee will stay with us."
To perfect and exploit their late father's recipe, the sons took over their mother's kitchen. Boon Par, the quiet leopard, toiled whilst Boon Haw, the gregarious tiger organised. Together they produced Ban Kim Ewe, Ten Thousand Golden Oil, panacea for all ills.
In 1918, Aw Boon Haw co-developed Tiger Balm as a trade mark, with his younger brother Aw Boon Par. Through artful packages and clever marketing, with the brand name of Tiger Balm (虎標萬金油)or Tiger Ban Kim Ewe or "Ten Thousand Golden Oil" is the trade name. The brothers later made their versatile balm a household standard, first in their native Rangoon, then Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and the rest of Southeast Asia.
Just when everything was going so great in Rangoon, a squad of policemen showed up at the brothers’ house to serve them with an arrest warrant. Boon Par and Boon Haw were charged with illicit trafficking in opium, and counterfeiting. The British Chief Inspector of Police, Cyril Taylor, put the brothers under house arrest. But the police was not able to pin anything on the brothers. It is humiliating to the brothers, Boon Haw decided to leave Burma and moved the business to Singapore.
Although Aw Boon Par wished to stay in Rangoon, it was because in additional to his two official wives(Piah Lan, Daw Saw who remain in Rangoon), he has a secret wife, Hong Yin in Rangoon. Boon Haw who had settled in Singapore in 1926 convinced him to immigrate, move the family business and found the precursor of today's Haw Par Corporation. By 1926, the headquarters of Eng Aun Tong 'House of Eternal Peace' had been transferred to Singapore. A new and larger factory was built at 89, Neil Road where production was ten times more than that of Rangoon's. The factory building, a conserved 3-storey neo-classical building, is still standing prominently at the corner of Neil Road and Craig Road, it was built by Aw Boon Haw in 1924.
Boon Par took up a residence at Tanglin Road in Singapore. The house eventually become a Jade House. He later moved to larger mansion at 178, Pasir Panjang Road.
They launched Sin Chew Jit Poh - their first paper - in Singapore in 1929; mainly to advertise their tiger series of products.
1932, a Limited Company was incorporated in Singapore, know as Haw Par Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd(“虎药有限公司”). It took over the business of the two brothers referred to earlier as well as the assets including the trade marks. The company continued to carry on business and export balm to various countries including India till the Japanese occupation of Burma and Singapore during the II world war. The company devised various trade markets to be used in various countries, the essential features of each of which was the device of a leaping Tiger, the word 'Tiger Balm' written in English and also in Chinese character. The trade marks were registered in different countries all over the world.
Aw Boon Haw bought the land in 1935, to build a house that would be a unique and fitting residence for his beloved brother Aw Boon Par. He commissioned Ho Kwong Yew, a brilliant young architect, to design a house that would complement the gardens which were to feature thousands of statues and tableaux depicting Chinese myths and legends and were to become well known all over the world as Tiger Balm Gardens. The villa was originally called "Tiger Balm Gardens". A new mansion, Haw Par Villa, was built on a hill in Pasir Panjang surrounded by unique gardens depicting Chinese mythology for the younger, quieter Boon Par in 1937.
Haw Par Villa was opened in March 1937 and many guests were invited to the grand reception hosted by Aw Boon Par, the lord of the manor.
By the eve of the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, the Aw brothers had built a business empire with 10,000 workers toiling in the Tiger Balm factories.
Aw Boon Par lived in Haw Par Villa only a few years before the second world war broke out in 1939.
The Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II occurred between 1942 and 1945 after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Military forces of the Empire of Japan occupied Singapore after defeating the combined Australian, British, Indian and Malayan garrison in the Battle of Singapore. The occupation was to become a major turning point in the history of several nations, including that of Japan, Britain and the then colonial state of Singapore. Singapore was renamed to Syonan-to (昭南島 Shōnan-tō), which means "Island of the Light of the South" or "Southern Island (obtained) during Shōwa period".
During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, Aw Boon Haw moved to Hong Kong to manage the business from there, while Aw Boon Par stayed in Singapore to run the factory.
In 1942 Boon Par was forced to flee with his family to Rangoon,which was also occupied by Japanese. Boon Par closed the factory. Allies had driven out the Japanese in April 1945, but unfortunately Aw Boon Par died in Sept 1944, prior to the victory.
wife: Piah Lan, Daw Saw, Hong Yin
Sons: Cheng Chye(胡清才)who died in Chile in 1971, Cheng Tek(胡清德)
Daughters: Cheng Sim or Suri Santipongchai(胡清心), married to Lee Aik Sim(李益森, Lee Santipongchai), who in 1971 was given Sing Sian Yit Pao to manage. The newspaper is now managed by their children Netra and Winn. This may be the only company set up by Aw Boon Haw which is still in the hand of the family ; Cheng Hu(Emma), married to banker Lee Chee Shan(李志城,1909-86)who was the President of Chung Khiaw Bank, but the family owned bank was injected into the listed Haw Par Brothers International Ltd and the listed company was took over by predator Slater Walker Securities when Aw Cheng Chye sold his shares.
Aw Boon Haw(胡文虎)1882-1954
Aw Boon Haw (胡文虎;1882 Rangoon, Burma – 1954 Hong Kong) was a Burmese Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for introducing Tiger Balm. He was the son of Hakka herbalist Aw Chu Kin, with his ancestral home in Yongding County, Fujian Province. A very good negotiator and businessman. His life was not only business, how he managed to deal with KMT, CPC, Puppet government in China during Japanese occupation, and Japan government during WW2 was amazing...
Aw migrated to Singapore in 1926, where he began the business of Tiger Red Balm with his brother, Aw Boon Par. Aw also founded several newspapers, including Sin Chew Jit Poh (星洲日報)on 15-1-1929 in Singapore, Sin Ping Jit Poh(星槟日报, now known as Guang Ming Daily (光明日報)was found in 1939, which are both now based in Malaysia. Sing Tao Daily (星島日報) dates back to 1-8-1938 and is currently based in Hong Kong. Sin Siam Jit Poh(星暹日报) was found in 1951 in Bangkok, Thailand. Aw moved to Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation of Singapore and managed the business from there, while his brother stayed in Singapore until he closed down the factory and went to Rangoon. Aw returned to Singapore after the end of World War II and re-established his business.
While on a trip to Hong Kong from Boston in 1954, Aw died at the age of 72 from a heart attack following a major operation. His legacy is found in the Haw Par Villas throughout Asia, with locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Fujian Province.
There was a story of racing rivalry of Au Boon Haw and Sultan Ibrahim of Johore. Sultan Ibrahim was a sportsman and hunter. The egregious diplomatic incident when the sultan, enraged at being overtaken by Aw Boon Haw, shot at the Tiger car on Bukit Timah Road. It was considered lese-majesté to overtake royalty even on foreign roads. Notwithstanding, the British colonial administration forbade the sultan thereafter from visiting Singapore ever again except for purpose of going to and from the Singapore airport, then at Kallang.(source: http://www.escapefromparadise.com)
1908: Taking over the business from the late father, together with brother Aw Boon Par.
1911: First branch outside Rangoon set up in Bangkok
1926 : He moved his head office to Singapore after the British conducted an unsuccessful opium raid in his house. He opened the Eng Aun Tong Medical Hall in Singapore. Turnover of his company reached $10 million.
1929 : Founded Sin Chew Jit Poh, a Chinese newspaper competing with Tan Kah Kee's Nanyang Siang Pau. To further promote his Tiger products he also published the Tiger Standard.
1932 : Moved his head office to Hong Kong to capture the China market
1935: Built Haw Par Villa in Hong Kong for his 2nd wife, Kyi Kyi.
1937 : Built Haw Par Villa otherwise known as the Tiger Balm Gardens for his brother, Boon Par. The gardens depict Chinese mythology.
1938 : An OBE conferred on him for his philanthropic contributions
1950 : Set up the Chung Khiaw Bank. He placed the management of the bank under the leadership of his son-in-law, Lee Chee Shan, also a Burmese Chinese, arrived in Singapore in 1929.
1954 : He died in Honolulu in Sept 1954 at the age of 72 years old, half-way home after a stomach operation in America. His empire was divided among six of his nine surviving children and four nephews. Sally Aw taking control of what is now the Sing Tao group (centered in Hong Kong with Sing Tao) and cousins forming Haw Par Brothers (centred in Singapore and including titles such as Sin Chew Jit Poh, which later experienced difficulty in competition with that nation's two dominant players).
After the death of Haw Boon Haw
1961 Aw Boon Haw's will provided all estates in Hong Kong to be given to Tan Kyi Kyi and Sally Aw. The other children of Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par were not happy and demand for the return of Haw Par Villa and Eng Aun Tong(永安堂)to be equally shared by the next of kin. Legal battle between Tan Kyi Kyi and Sally Aw, and the other children and nephew of Aw Boon Haw for the estate of Aw Boon Haw commenced. Sally Aw applied for liquidation of Haw Par Brothers Ltd. The outcome of the legal battle was that the Eng Aun Tong and Har Par Villa was owned by Haw Par Brothers Private Ltd.
1964 Sing Tao edition launched in San Francisco
1969 Sally Aw launches daily editions of Sing Tao for diaspora
1969 Haw Par Brothers Private Ltd was listed as Haw Par Corporation Limited in the Singapore Exchange on 16-8-1969.
1971 Slater Walker Securities gains control of Haw Par Brothers International Ltd (inc Chung Khiaw Bank and newspapers such as Sin Chew Jit Poh, Hong Kong Eng Aun Tong). It was sold by Aw Cheng Chye(胡清才),son of the Aw Boon Par,when he cash out by selling all his shares.
1971 Union Overseas Bank (UOB) acquires 53% of Chung Khiaw from Slater Walker. The Haw Par Deal was later reported irregular by the Singapore government. On 22-8-1971, Aw Cheng Chye reported committed suicide in Santiago, Chile. Some said he died of stroke, but some said it was the curse of Aw Boon Haw.
1972 Sing Tao Holdings goes public
1973 UOB raises holding in Chung Khiaw to 82%
1973 Sing Tao closes The Asian
1983 Sing Tao launched in Vancouver
1983 Sin Chew Jit Poh in Singapore merges with Nanyang Siang Pau as Lianhe Zaobao
1985 launch of JobMarket recruitment magazine in Hong Kong
1986 Sing Tao relisted in Hong Kong after move from Australia
1986 launches and closes English-language Evening Standard in Hong Kong
1986 launches monthly business magazine Billion
1987 Sing Tao's Newspapers of Fiji Ltd (Fiji Sun) withdraws from Fiji after second military coup
1987 Sin Chew Jit Poh delicensed in Malaysia under Mahathir crackdown, later acquired by Sarawak timber tycoon Tiong Hiew King
1988 UOB acquires remaining shares in Chung Khiaw Bank
1989 Sing Tao closes Billion
1989 closes monthly news magazine China Review
1992 The Chinese government returned the 10 storey Canton Eng Aun Tong(广州永安堂药店)building to Sally Aw
1993 pays US$40 for stake in Hong Kong newspaper and comics publisher Culturecom
1998 Sally Aw sells Hong Kong property holdings for HK$100m
1999 loses control of Sing Tao to Lazard Asia Fund after debts of US$274m
2000 Sally Aw sells Tiger Balm Gardens to Li Ka-shing for US$13m
2001 sells 55% of Sing Tao's Canadian arm to Torstar for US$14m
2001 cigarette mogul Charles Ho Tsu-kwok buys 51.4% stake in Sing Tao Holdings
Aw Boon Haw's family
Father: Aw Chi Kim(胡子钦), a herbalist from Zhongchuan, YongDing, Fujian Province in China.
Brothers: Aw Boon Leong(文龙) ("gentle dragon")died early; Aw Boon Par(文豹) ("gentle leopard").
Wives: Boon Haw had four wives. First wife, Tay Piang Hong(郑炳凤, 郑氏是广东惠阳客籍人,生长于仰光?); his second wife, Tan Kyi Kyi(陈金枝), he built a special home at Tai Hang Road, Hong Kong for her. Third wife 黄玉谢 was from Penang,and forth wife 邱秀英.
Adpted Sons: Dato Aw Kow(胡蛟), wife Tan Kah Joo, became General Manager(社长) of the Sin Chew Jit Poh in 1941, the Singapore Tiger Standard and the Chung Khiaw Bank; Aw San(胡山), who became general manager of the Eng Aun Tong Medical Hall and its Canton factory; Aw Hoe(胡好,1919-1951), who became general manager of the Medical Hall and managing director of the Tiger Standard and the Sin Chew Jit Poh; he died tragically in a plane crash in North Malaysia in 1951. A Standard-owned Dakota airplane crash-landed in Thailand, killing everyone on board, including Aw Hoe. He was only 32 years old. Aw Kow and Aw San were the adopted sons of Tay Piang Hong, the first wife. Aw San was dislike and cold storage by Aw Boon Haw and did not get any inheritance from the father. Aw Hoe and Sally Aw are the adopted children of the 2nd wife, Tan Kyi Kyi, the two children are the most capable, Aw Boon Haw was very sad when Aw Hoe died young.
Sons: The 3rd wife(黄玉谢)has two sons, It Haw(胡一虎), Er Haw(胡二虎)who passed away during WW2. The forth wife(邱秀英) give birth to two sons one daughter, Aw Sin(胡星),Aw San Haw(胡三虎)who passed away during WW2,Aw Si Haw(胡四虎). Aw It Haw(胡一虎) and Aw Si Haw(胡四虎)were still young when their father passed away. Aw It Haw(胡一虎) and his Japanese wife(胡晓子) however opened a Japanese supermarket in Singapore.
Daughter: Aw Sin(胡星), the daughter of 邱秀英.
Adopted Daughters: Sally Aw Sian (胡仙), who was a Hong Kong businesswoman and former Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference member,renowned Hong Kong newspaper publisher but had to sell of much of the family's fortunes to avoid bankruptcy. In 1931, Aw Boon Haw and the second wife Tan Kyi Kyi, adopted the five-year-old daughter of a distant relative from Burma, changing the girl's name from She Moi to Sian. Aw Sian inherited her late adopted father's assets. Aw Sian and Aw Hoe are the adopted children of Aw Boon Haw's second wife, Tan Kyi Kyi, and their most favorable children.
According to the report, Sally Aw was the adopted daughter of Aw Boon Haw, he is the daughter of Hu Yee Tee(胡榆梯 or 胡亚梯), a Burmese Chinese from the same ancestral homeland of Feng Yau Tong(奋耀堂), Yongding, China. Hu was opening Chinese medical hall in Bukit Mertajam(大山脚镇), Province Wellesley, opposite Penang island. His wife is a Siamese Chinese from Betong, Thailand, who give birth to a daughter, who was born in 1933. Aw Boon Haw was selling the tiger balm heat rub, supplying medicine to Hu’s shop. Aw Boon Haw was fond of the small girl, as he has no daughter, and wished to adopt the girl. Hu agreed with the request with Aw’s agreement that she will never to return to her birth parent. Nanyang Siang Pau《南洋商报》 reported that the boss of Ban Hock Tong (福堂药材店), Hu Chit Siang(胡概祥) admitted that he is the brother of Sally Aw. He still maintain some photo of Sally Aw. Some Chinese source reported that Sally Aw was born in 1931 at Rangoon, Burma. Other said it was 1933 in Penang.
From the research, Ban Hock Tong still located at 154, Jln Datok Ooh Chooi Cheng, Bukit Mertajam, an old established medical hall in Bukit Mertajam. Hu Chit Siang(胡概祥)was the President of Wing Oon Sha(槟城永安社), formed in 1920, the association for Yongding Hakka Chinese. It is located at 91,Jalan Siam, Penang. He was the President for two terms, 1982-1983, and 1984-1985. He was also the President 1988-2000 for She Foo Kongsi Ann Teng Tong(马来西亚槟城胡氏安定堂), located at 70, Penang Street, Penang(马来西亚槟城广东街70号).
Haw Par Villa(虎豹別墅), Hong Kong
Haw Par Villa is located at 15, Tai Hang Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong Island, SAR. Built by Aw Boon Haw in 1935 this garden was one of the main attractions of Hong Kong. However, in 1998 the ownership inheritor sold the whole complex to a land development company Most of the Garden has been sold to be redeveloped into a residential area. In 1998, the ownership inheritor, Aw Sian sold the whole Garden complex to a land development company, Cheung Kong. The Hong Kong Government reached an agreement with the company for the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office to preserve and restore the Haw Par Mansion and its private garden when the Garden complex is redeveloped.
Haw Par Villa(虎豹別墅), Pasir Panjang, Singapore
Located along the Pasir Panjang road, Singapore's Haw Par Villa is actually a theme park depicting stories from the Chinese mythology. The great entrepreneur Aw Boon Haw built it in the year 1937 for his loving brother Boon Par, thus the name Haw Par Villa came into being. Haw Par Villa, the quintessential place depicting Chinese folklore is a great tourist attraction of Singapore.
There is another Haw Par Villa in Fujian, China.
The story of Aw family is full of drama covering Burma, Singapore, Hong Kong; much more than Tiger Balm.....it is unfortunate that the business empire of the Tiger Balm King Aw Boon Haw were all sold, and only Sing Sian Jit Pao was still remain with Aw Boon Par's daughter Cheng Sim or Suri Santipongchai, and now it has passed to the next generation. The saying of the properties cannot passed through to 3rd generations is true for Tiger Balm family, it only passed to the 2nd generation to Sally Aw. However Aw Boon Par will be happy that at least Sing Sian Jit Pao has passed to 3rd generation.....
Updated 9-2-2014
The oldest and largest Chinese newspaper in Thailand is published by Sing Pao Co.,Ltd., located at 267, New Road, Bangkok. It was took over by Aw Boon Par's son-in-law, Lee Santipongchai(李益森) in 1971. He is the chairman of the company from 1971-2010. Two of Mr Lee's children are also involved with the paper: Daughter Ms Netra Ruthaiyanont and a son, Winn Santipongchai. Winn Santipongchai was once Executive Director of Sing Pao Co Limited. Netra Ruthaiyanont (李坤珊), the daughter of Lee and Suree Santipongchai(Aw Cheng Sim胡清心), was former MD of Sin Sian Jit Pao(from Jan1980-Nov 2010), now Country Manager - Myanmar ที่ Loxley PCL. She is married to Anusorn with two sons, Al, a fashion stylist, and Nick. Mr Lee Santipongchai is now consul of Uruguay Consulate in Bangkok , at Sing Sian Yit Pao Bldg , No. 267 New Road Bangkok 10100 Thailand .Winn Santipongchai is the Honorary Vice-Consul.
Just for note, the last inheritance of Aw's family, the newspaper in Bangkok "Sing Sian Jit Pao" or Sing Sian Yit Pao Daily News (ซิงเสียนเยอะเป้า, 星暹日報) was sold in 2010, that was the end of Tiger Balm Empire.
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Related articles/website
1. Aw Boon Haw Foundation, http://www.abhfoundation.org/english/aboutABH.html
2. Aw Boon Haw, http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_789_2004-12-23.html
3. Escape from Paradise(2001), by John Harding & May Chu Harding , published by IDK Press, USA( May Chu is the granddaughter of Aw Cheng Hu or Emma, the daughter of Aw Boon Par. A book banned in Singapore. An interesting read. You can read part of it in google; http://books.google.com.my/books?id=3jyw0ndQqnQC&dq=Aw+Boon+Par+,+Rangoon,&source=gbs_navlinks_s
4. Escape from Paradise, personal website of May Chu, http://www.escapefromparadise.com/NewFiles/aw.html(you may read some story of personality in Singapore). If you have read the book, this will be interesting to follow on...
5. Legal case: Haw Par Bros. International Ltd. vs Tiger Balm Co. (P) Ltd. And Ors. on 1 April, 1995,http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1291339/
6. Entanglement of Business and Politics in the Chinese Diaspora:Interrogating the Wartime Patriotism of Aw Boon Haw(2006), by HUANG JIANLI, JOURNAL OF CHINESE OVERSEAS 2, 1 (MAY 2006) : 79–17109, http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/journal_of_chinese_overseas/v002/2.1huang.pdf(To know the role Aw Boon Haw played during WW2)
7. The tale of Haw Par , http://www.hawpar.com/heritage.htm
8. Far From Rangoon: Lee Chee Shan 1909-86(1994), by Yeap Joo Kim, published by Lee Teng Lay Pte. Ltd.,Singapore( The biography on Aw Boon Par's son-in-law, a banker with Singaporean bank, Chung Khiaw Bank)
9. 香港“报业女王”星岛集团主席胡仙衰落记, http://www.baoye.net/News.aspx?ID=236817(In Chinese)
10.纪念胡文虎诞辰125周年, http://www.longyan.gov.cn/rdzt/hwh/
11. “万金油大王”胡文虎儿媳：一生最荣幸之事是拥有新加坡国籍(2008),符祝慧(东京特派员),联合早报 (2008-01-14) http://www.zaobao.com/special/face2face/pages1/face2face080114.shtml
12. Dato Aw Kow v Haw Par Bros (Pte) Ltd(1972-1974) SLR 391; (1972) 2 MLJ 225 (HC), Haw Par
Brothers v Dato Aw Kow (1972-1974) SLR 183; (1973)2 MLJ 169 (CA);
Tiger Balm is available in several varieties, the weaker Tiger Balm White (which is recommended for use with headaches) and the stronger Tiger Balm Red (which is not to be used on the head). There is also another version called Tiger Balm Ultra.
Aw Chu Kin(胡子钦)
Aw Chu Kin ( 胡子钦, 原名胡诞钦 ? - 1908 in Rangoon, British Raj) was a Burmese Chinese herbalist. He is best known as the original inventor of Tiger Balm.
Aw Chu Kin's father was a Chinese herbology practitioner in Xiamen and a Hakka from Zhongchuan, Yongding, Fujian Province, China(福建省永定下洋中川村客家人). Being of a poor background, Aw Chu Kin first immigrated to Singapore in 1863 where he stayed at the kongsi of his clan at Telok Ayer Street. He then moved to Penang and started to work as a practitioner of Traditional Chinese medicine, known as a sinseh (先生) in Penang Hokkien. Afterwards, he moved to Rangoon where, with the help of his uncle, founded his medical hall or medical shop, named Eng Aun Tong(永安堂药行)("The Hall of Eternal Peace") in 1870, located at 644,Canton Road(仰光广东街644号).
Aw Chu Kin got married in Rangoon. He had three sons, the eldest of whom, Boon Leng (Gentle/Refined Dragon) died young. He was survived by his two sons, Boon Haw (Gentle/Refined Tiger) and Boon Par (Gentle/Refined Leopard). In 1892, Aw sent Boon Haw to his grandfather's village to be instructed in traditional Chinese methods while Boon Par stayed in Rangoon to receive British education.
In 1900, his two sons Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par decided to manufacture and market the medicinal ointment under the name Eng Aun Tong, the name of the medical hall. In respect of the said balm, they adopted a trade mark consisting of the device of a tiger. The word "TIGER" is taken from the name of the elder brother Aw Boon Haw. "Haw"(虎)in Chinese means tiger. The Chinese word Haw means the animal tiger. The Chinese word Par in the name of the Younger brother means the animal leopard. The trading name Eng Aun Tong was coined to denote the quality of the product from the popular medical hall in Rangoon. The trade mark TIGER and the device of a leaping tiger were being used in respect of the balm since 1900.
When Aw Chu Kin died in 1908 at Rangoon,he left his medical hall Eng Aun Tong to the son, Aw Boon Par, having despaired of eldest son Boon Haw's rebel-rousing ways. The gentle leopard, finding the responsibility too much to bear, later asked for his older brother's return from China to carry on the family business in Rangoon.
Wife: Lee Kim Peck
Sons: Boon Leong; Boon Haw, Boon Par
Aw Boon Par(胡文豹);
Aw Boon Par ( 胡文豹; 1888 in Rangoon – 1944 in Rangoon) was a Burmese Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for introducing Tiger Balm. He was educated in English school in Rangoon, Burma. The lesser known, and a quiet leopard, compared with his brother, Aw Boon Haw.
He was the son of Hakka herbalist Aw Chu Kin. His father left the business to Boon Par and after Aw Chu Kin's death in 1908, he called his elder brother Aw Boon Haw to run his father's apothecary Eng Aun Tong ("The Hall of Eternal Peace") together.
"I will learn all I can about Western medicine, you can prescribe Chinese medicine," Boon Par said to his brother. "Together we won't lose a single patient. He can choose between east and west and the fee will stay with us."
To perfect and exploit their late father's recipe, the sons took over their mother's kitchen. Boon Par, the quiet leopard, toiled whilst Boon Haw, the gregarious tiger organised. Together they produced Ban Kim Ewe, Ten Thousand Golden Oil, panacea for all ills.
In 1918, Aw Boon Haw co-developed Tiger Balm as a trade mark, with his younger brother Aw Boon Par. Through artful packages and clever marketing, with the brand name of Tiger Balm (虎標萬金油)or Tiger Ban Kim Ewe or "Ten Thousand Golden Oil" is the trade name. The brothers later made their versatile balm a household standard, first in their native Rangoon, then Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, and the rest of Southeast Asia.
Just when everything was going so great in Rangoon, a squad of policemen showed up at the brothers’ house to serve them with an arrest warrant. Boon Par and Boon Haw were charged with illicit trafficking in opium, and counterfeiting. The British Chief Inspector of Police, Cyril Taylor, put the brothers under house arrest. But the police was not able to pin anything on the brothers. It is humiliating to the brothers, Boon Haw decided to leave Burma and moved the business to Singapore.
Although Aw Boon Par wished to stay in Rangoon, it was because in additional to his two official wives(Piah Lan, Daw Saw who remain in Rangoon), he has a secret wife, Hong Yin in Rangoon. Boon Haw who had settled in Singapore in 1926 convinced him to immigrate, move the family business and found the precursor of today's Haw Par Corporation. By 1926, the headquarters of Eng Aun Tong 'House of Eternal Peace' had been transferred to Singapore. A new and larger factory was built at 89, Neil Road where production was ten times more than that of Rangoon's. The factory building, a conserved 3-storey neo-classical building, is still standing prominently at the corner of Neil Road and Craig Road, it was built by Aw Boon Haw in 1924.
Boon Par took up a residence at Tanglin Road in Singapore. The house eventually become a Jade House. He later moved to larger mansion at 178, Pasir Panjang Road.
They launched Sin Chew Jit Poh - their first paper - in Singapore in 1929; mainly to advertise their tiger series of products.
1932, a Limited Company was incorporated in Singapore, know as Haw Par Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd(“虎药有限公司”). It took over the business of the two brothers referred to earlier as well as the assets including the trade marks. The company continued to carry on business and export balm to various countries including India till the Japanese occupation of Burma and Singapore during the II world war. The company devised various trade markets to be used in various countries, the essential features of each of which was the device of a leaping Tiger, the word 'Tiger Balm' written in English and also in Chinese character. The trade marks were registered in different countries all over the world.
Aw Boon Haw bought the land in 1935, to build a house that would be a unique and fitting residence for his beloved brother Aw Boon Par. He commissioned Ho Kwong Yew, a brilliant young architect, to design a house that would complement the gardens which were to feature thousands of statues and tableaux depicting Chinese myths and legends and were to become well known all over the world as Tiger Balm Gardens. The villa was originally called "Tiger Balm Gardens". A new mansion, Haw Par Villa, was built on a hill in Pasir Panjang surrounded by unique gardens depicting Chinese mythology for the younger, quieter Boon Par in 1937.
Haw Par Villa was opened in March 1937 and many guests were invited to the grand reception hosted by Aw Boon Par, the lord of the manor.
By the eve of the Sino-Japanese war in 1937, the Aw brothers had built a business empire with 10,000 workers toiling in the Tiger Balm factories.
Aw Boon Par lived in Haw Par Villa only a few years before the second world war broke out in 1939.
The Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II occurred between 1942 and 1945 after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Military forces of the Empire of Japan occupied Singapore after defeating the combined Australian, British, Indian and Malayan garrison in the Battle of Singapore. The occupation was to become a major turning point in the history of several nations, including that of Japan, Britain and the then colonial state of Singapore. Singapore was renamed to Syonan-to (昭南島 Shōnan-tō), which means "Island of the Light of the South" or "Southern Island (obtained) during Shōwa period".
During the Japanese occupation of Singapore, Aw Boon Haw moved to Hong Kong to manage the business from there, while Aw Boon Par stayed in Singapore to run the factory.
In 1942 Boon Par was forced to flee with his family to Rangoon,which was also occupied by Japanese. Boon Par closed the factory. Allies had driven out the Japanese in April 1945, but unfortunately Aw Boon Par died in Sept 1944, prior to the victory.
wife: Piah Lan, Daw Saw, Hong Yin
Sons: Cheng Chye(胡清才)who died in Chile in 1971, Cheng Tek(胡清德)
Daughters: Cheng Sim or Suri Santipongchai(胡清心), married to Lee Aik Sim(李益森, Lee Santipongchai), who in 1971 was given Sing Sian Yit Pao to manage. The newspaper is now managed by their children Netra and Winn. This may be the only company set up by Aw Boon Haw which is still in the hand of the family ; Cheng Hu(Emma), married to banker Lee Chee Shan(李志城,1909-86)who was the President of Chung Khiaw Bank, but the family owned bank was injected into the listed Haw Par Brothers International Ltd and the listed company was took over by predator Slater Walker Securities when Aw Cheng Chye sold his shares.
Aw Boon Haw(胡文虎)1882-1954
Aw Boon Haw (胡文虎;1882 Rangoon, Burma – 1954 Hong Kong) was a Burmese Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for introducing Tiger Balm. He was the son of Hakka herbalist Aw Chu Kin, with his ancestral home in Yongding County, Fujian Province. A very good negotiator and businessman. His life was not only business, how he managed to deal with KMT, CPC, Puppet government in China during Japanese occupation, and Japan government during WW2 was amazing...
Aw migrated to Singapore in 1926, where he began the business of Tiger Red Balm with his brother, Aw Boon Par. Aw also founded several newspapers, including Sin Chew Jit Poh (星洲日報)on 15-1-1929 in Singapore, Sin Ping Jit Poh(星槟日报, now known as Guang Ming Daily (光明日報)was found in 1939, which are both now based in Malaysia. Sing Tao Daily (星島日報) dates back to 1-8-1938 and is currently based in Hong Kong. Sin Siam Jit Poh(星暹日报) was found in 1951 in Bangkok, Thailand. Aw moved to Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation of Singapore and managed the business from there, while his brother stayed in Singapore until he closed down the factory and went to Rangoon. Aw returned to Singapore after the end of World War II and re-established his business.
While on a trip to Hong Kong from Boston in 1954, Aw died at the age of 72 from a heart attack following a major operation. His legacy is found in the Haw Par Villas throughout Asia, with locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Fujian Province.
There was a story of racing rivalry of Au Boon Haw and Sultan Ibrahim of Johore. Sultan Ibrahim was a sportsman and hunter. The egregious diplomatic incident when the sultan, enraged at being overtaken by Aw Boon Haw, shot at the Tiger car on Bukit Timah Road. It was considered lese-majesté to overtake royalty even on foreign roads. Notwithstanding, the British colonial administration forbade the sultan thereafter from visiting Singapore ever again except for purpose of going to and from the Singapore airport, then at Kallang.(source: http://www.escapefromparadise.com)
1908: Taking over the business from the late father, together with brother Aw Boon Par.
1911: First branch outside Rangoon set up in Bangkok
1926 : He moved his head office to Singapore after the British conducted an unsuccessful opium raid in his house. He opened the Eng Aun Tong Medical Hall in Singapore. Turnover of his company reached $10 million.
1929 : Founded Sin Chew Jit Poh, a Chinese newspaper competing with Tan Kah Kee's Nanyang Siang Pau. To further promote his Tiger products he also published the Tiger Standard.
1932 : Moved his head office to Hong Kong to capture the China market
1935: Built Haw Par Villa in Hong Kong for his 2nd wife, Kyi Kyi.
1937 : Built Haw Par Villa otherwise known as the Tiger Balm Gardens for his brother, Boon Par. The gardens depict Chinese mythology.
1938 : An OBE conferred on him for his philanthropic contributions
1950 : Set up the Chung Khiaw Bank. He placed the management of the bank under the leadership of his son-in-law, Lee Chee Shan, also a Burmese Chinese, arrived in Singapore in 1929.
1954 : He died in Honolulu in Sept 1954 at the age of 72 years old, half-way home after a stomach operation in America. His empire was divided among six of his nine surviving children and four nephews. Sally Aw taking control of what is now the Sing Tao group (centered in Hong Kong with Sing Tao) and cousins forming Haw Par Brothers (centred in Singapore and including titles such as Sin Chew Jit Poh, which later experienced difficulty in competition with that nation's two dominant players).
After the death of Haw Boon Haw
1961 Aw Boon Haw's will provided all estates in Hong Kong to be given to Tan Kyi Kyi and Sally Aw. The other children of Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par were not happy and demand for the return of Haw Par Villa and Eng Aun Tong(永安堂)to be equally shared by the next of kin. Legal battle between Tan Kyi Kyi and Sally Aw, and the other children and nephew of Aw Boon Haw for the estate of Aw Boon Haw commenced. Sally Aw applied for liquidation of Haw Par Brothers Ltd. The outcome of the legal battle was that the Eng Aun Tong and Har Par Villa was owned by Haw Par Brothers Private Ltd.
1964 Sing Tao edition launched in San Francisco
1969 Sally Aw launches daily editions of Sing Tao for diaspora
1969 Haw Par Brothers Private Ltd was listed as Haw Par Corporation Limited in the Singapore Exchange on 16-8-1969.
1971 Slater Walker Securities gains control of Haw Par Brothers International Ltd (inc Chung Khiaw Bank and newspapers such as Sin Chew Jit Poh, Hong Kong Eng Aun Tong). It was sold by Aw Cheng Chye(胡清才),son of the Aw Boon Par,when he cash out by selling all his shares.
1971 Union Overseas Bank (UOB) acquires 53% of Chung Khiaw from Slater Walker. The Haw Par Deal was later reported irregular by the Singapore government. On 22-8-1971, Aw Cheng Chye reported committed suicide in Santiago, Chile. Some said he died of stroke, but some said it was the curse of Aw Boon Haw.
1972 Sing Tao Holdings goes public
1973 UOB raises holding in Chung Khiaw to 82%
1973 Sing Tao closes The Asian
1983 Sing Tao launched in Vancouver
1983 Sin Chew Jit Poh in Singapore merges with Nanyang Siang Pau as Lianhe Zaobao
1985 launch of JobMarket recruitment magazine in Hong Kong
1986 Sing Tao relisted in Hong Kong after move from Australia
1986 launches and closes English-language Evening Standard in Hong Kong
1986 launches monthly business magazine Billion
1987 Sing Tao's Newspapers of Fiji Ltd (Fiji Sun) withdraws from Fiji after second military coup
1987 Sin Chew Jit Poh delicensed in Malaysia under Mahathir crackdown, later acquired by Sarawak timber tycoon Tiong Hiew King
1988 UOB acquires remaining shares in Chung Khiaw Bank
1989 Sing Tao closes Billion
1989 closes monthly news magazine China Review
1992 The Chinese government returned the 10 storey Canton Eng Aun Tong(广州永安堂药店)building to Sally Aw
1993 pays US$40 for stake in Hong Kong newspaper and comics publisher Culturecom
1998 Sally Aw sells Hong Kong property holdings for HK$100m
1999 loses control of Sing Tao to Lazard Asia Fund after debts of US$274m
2000 Sally Aw sells Tiger Balm Gardens to Li Ka-shing for US$13m
2001 sells 55% of Sing Tao's Canadian arm to Torstar for US$14m
2001 cigarette mogul Charles Ho Tsu-kwok buys 51.4% stake in Sing Tao Holdings
Aw Boon Haw's family
Father: Aw Chi Kim(胡子钦), a herbalist from Zhongchuan, YongDing, Fujian Province in China.
Brothers: Aw Boon Leong(文龙) ("gentle dragon")died early; Aw Boon Par(文豹) ("gentle leopard").
Wives: Boon Haw had four wives. First wife, Tay Piang Hong(郑炳凤, 郑氏是广东惠阳客籍人,生长于仰光?); his second wife, Tan Kyi Kyi(陈金枝), he built a special home at Tai Hang Road, Hong Kong for her. Third wife 黄玉谢 was from Penang,and forth wife 邱秀英.
Adpted Sons: Dato Aw Kow(胡蛟), wife Tan Kah Joo, became General Manager(社长) of the Sin Chew Jit Poh in 1941, the Singapore Tiger Standard and the Chung Khiaw Bank; Aw San(胡山), who became general manager of the Eng Aun Tong Medical Hall and its Canton factory; Aw Hoe(胡好,1919-1951), who became general manager of the Medical Hall and managing director of the Tiger Standard and the Sin Chew Jit Poh; he died tragically in a plane crash in North Malaysia in 1951. A Standard-owned Dakota airplane crash-landed in Thailand, killing everyone on board, including Aw Hoe. He was only 32 years old. Aw Kow and Aw San were the adopted sons of Tay Piang Hong, the first wife. Aw San was dislike and cold storage by Aw Boon Haw and did not get any inheritance from the father. Aw Hoe and Sally Aw are the adopted children of the 2nd wife, Tan Kyi Kyi, the two children are the most capable, Aw Boon Haw was very sad when Aw Hoe died young.
Sons: The 3rd wife(黄玉谢)has two sons, It Haw(胡一虎), Er Haw(胡二虎)who passed away during WW2. The forth wife(邱秀英) give birth to two sons one daughter, Aw Sin(胡星),Aw San Haw(胡三虎)who passed away during WW2,Aw Si Haw(胡四虎). Aw It Haw(胡一虎) and Aw Si Haw(胡四虎)were still young when their father passed away. Aw It Haw(胡一虎) and his Japanese wife(胡晓子) however opened a Japanese supermarket in Singapore.
Daughter: Aw Sin(胡星), the daughter of 邱秀英.
Adopted Daughters: Sally Aw Sian (胡仙), who was a Hong Kong businesswoman and former Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference member,renowned Hong Kong newspaper publisher but had to sell of much of the family's fortunes to avoid bankruptcy. In 1931, Aw Boon Haw and the second wife Tan Kyi Kyi, adopted the five-year-old daughter of a distant relative from Burma, changing the girl's name from She Moi to Sian. Aw Sian inherited her late adopted father's assets. Aw Sian and Aw Hoe are the adopted children of Aw Boon Haw's second wife, Tan Kyi Kyi, and their most favorable children.
According to the report, Sally Aw was the adopted daughter of Aw Boon Haw, he is the daughter of Hu Yee Tee(胡榆梯 or 胡亚梯), a Burmese Chinese from the same ancestral homeland of Feng Yau Tong(奋耀堂), Yongding, China. Hu was opening Chinese medical hall in Bukit Mertajam(大山脚镇), Province Wellesley, opposite Penang island. His wife is a Siamese Chinese from Betong, Thailand, who give birth to a daughter, who was born in 1933. Aw Boon Haw was selling the tiger balm heat rub, supplying medicine to Hu’s shop. Aw Boon Haw was fond of the small girl, as he has no daughter, and wished to adopt the girl. Hu agreed with the request with Aw’s agreement that she will never to return to her birth parent. Nanyang Siang Pau《南洋商报》 reported that the boss of Ban Hock Tong (福堂药材店), Hu Chit Siang(胡概祥) admitted that he is the brother of Sally Aw. He still maintain some photo of Sally Aw. Some Chinese source reported that Sally Aw was born in 1931 at Rangoon, Burma. Other said it was 1933 in Penang.
From the research, Ban Hock Tong still located at 154, Jln Datok Ooh Chooi Cheng, Bukit Mertajam, an old established medical hall in Bukit Mertajam. Hu Chit Siang(胡概祥)was the President of Wing Oon Sha(槟城永安社), formed in 1920, the association for Yongding Hakka Chinese. It is located at 91,Jalan Siam, Penang. He was the President for two terms, 1982-1983, and 1984-1985. He was also the President 1988-2000 for She Foo Kongsi Ann Teng Tong(马来西亚槟城胡氏安定堂), located at 70, Penang Street, Penang(马来西亚槟城广东街70号).
Haw Par Villa(虎豹別墅), Hong Kong
Haw Par Villa is located at 15, Tai Hang Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong Island, SAR. Built by Aw Boon Haw in 1935 this garden was one of the main attractions of Hong Kong. However, in 1998 the ownership inheritor sold the whole complex to a land development company Most of the Garden has been sold to be redeveloped into a residential area. In 1998, the ownership inheritor, Aw Sian sold the whole Garden complex to a land development company, Cheung Kong. The Hong Kong Government reached an agreement with the company for the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office to preserve and restore the Haw Par Mansion and its private garden when the Garden complex is redeveloped.
Haw Par Villa(虎豹別墅), Pasir Panjang, Singapore
Located along the Pasir Panjang road, Singapore's Haw Par Villa is actually a theme park depicting stories from the Chinese mythology. The great entrepreneur Aw Boon Haw built it in the year 1937 for his loving brother Boon Par, thus the name Haw Par Villa came into being. Haw Par Villa, the quintessential place depicting Chinese folklore is a great tourist attraction of Singapore.
There is another Haw Par Villa in Fujian, China.
The story of Aw family is full of drama covering Burma, Singapore, Hong Kong; much more than Tiger Balm.....it is unfortunate that the business empire of the Tiger Balm King Aw Boon Haw were all sold, and only Sing Sian Jit Pao was still remain with Aw Boon Par's daughter Cheng Sim or Suri Santipongchai, and now it has passed to the next generation. The saying of the properties cannot passed through to 3rd generations is true for Tiger Balm family, it only passed to the 2nd generation to Sally Aw. However Aw Boon Par will be happy that at least Sing Sian Jit Pao has passed to 3rd generation.....
Updated 9-2-2014
The oldest and largest Chinese newspaper in Thailand is published by Sing Pao Co.,Ltd., located at 267, New Road, Bangkok. It was took over by Aw Boon Par's son-in-law, Lee Santipongchai(李益森) in 1971. He is the chairman of the company from 1971-2010. Two of Mr Lee's children are also involved with the paper: Daughter Ms Netra Ruthaiyanont and a son, Winn Santipongchai. Winn Santipongchai was once Executive Director of Sing Pao Co Limited. Netra Ruthaiyanont (李坤珊), the daughter of Lee and Suree Santipongchai(Aw Cheng Sim胡清心), was former MD of Sin Sian Jit Pao(from Jan1980-Nov 2010), now Country Manager - Myanmar ที่ Loxley PCL. She is married to Anusorn with two sons, Al, a fashion stylist, and Nick. Mr Lee Santipongchai is now consul of Uruguay Consulate in Bangkok , at Sing Sian Yit Pao Bldg , No. 267 New Road Bangkok 10100 Thailand .Winn Santipongchai is the Honorary Vice-Consul.
Just for note, the last inheritance of Aw's family, the newspaper in Bangkok "Sing Sian Jit Pao" or Sing Sian Yit Pao Daily News (ซิงเสียนเยอะเป้า, 星暹日報) was sold in 2010, that was the end of Tiger Balm Empire.
Note: This article has been copied and shared in the internet, please quoted the source. Thank you.
Related articles/website
1. Aw Boon Haw Foundation, http://www.abhfoundation.org/english/aboutABH.html
2. Aw Boon Haw, http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_789_2004-12-23.html
3. Escape from Paradise(2001), by John Harding & May Chu Harding , published by IDK Press, USA( May Chu is the granddaughter of Aw Cheng Hu or Emma, the daughter of Aw Boon Par. A book banned in Singapore. An interesting read. You can read part of it in google; http://books.google.com.my/books?id=3jyw0ndQqnQC&dq=Aw+Boon+Par+,+Rangoon,&source=gbs_navlinks_s
4. Escape from Paradise, personal website of May Chu, http://www.escapefromparadise.com/NewFiles/aw.html(you may read some story of personality in Singapore). If you have read the book, this will be interesting to follow on...
5. Legal case: Haw Par Bros. International Ltd. vs Tiger Balm Co. (P) Ltd. And Ors. on 1 April, 1995,http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1291339/
6. Entanglement of Business and Politics in the Chinese Diaspora:Interrogating the Wartime Patriotism of Aw Boon Haw(2006), by HUANG JIANLI, JOURNAL OF CHINESE OVERSEAS 2, 1 (MAY 2006) : 79–17109, http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/journal_of_chinese_overseas/v002/2.1huang.pdf(To know the role Aw Boon Haw played during WW2)
7. The tale of Haw Par , http://www.hawpar.com/heritage.htm
8. Far From Rangoon: Lee Chee Shan 1909-86(1994), by Yeap Joo Kim, published by Lee Teng Lay Pte. Ltd.,Singapore( The biography on Aw Boon Par's son-in-law, a banker with Singaporean bank, Chung Khiaw Bank)
9. 香港“报业女王”星岛集团主席胡仙衰落记, http://www.baoye.net/News.aspx?ID=236817(In Chinese)
10.纪念胡文虎诞辰125周年, http://www.longyan.gov.cn/rdzt/hwh/
11. “万金油大王”胡文虎儿媳：一生最荣幸之事是拥有新加坡国籍(2008),符祝慧(东京特派员),联合早报 (2008-01-14) http://www.zaobao.com/special/face2face/pages1/face2face080114.shtml
12. Dato Aw Kow v Haw Par Bros (Pte) Ltd(1972-1974) SLR 391; (1972) 2 MLJ 225 (HC), Haw Par
Brothers v Dato Aw Kow (1972-1974) SLR 183; (1973)2 MLJ 169 (CA);
Friday, February 12, 2010
Burma: Panglong Agreement
Today (February 12) is the 63rd anniversary of Burma's "Union Day". It was this day in 1947 when 23 representatives from the Shan states, the Kachin hills and the Chin hills, and Aung San, head of the interim Burmese government, signed an agreement in Panglong (in Shan state) to form the Union of Burma.
The Panglong Agreement was reached between the Burmese government under Aung San and the Shan, Kachin, and Chin peoples on 12 February 1947. The agreement accepted "Full autonomy in internal administration for the Frontier Areas" in principle and envisioned the creation of a Kachin State by the Constituent Assembly. It continued the financial relations established between the Shan states and the Burmese federal government, and envisioned similar arrangements for the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills.
The day is celebrated in Myanmar as Union Day each February 12.
But 63 years after Panglong Agreement for Union of Burma, the non- Burman ethnic nationals were betrayed and The Panglong Agreement” ruined by the Burmese Military Regimes when they took power by coup and the Constitution was destroyed and the Union of Burma was later become Union of Myanmar. The State Law and Order Restoration Council(SLORC), former name of the military junta, changed the country's name from Union of Burma to Union of Myanmar in 1989. Burmese opposition and the Western nations still continue to use "Burma" while the Eastern nations and the UN use "Myanmar".
Prior to the Panglong Agreement on 12-2-1947, there was First Panglong Conference in March 1946. The Panglong Agreement was also called 2nd Panglong Conference, which resulted in the independence of Burma, known as Union of Burma.
Panglong Conference 3-12 February 1947
• Kachin-Shan Agreement 6 February 1947
• Chin-Kachin-Shan Agreement 7 February 1947
• National Day of Shan State 7 February 1947
• Panglong Agreement 12 February 1947
Path to Independence
When Aung San and his delegation went to London to negotiate Burma's independence, no delegates from the Frontier Areas were present. During the meeting, Clement Attlee, then British prime minister, insisted that Burma proper should not coerce leaders of the Frontier Areas to join the Union of Burma against their will.
Aung San, however, argued that it was the British who kept the peoples of Burma apart. Aung San was quoted in The Times (London) on January 14, 1947 as saying: "We can confidently assert here that so far as our knowledge of our country goes, there should be no insuperable difficulties in the way of a unified Burma provided all races are given full freedom and the opportunity to meet together and to work without the interference of outside interests."
In an attempt to allay the doubts and lingering fears of the British government regarding unequal treatments to the Frontier Areas in the future Union of Burma, Aung San assured the Frontier peoples in his unforgettable remark: "If Burma receives one kyat (a Burmese currency), you will also get one kyat.
In January 1947 Aung San, now Burma's acknowledged political leader, led the Burmese delegation to London for independence talks with British premier Clement Attlee. On his return in February 1947 Aung San successfully negotiated the Panglong Agreement, which provided for the participation of various frontier-area peoples in the new Union of Burma, as the emergent Burmese federal state was to be called.
On July 19, 1947 - six months before the coming of independence - Aung San, only 32, and most of the other top nationalist leaders of the country were shot to death by henchmen of an insanely jealous political rival, prewar premier U Saw. The anniversary of the assassinations, known as "Martyrs Day", is Myanmar's most solemn national holiday.
Because of Panglong Agreement, the Union of Burma was formed after granted independence by British on January 4, 1948, and February 12, the date of Panglong Agreement has been celebrated since as 'Union Day'.
Text of Panglong Agreement
Text of the Agreement signed at Panglong on the 12th February, 1947 by Shan, Kachin and Chin leaders, and by representatives of the Executive Council of the Governor of Burma
A conference having been held at Panglong, attended by certain Members of the Executive Council of the Governor of Burma, all Saohpas and representatives of the Shan States, the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills, the members of the conference, believing that freedom will be more speedily achieved by the Shans, the Kachins and the Chins by their immediate co-operation with the Interim Burmese Government, have accordingly, and without dissentients, agreed as follows:
(I) A representative of the Hill peoples, selected by the Governor on the recommendation of representatives of the Supreme Council of the United Hill Peoples, shall be appointed a Counsellor to the Governor to deal with the Frontier Areas.
(II) The said Counsellor shall also be appointed a member of the Governor's Executive Council without portfolio, and the subject of Frontier Areas brought within the purview of the Executive Council by constitutional convention as in the case of Defence and External Affairs. The Counsellor for Frontier Areas shall be given executive authority by similar means.
(III) The said Counsellor shall be assisted by two Deputy Counsellors representing races of which he is not a member. While the two Deputy Counsellors should deal in the first instance with the affairs of the respective areas and the Counsellor with all the remaining parts of the Frontier Areas, they should by Constitutional Convention act on the principle of joint responsibility.
(IV) While the Counsellor in his capacity of Member of the Executive Council will be the only representative of the Frontier Areas on the Council, the Deputy Counsellor(s) shall be entitled to attend meetings of the Council when subjects pertaining to the Frontier Areas are discussed.
(V) Though the Governor's Executive Council will be augmented as agreed above, it will not operate in respect of the Frontier Areas in any manner which would deprive any portion of these Areas of the autonomy which it now enjoys in internal administration. Full autonomy in internal administration for the Frontier Areas is accepted in principle.
(VI) Though the question of demarcating and establishing a separate Kachin State within a Unified Burma is one which must be relegated for decision by the Constituent Assembly, it is agreed that such a State is desirable. As first step towards this end, the Counsellor for Frontier Areas and the Deputy Counsellors shall be consulted in the administration of such areas in the Myitkyina and the Bhamo District as are Part 2 Scheduled Areas under the Government of Burma Act of 1935.
(VII) Citizens of the Frontier Areas shall enjoy rights and privileges which are regarded as fundamental in democratic countries.
(VIII) The arrangements accepted in this Agreement are without prejudice to the financial autonomy now vested in the Federated Shan States.
(IX) The arrangements accepted in this Agreement are without prejudice to the financial assistance which the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills are entitled to receive from the revenues of Burma and the Executive Council will examine with the Frontier Areas Counsellor and Deputy Counsellor(s) the feasibility of adopting for the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills financial arrangements similar to those between Burma and the Federated Shan States.
SIGNATORIES
Burmese Government:
Aung San
Kachin Committee:
Sinwa Naw, Myitkyina
Zaurip, Myitkyina
Dinra Tang, Myitkyina
Zau La, Bhamo
Zau Lawn, Bhamo
Labang Grong, Bhamo
Chin Committee:
Pu Hlur Hmung, Falam
Pu Thawng Za Khup, Tiddim
Pu Kio Mang, Haka
Shan Committee:
Saohpalong of Tawngpeng State.
Saohpalong of Yawnghwe State.
Saohpalong of North Hsenwi State.
Saohpalong of Laihka State.
Saohpalong of Mong Pawn State.
Saohpalong of Hsamonghkam State
Representative of Hsahtung Saohpalong. Hkun Pung
U Tin E
U Htun Myint
U Kya Bu
Hkun Saw
Sao Yape Hpa
Hkun Htee
[This text is taken from pp404–405 of Hugh Tinker's Burma: The Struggle for Independence 1944-1948 (Vol. II) London, HMSO 1984]
The Panglong agreement was a turning point in the modern history of Burma. General Aung San, father of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, played a pivotal role in bringing together leaders of the Frontier Areas (ethnic nationalities) to the negotiating table.
Burma (or Myanmar) is an ethnically diverse nation with 135 distinct ethnic groups officially recognized by the Burmese government. These are grouped into eight "major national ethnic races":
1. Kachin
2. Kayah(Karenni,Red Karen)
3. Kayin(Karen)
4. Chin
5. Mon
6. Bamar(Burma)
7. Rakhine(Arakanese)
8. Shan
Out of 8 ethnic race group, only 3 ethic groups involved and signed the Panglong Agreement, they are Kachin, Shan and Chin. The other ethic group, Mon, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin, were not in the conference, or signatory to Panglong Agreement. For the ethnic race group that signed the agreement, their right was not uphold but was betray by the military Junta.
The Aung San-Atlee meeting
The Aung San-Atlee meeting not only recognized the pre-colonial freedom and sovereignty of Chin, Kachin and Shan nations but also acknowledged their rights: to get separate independence, to establish separate national states and national self- determination.
The representatives of Chin, Kachin and Shan met at Panglong in Shan State from 6th-7th of February, 1947 and agreed to form a Union with the Burmans provided there would be equality and democratic rights and the right to secession at will. The Burman representatives led by General Aung San accepted these points and the historic Panglong Agreement was signed on February 12, 1947. So there emerged the Union of Burma into the world.
The Panglong agreement was a turning point in the modern history of Burma. General Aung San, father of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, played a pivotal role in bringing together leaders of the Frontier Areas (ethnic nationalities) to the negotiating table. But Aung San was assassinated on July 19, 1947 at the age of 32.
Panglong agreement was the hallmark of ethno-political conflicts in Burma. The significance of forming the Union was that Burma became a home to multi-ethnic nationalities.
After receiving assurance from Aung San, leaders of the Chin hills, Kachin hills and the Shan states agreed to co-operate with the interim Burmese government. The attending Frontier leaders believed that freedom would be more speedily achieved by immediate co-operation with the interim government. The Shans, the Kachins and the Chins agreed to the formation of the Union of Burma in return for promises of full autonomy in internal administration and an equal share in the country's wealth. The Karens still believed that the British would grant them an independent state.
After the Panglong Agreement was signed, the Anti Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) initiated to draft the Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories. The AFPFL elected General Aung San as a leader of Drafting Committee along with 110 Committee Members. The Draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories was brought to the AFPFL National Convention and subsequently approved enormously in May 27, 1947.
The substances of the Draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories was purely based not only federal principles but also the Draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories guaranteed each unit (State) to have their own unit (State) Government to perform, safeguard, promote, and protect the interests and benefits of their own states.
However, 57 days after the draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories was approved, General Aung San and his interim leaders were assassinated by their political rivals, who refused to grant equal rights and privileges to non-Burman ethnic nationals. The Governor of Burma immediately authorized U Nu to takeover the position of General Aung San and ordered him to lead the national movement into independence.
U Nu, the new leader of transitory period was not participated in Panglong Agreement so that did not understand the essence of Panglong Agreement as well as who was a person critical to grant non-Burman ethnic nationals to have equal rights with Burman ethnic nationals during negotiation of General Aung San and Attlee on Burmese independence. U Nu authorized U Chan Htun, legal consultant of Constitution Drafting Committee of AFPFL to revise the “Approved Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories” to approval of the interim legislature that was due in September. U Chan Htun and few Burman nationalists as well as Cambridge Legal scholars revised substantively the “Approved Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories” from federal type of constitution to unitary type of constitution. The revised “Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories” was brought to the interim legislature by U Nu and asked the speaker of the interim legislature for approval from the interim legislators without debate and subsequently approved on September 24, 1947. The revised Constitution of the Union of Burma came into force on January 4, 1948 when Burma was officially granted independence by Great Britain.
Constitution of the Union of Burma (1948)
Gradually, the non-Burman ethnic national leaders, politicians, and scholars realized that the Constitution of the Union of Burma (1948) not only disregard the essence of Panglong Agreement but also was substantively different from the “Draft Constitution Approved by the AFPFL National Convention”. They also realized that the Constitution of Union of Burma (1948) allowed majority Burman nationals to manipulate all legislative, executive, and judiciary powers over non-Burman ethnic nationals.
Taunggyi Conference (8th to 16th, 1961)
Therefore, the non-Burman ethnic national leaders gathered in Taunggyi, the capital city of Shan State in 1961 to discuss the defects of the Constitution of Union of Burma (1948). Representatives from all states, Kachin, Kaya, Karen, Chin, Rakhine, Mon and Shan states attended. Over 200 non-Burman politicians, leaders, and scholars agreed to amend the defects of the Constitution of Union of Burma (1948) within democratic principals and approved the drafted “Federal Bill” to table at the Union Parliament. Consequently, they also urged Prime Minister U Nu to initiate Federal Seminar in Rangoon to discuss the future of Burma Union and implementation of federalism in the Union of Burma.
The Prime Minister and all Burman ethnic national leaders understood that Federal Bill was ready to table in the Union Parliament for amending the Constitution of the Union of Burma (1948) and it will be passed without difficulties since all non-Burman ethnic national leaders favor to amend the Constitution according to the “Federal Bill”. They also understood that if the Constitution of the Union of Burma was amended according to the “Federal Bill,” the Burman will have equal status with non-Burman nationals although they are majority in population and in some other aspects.
Revolutionary Council Coup on 2-3-1962
The Burman nationalists, who were the high-ranking officers in Burmese Army, realized that the only way to safeguard Burman domination over non-Burman ethnic nationals is removing the democratic regime by force. Therefore, the Burmese Army led by General Ne Win staged a coup under the name of Revolutionary Council took the power on March 2, 1962. They seized the state power from the popular government, nullifying the efforts to establish a genuine federation that would guarantee peace and justice, claiming they did so in order, "to safeguard the possible disintegration of the union". They overthrew the 1947 constitution and ruled the country with martial law for 12 years.
New Constitution: Constitution of Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1974)
After the coup, Brigadier General Aung Gyi, the second most powerful in the coup have said to the media that the reason of the military coup was to prevent from disintegration of Burma Union and also indirectly indicated the “Federal Movement” was an evident to prove the coup. The Revolutionary Council arrested all participants in the Taunggyi Conference and sent them to jail without due process of law. Many prominent non-Burman ethnic national leaders were secretly murdered in jail. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Council drafted a new Constitution after ten years that came to force in 1974. The new Constitution not only disregarded the essence of Panglong Agreement, but also constitutionally expanded Burman ethnic national domination toward non-Burman ethnic nationals by creating Seven Divisions out of Burman inhabitant area. Therefore, under the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1974), the Burman had monopolized all legislative, executive, and judicial power by creating Seven Divisions and Seven non-Burman ethnic national States.
What happen to the ethnic groups that signed the Panglong Agreement? The Shan, Chin and Kachin?
(1) Kachin - Kachin state
Kachin, also known as Jinghpaw, Rawang, Lisu, Zaiwa, Lawngwaw, Lachyit.
The constitution of 1947 has promised that if a state finds the union is negative to its own national interest, it can leave the union after 10 years of independence,that is 1957.
The KIO(The Kachin Independence Organization)pointed out that the first constitution in 1947 was not drafted in keeping with the Panglong Agreement and ethnic minorities are yet to derive benefits from it.
Kachin troops formerly formed a significant part of the Burmese army. With the unilateral abrogation of the Union of Burma constitution by the Ne Win regime in 1962, Kachin forces withdrew and formed the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) under the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
The KIA(Kachin Independence Army) was set up to fight for Kachin rights on February 5, 1961. Zau Seng and his brothers Zau Tu and Zau Dan along with hundreds of Kachin youth established in northern the Shan State Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). Their first operation was to attack a military base near Kutkhai, northern Shan State. Then they shifted quickly to Bamaw area in Kachin State. From this revolutionary base,they launched their long-term national revolution. On Mar 2,1962, Ne Win's Burmese Army seized the power through a coup.They ended the parliamentary democracy and abolished the Union Constitution. In the period between 1961 and 1976, the KIO/KIA fought wars with successive Burman-led central governments for secession. In 1975 the KIO leaders Zau Seng, Zau Tu and Pung Shwe Zau Seng were assassinated at the Thai-Burma border. Brang Seng took over as Chairman and Zaung Hkra as Secretary of the KIO. At that time the KIO was the main force in the National Democratic Front (NDF), an ethnic army alliance.
It changed its stance and demanded a genuine self-determined Kachin State since 1976.
On 24-2-1994, the KIO entered a ceasefire agreement with the regime (State Law and Order Restoration Council). In fact in 1963 and 1980 the KIO had already tried his best for domestic peace negotiation with Burmese authorities but in vain. A few months after the cease-fire, Brang Seng died. Zau Mai became KIO's new leader
KIA signed a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese military junta on February 24, 1994. It went ahead and supported the junta-formulated seven-step road map to the so-called disciplined democracy. In February 2001, a reformist faction within KIO staged a coup at the KIO headquarter at Lai Sin near the China border. They detented Zau Mai and later ousted him. Lamung Tu Jai became the leader of the KIO. Kachin Consultative Assembly(KCA), was formed in 2002 by KIO.
A political group formed secretly on 24-1-2005 The Kachin Solidarity Council(KSC) in Pang Wa, the NDA-K headquarter,including a Joint Military Commission and a Joint Economic Commission. It seems a parallel organization against the KIO's Kachin Consultative Assembly, KCA. They are in fact the border security militia group of Burmese Army.
Between 2004 and 2007, the KIO took part in the junta’s National Convention for drafting the new constitution. It submitted two key proposals for a genuine federal union and the autonomy of Kachin State. However, it was rejected outright by the junta. The proposal for a genuine federal union was jointly submitted with 13 other ethnic ceasefire groups along with a 19-point proposal for autonomy of Kachin State.
The KIO chairman admitted that the ongoing dialogue with the regime on the contentious transformation issue failed because only the armed wing, the KIA, was being pressurized to change into the Burmese Army controlled Border Guard Force(BGF).
The KIO and Burmese military officials met over the thorny BGF issue in Myitkyina the capital of Kachin State on January 29 for the tenth time but the meeting ended with no result
Other than KIO, and KSC, other Kachin Organizations are:
1.Kachin Defense Army (KDA)
An armed organization founded in 1990 by Mahtu Naw, commander of the Kachin Independence Army's 4th brigade based in northern Shan State. After the breakaway from its mother organization, KDA signed a ceasefire agreement with the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council in the same year. The area controlled by KDA is now called Shan State Special Region 5.
2.New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K)
Founded by former KIO officers Zahkung Tingying and Layawk Zelum. NDA-K is the first Kachin group to reach a ceasefire agreement with the State Law and Order Restoration Council, in 1989, after the collapse of the CPB the same year. The organization is based in Pang Wa, former headquarters of the CPB's 101 War Zone, situated on the Sino-Burma border. The area controlled by the group is called Kachin State Special Region 1.
3.Kachin State National Congress for Democracy (KNCD)
A political party founded in Myitkyina by Kachin politicians led by Ubyit Tu, former State Council member of Ne Win's socialist BSPP government. The party won three seats in Kachin State in the 1990 general election. Leading party members were arrested and the party was barred from political activities after the election. The KNCD, led by Gumgrawng Zau Ing and Bawm Lang, became a member of the United Nationalities Alliances (UNA), led by Khun Tun Oo, chairman of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.
4.Kachin People's Party (KPP)
Founded on April 17, 2002 in Thailand by young Kachin inside and outside of Kachin State to lay the foundation for an "appropriate and meaningful democratic nation" which is essential to Kachin people and to resist all forms of dictatorship and despotic rule. The KPP leader is Gumgrawng Aung Wa.
5.Kachin National Organization (KNO)
A political organization founded by overseas Kachin and a group of elders from the Kachin homeland on January 9, 1999. KNO strives for an independent homeland and democratic government. Its leader is Hawwa Ja La.
6.All Kachin Student and Youth Union (AKSYU)
Founded on August 5, 1996 by exiled Kachin Student in India. The same year, AKSYU became a member organization of the Students and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB), an opposition student and youth alliance.
7.AKSYU branched out to open offices in Thailand in 1998, Europe in February 2002 and China in Septemeber 2002. The all Kachin Students and Youth Union (AKSYU) is currently a member organization of the Students and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB), United Nationalities Youth League (UNYL), and United Nationalities' Democratic Congress (UNDC).
(source:
(ii)Chin - Chin state
The Chin Hills were one western region the Burmese retained after the rest of their western possessions--Assam, Manipur, and Arakan--were ceded to the British after the First Anglo-Burmese War of 1824-1826. The British only acquired the Chin Hills after the Third Anglo-Burmese War of 1885. The ensuing Chin resistance to the British was suppressed only by 1890. The British administered the Chin Hills as part of Arakan Division. American missionaries began arriving in the 1890s and by the middle of 20th century, had converted most of the Chin people to Christianity.
Upon independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, Chin Hills Special Division was created out of Arakan Division, with the capital at Falam. On 4 January 1974, it was granted the state status and became Chin State.
Chinland was however divided, without consultation with the people, into two parts when the Burma Act of 1937 split Burma from British-India. The western part of Chinland remained under British-India and the eastern part came under the administration of British-Burma. When British India became independent in 1947, the western part of Chinland was divided again, again without consultation with the people, when India and Pakistan were divided. One part fell to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the other part came under Indian administration.
While Burman nationalist youths formed We Burmans Association, launching a national movement, young Chin nationalists started a separate national movement under the name of Chin National Union(CNU). In 1933 the Union presented a demand for independence to the British authorities in Rangoon and in 1939, the youths who made this demand were arrested and jailed. When Atlee's Labour Party won the general elections and Atlee became Prime Minister in 1945, it became certain that British colonies were to get independence.
1947
1947 The representatives of Chin participated in Panglong Conference along with the Kachin, Shan, and Burman representatives, singed historic Panglong Agreement on February 12, 1947 to form a federal union with equal rights, privileges, and status including secession right.
1947 The Chin representatives participated in Drafting Process of the Future Constitution of the Union of Burma under the leadership of General Aung San. The draft Constitution was drawn up by a 111-member committee of the AFPFL Convention which met on May 20, 1947, and approved on May 23 when the Convention was dissolved.
1948
1948 The Union of Burma gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948; and the Constitution of Burma (1947) was enforced. However, the Burman politicians disregarded the principles of Panglong Agreement so that the independence was stumbled with the civil war.
1948 Captain Mang Tung Nung formed the Chin People’s Freedom League and started the movement for the Rights of the Chin people. Over five thousand Chins from all over the Chinland held unprecedented gathering in Falam Town and proclaimed in their unity and determination to be free from traditional feudal administrative system, and adopted a democratic system of governance on February 20, 1948, which later became the Chin National Day.
1961
1961 In order to amend the Constitution of Burma (1947) into more federate features as agreed in Panglong Conference, the Chins and all non-Burman nationalities gathered in Taunggyi, the Capital of Shan State from June 8 – 16, 1961.
1962
1962 The General Ne Win and his associates staged a coup in the name of Revolutionary Council (RC). Many Chin politicians and scholars presumed to participate in Taunggyi Conference were arrested.
1964
Chin National Organization (CNO) went underground to overthrow the military junta and restore democratic government.
1971
Chin Democracy Party (CDP) was formed in liberated area to overthrow the military junta and restore democracy in Burma.
1972
Over 70 Chin intellectuals, who had made suggestion to Revolutionary Council on RC announcement No. 74, Date December 5, 1968, were arrested by the military junta and sent them to jail.
1974
The Revolutionary Council drafted and enforced the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma. The said Constitution has promoted and protected one party dictatorship.
1988
The Chin National Front was formed on 20 March, 1988, dedicated to securing the self-determination of the Chin people, to restore democracy, and to re-establish federal Union of Burma. It became a member of the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) on November 18, 1988, and member of the National Democratic Front (NDF) on February 1989.
1992
The Chin National Front, as a member of National Democratic Front (NDF), participated and gave its consent on the Manepalaw Agreement to establish genuine Federal Union. The Manepalaw Agreement was signed by National Democratic Front, Democratic Alliance of Burma, National League for Democracy (Liberated Area), and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma on July 11, 1992.
1993
The first Chin National Front’s Party Conference was held in the General Headquarters of Chin National Front on June 9 – 16, 1993 and the Government of Chinland was formed.
1997 Maetharawhta Agreement
The Chin National Front participated and signed the Maetharawhta Agreement. The Agreement was signed by KNPP, PPLO, WNO, UWSP, PSLF, KIO, AASYC, LDF, NMSP, ALP, KNLP, SURA, CNF, SDU, and KNU.
1997 The second Chin National Front’s Party Conference was held at the Camp Victorian from June 20 – July 8, 1997.
1998 The First Chin Seminar was held in Ottawa, Canada and attended by 17 Chin compatriots - including former Members of Parliament, Elected Members of Parliament, Religious leaders, Chin scholars, and activists. The attendants formed the Chin Forum to work together by the Chin individuals on Chinland Constitution, Development, Communication, Education, and Historical Research.
2001 The Chin National Front became a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), representing the Chin people.
2004 A Chin Consensus Building Seminar was held in Camp Victoria, the General Headquarters of the Chin National Front, Chinland and attended by representatives of Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD), Chin National Front (CNF), Mara Peoples Party (MPP), Zomi National Congress (ZNC), as well as 95 representatives from Chin Civic Organizations/Socities based in and outside Chinland. The attendants of the said seminar formed Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC) based on Chin National Political Parties.
2006 Chin National Council
The Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC) conducts the first Chin National Assembly at Mt. Sainai and the Chin National Council was formed. The Chin National Council comprises the Chin National Front, Chin National League for Democracy, Mara Peoples Party, Zomi National Congress and Civic Organizations to promote, protect, safeguard, and working together to implement the Chin national interests and benefits.
The Chin National Front is a member of the National Democratic Front, which consists with leadership of political wings in the ethnic groups. The NDF was established in May 10, 1976 at Manerplaw, Kawtoolay by 12 different Ethnic political parties and organizations, such as the Arakan, Chin, Karen, Karenni, Kachin, Lahu, Mon, Pa-O, Palaung, Shan and Wa. The NDF is the first and most successful union of all of the ethnic groups who are working together to develop the best strategy for a Federal Union and topple military regime.
Current member organization of NDF
1) Arakan Liberation Party (ALP)
2) Chin National Front (CNF)
3) Karen National Union (KNU)
4) Lahu Democratic Union (LDU)
5) New Mon State Party (NMSP)
6) Pa_O People’s Liberation Organization (PPLO)
7) Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF)
8) Wa National Organization (WNO)
The Chin National Front is also a member of the National Council of the Union of Burma, NCUB was formed on September 22, 1992 at Marnerplaw through the National Democratic Front. At the beginning NCUB was formed with 4 big Organizations such as NDF, DAB, NLD(LA) and NCGUB and now MPU is working on behalf of the NCGUB. It was originally aimed for NCUB to perform both the responsibilities of the United front, as well as, the Parliament.
(source: http://www.chinland.org)
(iii) Shan - Shan state
The Shan State, is a co-founder of the Union by virtue of 1947 Panglong Agreement, Shan State is the biggest state in Burma. Shan State was the only entity to gain the right of secession in 10 years from independence, in 1957.
The date 7th February 1947 is a defining moment in the record of the Shan history as a modern nation. On that day, Shan princes and the people's representatives of the Shan States demonstrated their newfound unity to declare it a "national day" which were followed by the resolutions of "Shan National Anthem", "Shan National Flag" and the formation of "Shan State Council" on the 11th and 15th of February, 1947 respectively. These had been done without reference to the British colonial overlords, who claimed protectorship over the Federated Shan States since 1886-87 (one year after the fall of the Burman kingdom and the Alaungpaya or Gonbaung dynasty).
The formation of the Shan State Council by Shan leaders autonomously of the British represents a declaration by the Shan that they are a sovereign, free nation. This bold action constitutes a Shan declaration of independence from foreign rule, and the date, 7th February 1947, marks the entry of the Shan people onto the world's historical stage as a modern nation.
The people of Shan States and leaders decided in this very year later at Panglong, on the 12th of February 1947, to join with U Aung San and the AFPFL (Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League) and leaders of other nationalities, to live together under one flag as co-independent and equal nations in a federal state. This marks the birth of a nation-state now known as "Union of Burma".
1952
In 1952 Burma invaded the Shan States under the pretext of fighting against Guomintang, Chinese nationalists fighting against the communist regime
1958
Shan rebellion, started in 1958 by a small group called Num Hsük Han (Young Warriors), now joined by the Shan State Army (SSA).
1961
In 1961, Shan saophas led by the first president of Burma and saopha of Yawnghwe Sao Shwe Thaik proposed a new federal system of government for greater autonomy even though the Shans had the constitutional right to secede. Though Shan leaders promised not to exercise the right, it was seen by the Burmese army led by Gen. Ne Win as secessionist
1962
Since 1962, when Ne Win's coup d'etat unilaterally abrogate the constitution of Union of Burma. Shan State has been treated as a de facto colony and occupied territory by the Burmese army, no longer an equal nation in a federal state. Its forced assimilation and Burmanization policies to subdue Shan's national identity have devastated the Shan homeland and make the people homeless and refugees.
By the early 1960s, eastern Shan State, festered with several insurgencies and warlords, emerged as a major opium growing area, part of the so-called Golden Triangle. Narcotics trafficking became a vital source of revenue for all insurgencies. Major forces consisted of the SSA, Communist Party of Burma (CPB) as well as those of drug lords Khun Sa, and Lo Hsing Han. By the mid-1960s, CPB had began receiving open support from China. Thailand also began a decades-long policy of support for non-Communist Burmese rebels. Families of insurgent leaders were allowed to live in Thailand, and insurgent armies were free to buy arms, ammunition, and other supplies.
n the late 1980s and 1990s, the military government signed ceasefire agreements with 17 groups, including all major players in Shan State. An uneasy truce has ensued but all forces remain heavily armed. Today, the 20,000 strong United Wa State Army (UWSA) is the largest armed group, and heavily involved narcotics trade. In the 2008 Constitution, endorsed by the Burmese junta, certain UWSA controlled areas were given the status of an autonomous region
1990
The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) is the largest winning political party in the 27th May, 1990 nation-wide election within the Shan States, representing the non-Burmese. SNLD, as well as National League for Democracy (NLD), participated in the "National Convention" (NC), formed by SLORC in 1993 in order to draft a new Union of Burma Constitution. State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) refused to honor the results of nation-wide multi-party general elections in 1990 in which NLD won a landslide victory – winning 392 seats out of the total 485 contested and the military backed National Unity Party (NUP) won 10 seats only.
But even under such circumstances and after more than four decades of brutal suppression and occupation, the Shan sense of "national identity" and the aspiration to be the master of their own faith have not diminish but have grown stronger. The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy's (SNLD) victory in 1990 nation-wide election in the whole Shan State; the continued political activities of the Shan State Army North within the limited political space provided by the Burmese military junta; the active armed resistance of the Shan State Army South, together with the bulk of Shan State National Army; and the highly self-conscious Shan civil societies in keeping the national identity alive under intense pressure of the Burmese military junta; are indications of a nation, which refuses to be cowed.
2008
Five of its non-Shan ethnic groups: Danu, Kokang, Palaung, PaO and Wa, were granted Self Administered status by the junta drawn 2008 constitution. But most opposition groups have put it down as a cosmetic one
Extract from the Myanmar Constitution Chapter 2
(12) The following detailed basic principles are laid down:
(a) to group together Leshi, Lahe and Namyun townships in Sagaing Division and prescribe it Naga Self-Administered Zone;
(b) to group together Ywangan and Pindaya townships in Shan State and prescribe it Danu Self-Administered Zone;
(c) to group together Hopong, Hsihseng and Pinlaung townships in Shan State and prescribe it Pa-O Self-Administered Zone;
(d) to group together Namhsan and Manton townships in Shan State and prescribe it Palaung Self-Administered Zone;
(e) to group together Konkyan and Laukkai townships in Shan State and prescribe it Kokang Self- Administered Zone;
(f) to group together Hopang, Mongmao, Panwai, Nahpam, Pangsang (Pankham) and Metman townships in Shan State and prescribe it Wa Self-Administered Division"
The Shan became a member of UNPO in June 1997, represented by the Shan States Organization (SSO), which is member of the SDU(Shan Democratic Union).
Shan State Congress(SSC)
The SSC, Provisional Shan State Congress formed in December 2008 at Loi Taileng, opposite Maehongson. It is formed by the Shan State Army (SSA) South, Lahu Democratic Union, PaO National Liberation Organization, Wa National Organization and others
Shan Democratic Union
On November 16, 1996, the Shan Democratic Union (SDU) was founded by key members of the Chiangmai-based Shan State Organization and the Bangkok-based Tai Union. The SDU is an umbrella organization, now functioning as the Foreign Ministry of Shanland with the tacit approval of SNLD and the formal approval of the resistance groups.
The Shan State Army-South
The SSA-South or sometime called Shan State Army has 5 bases along the Thai-Burma border:
1. Loi Taileng - its main base opposite Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son
2. Loi Moong Merng - opposite Muang District, Ma Hong Son
3. Loi Lam - opposite Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai
4. Loi Hsarm Hsip - opposite Fang district, Chiang Mai
5. Loi Gawwan - opposite Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai
The Shan State Army-North
Shan State National Army
There was a Six State Military Alliance with Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), Chin National Front (CNF), Kachin National Organization (KNO), Karen National Union (KNU) and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), formed earlier but dormant for some years, and Yawd Serk expressed the need to revive this in anticipation of the 2010 elections.
From the above, the three ethical groups that signed the Panglong Agreement did not received any benefits of their right and autonomy; the Panglong Agreement had failed after 1962 coup by General Ne Win, Burma no longer a federal state, but a whole Burma is a unilaterally a military state. The people from the three ethical groups are still fighting for autonomy and resulted in many of them become refugee, especially Chin people.
Other non-participating ethnic groups
1. Kayin(Karen)
2. Mon
3. Rakhine(Arakanese)
4. Kayah(Red Karen or Karenni)
Even at the time, there was no representation from the Karen and Karenni,no consideration regarding the Mon and Rakhine as they fell within Ministerial Burma, and the Pa-O, Palaung and Wa were subsumed under the Shan states, although the Saopha of Tawngpeng Palaung substate was among the signatories. The Frontier Areas Commission of Enquiry (FACE) was set up in April/May 1947 as a condition of the Aung San-Atlee Agreement of January 27, 1947, and although the Burmese independence movement was represented by just one united front, the AFPFL, there were 50 often conflicting groups from the hill tracts; the Delta Karen, Mon and Rakhine were still excluded.
Mon and Arakanese are considered as Bahmar main stream, being two of Buddhist ethnic group. The other being Bamar(majority race), and Shan who are participating signatory of Panglong Agreement. The Karen and Kayah are always strongly for independence, non-participant of Panglong Agreement. However all the non-participatory ethnic group are actively involved in military resistance against the Junta. Even the Bamar people who the military Junta belong are fighting for the democratic Burma.
1. Karen
After the war ended, Burma was granted independence in January 1948, and the Karen, led by the KNU, attempted to co-exist peacefully with the Burman ethnic majority. Karen people held leading positions in both the government and the army. In the fall of 1948, the Burmese government, led by U Nu, began raising and arming irregular political militias known as Sitwundan. These militias were under the command of Major Gen. Ne Win and outside the control of the regular army. In January 1949, some of these militias went on a rampage through Karen communities. In late January, the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Smith Dun, a Karen, was removed from office and imprisoned. He was replaced by fanatic Burmese nationalist Ne Win.[2] These events happened at exactly the same time a commission looking into the Karen problem was due to make its report to the government. The events effectively killed the report. The Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), formed in July 1947, then rose up in an insurgency against the government. They were helped by the defections of the Karen Rifles and the Union Military Police (UMP) units which had been successfully deployed in suppressing the earlier Burmese Communist rebellions, and came close to capturing Rangoon itself. The most notable was the Battle of Insein, nine miles from Rangoon, where they held out in a 112-day siege till late May 1949.
Years later, the Karen had become the largest of 20 minority groups participating in an insurgency against the military dictatorship in Rangoon. During the 1980s, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) fighting force numbered approximately 20,000. After an uprising of the people of Burma in 1988, known as the 8888 Uprising, the KNLA had accepted those demonstrators in their bases along the border. The dictatorship expanded the army and launched a series of major offensives against the KNLA. By 2006, the KNLA's strength had shrunk to less than 4,000, opposing what is now a 400,000-man Burmese army. However, the political arm of the KNLA - the KNU - continued efforts to resolve the conflict through political means.
In 1994-5 dissenters from the Buddhist minority in the KNLA formed a splinter group called the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), and went over to the side of the military junta. The split is believed to have led to the fall of the KNU headquarters at Manerplaw in January 1995. The divided and ruled tactic learnt from the British by Junta. To create disunity among the Karen people, causing internal fighting within the ethic group, and weaken their demand and military power for independence. DKBA seems to fall into the trap just due to religion difference and perceived themselves a separate group support the Junta based on religion ground, instead the bigger picture of democracy and Karen independence.
The conflict continues as of 2006, with a new KNU headquarters in Mu Aye Pu, on the Burmese–Thai border. In 2004, the BBC, citing aid agencies, estimates that up to 200,000 Karen have been driven from their homes during decades of war, with 120,000 more refugees from Burma, mostly Karen, living in refugee camps on the Thai side of the border.
Many, including some Karen , accuse the military government of Burma of ethnic cleansing. The U.S. State Department has also cited the Burmese government for suppression of religious freedom. This is a source of particular trouble to the Karen, as between thirty and forty percent of them are Christians and thus, among the Burmese, a religious minority.
2. Mon
In 1947, the Mon presented a demand to safeguard their rights after independence, but the Prime Minister of Burma rejected it saying that no separate national rights for the Mon would be contemplated. Despite this, Mon National Day was created to celebrate the ancient founding of the Mon Kingdom of Hongsawatoi, the last Mon Kingdom, which had its seat in Pegu.
The desires of the ruling Burmese were forcefully imposed on the Mon people and resulted in a civil war. The Mon revolted against the central Burmese government in 1962 through the New Mon State Party (NMSP). A partially autonomous Mon state, Monland, was created in 1974 covering Tenasserim, Pegu and Irrawaddy. Resistance continued until 1995 when NMSP and SLORC agreed to a cease-fire. The following year the Mon Unity League was founded (MUL). That same year, the Mon people joined UNPO in their struggle for democracy and the preservation of human rights in Burma.
In 1997, SLORC was replaced with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), and the military junta continues to terrorize all people in Burma.
The Mon people are represented in UNPO by the Mon Unity League (MUL).
3. Arakanese
In 1948, Rakhine became a division within the Union of Burma. Shortly after, violence broke out along religious lines between Buddhists and Muslims. Later there were calls for secession by the Rakhine, but such attempts were subdued. In 1974, the Ne Win government's new constitution granted Rakhine Division "state" status but the gesture was largely seen as meaningless since the military junta held all power in the country and in Rakhine. In 1989, the name of Arakan State was changed to "Rakhine" by the military junta.
Arakanese or Rakhine refugee faced problem,like Bamar as they are not strongly perceived as political refugee.
Arakan Liberation Party/Arakan Liberation Army (ALP/ALA)
Arakan liberation Party (ALP) that was successfully established at hlaing Township in rangoon on 9th April 1967. A 15- member Central Committee of the ALP was unanimously made up an active group of Rakhaing patriot youths. And Mr.Khaing Pray Thein was the first President of ALP. Arakan Liberation Army, or the ALA,was the military arm.
Arakan League for Democracy;
4. Karenni or Kayah
Whilst other states in Burma were annexed as part of India in 1885, the British recognized, by an agreement in 1875, the independence and sovereignty of Karenni State. When the Burmese received independence in 1948, they unilaterally included Karenni State in the Union of Burma, without the knowledge of the Karenni Supreme Council or the consultation with the Karenni people.
Since 1948, the Karenni people have resisted the Burmese regime and endeavored to regain control of their own state and preserve its traditions, culture and languages. At the forefront of this struggle is the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), which has led the armed struggle and organized aid to the Karenni people since 1957. A ceasefire was established in 1995, which collapsed within months. The KNPP has alleged an ethnic cleansing agenda by the Burmese military.
It has been put forth that the Karenni, in line with the policies of a number of other ethnic states, are in pursuit of establishing a Burmese federal union in which ethnic minorities would be offered autonomy.
Ceased Fire Agreement
Many ethnic military group have signed ceased fire agreement with the Junta. But there is no guarantee the Junta will complied with the ceased fire agreement. The attack on Kokang Chinese at the north near to China border, will provide evidence that Junta has no respect on law and agreement. Many ethnic have been fighting for their right for a long time, as long as Junta is in control, they have never peovide equal right to the ethnic group.
Panglong Agreement Revisit
The weaknesses of the conference and the consequent inadequacies of the Constitution promulgated on September 24, 1947, emerged soon after independence,
(i)In Arakan, the veteran monk U Seinda had already started a rebellion in May 1947.
(ii)The Karen had isolated themselves further by boycotting both the EC and the elections to the Constituent Assembly, notwithstanding seats reserved for them, though persistent in their demand for an independent state; their future was as a result left unsettled, deferred till after independence.
(iii)The Kachin had to make concessions in their representation in parliament in exchange for the inclusion of Myitkyina and Bhamo, towns with Shan and Burman majorities, in the new state, although in the hills the Duwas would continue their rule.
(iv)The Chin ended up with no state, only a special division.
(v)The Mon and Rakhine again were not even considered separately. One Mon group contested unsuccessfully at the elections which they claimed were rigged, but another boycotted; the Mon after independence threw in their lot with the Karen and joined the rebellion
One most notable agreement of the Panglong conference was granting full autonomy to ethnic nationalities, which has not materialised until today. The agreement was basically for establishing a federal state,which consist of independent ethnic states. The Panglong Agreement was not aimed to put an end to the traditional self-rule of the Frontier Areas. Failing to implement Panglong agreement has created mistrust and misunderstanding between the majority ethnic Burman-led central government and other ethnic nationalities. Autonomy has been a core demand for minorities since 1947, and continues to remain the fundamental issue. This reflected their strong will and determination for autonomy. The ongoing ethno-political conflicts, including armed confrontations, are largely the consequences of the failure to implement the Panglong agreement and ethical cleaning of Junta. As long as the minority concerns are not addressed, the conflicts in Burma are likely to remain even if democracy is restored. Any Burmese national leader need to aware of the autonomy issue.
Attempts by the military junta to annihilate any one of the multi-ethnic nationalities, militarily or culturally, is against the spirit of the Union Day and Panglong Agreement.
Autonomy is a political solution that can serve the interests of the Frontier Areas. However, the military junta sees it as something that would disintegrate the Union of Myanmar. Political autonomy is not tantamount to secession, but self ruled within a federal state. In other words, Burma's ethnic minorities are neither secessionists nor separatists. They believe that autonomy or self-determination would give them an opportunity to preserve their culture, language, and tradition. Their demand is not excessive and reasonably acceptable.
The minorities occupy roughly two-thirds of the country's total land area, and constitutes more than 30 per cent of the population. They have long advocated for tripartite talks involving the military, the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationalities, as endorsed by the United Nations since 1994. Aung San Suu Kyi to bring peace development and democracy to Burma, need to address the autonomy issue as utmost importance.
Had not Aung San promised political equality and autonomy to the Frontier Areas, the Union of Burma might have never been born in 1948. Panglong Agreement was the foundation for formation of Union of Burma, without the agreement, there is no Union of Burma.
Independent Burma was created on the clear understanding that it would be a federal union. The separate political rights of the minority national areas were recognized in the January, 1947, agreement between Aung San and the British Prime Minister Attlee. The rights of the national groups were also recognized in the February, 1947, Panglong Agreement between Burman leaders and other national groups, in the commission of inquiry on the frontier areas and in the independence constitution of 1948. Each of these fundamental political and legal documents recognized rights of self-determination of the indigenous nationalities. The 1948 constitution gave each nationality representation in a Chamber of Nationalities at the national level. The constitution specifically recognized a right of the Shan and Kayah (Karenni) to separate after 10 years.
These promises of autonomy and self-determination were betrayed. The denial of these promises led to armed resistance which, in the case of the Karen, began in 1949. The present constitution of Burma, enacted in 1974, gives no autonomy to the various nationalities and is against the Panglong spirit. In practice there is no respect for minority languages, cultures and political aspirations. The Government's response to the minority nationalities is purely military.
Ironically, Myanmar still claims to be a "union" and the anniversary of the Panglong Agreement is celebrated every year as "union" day. This is the biggest joke and mockery to democracy.
Will the coming election revive the Panglong Agreement, and give back the right of autonomy to the ethic groups in Burma?....Will the international community take up the challenge to ensure the ethical minority of Burma received their autonomy, as promised by Panglong agreement?....
It is time the international community take action; to ensure a democratic government is set up in Burma; and to ensure the autonomy of the minorities or ethnical nations, as promised by Panglong agreement.
Related articles:
1. Previous blog on 24-10-2009, Panglong Conference(彬龍協定)
2. Karen people, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_people
3. UNPO on Shan, http://www.unpo.org/content/view/7905/140/
4. Chinland, http://www.chinland.org/
The Panglong Agreement was reached between the Burmese government under Aung San and the Shan, Kachin, and Chin peoples on 12 February 1947. The agreement accepted "Full autonomy in internal administration for the Frontier Areas" in principle and envisioned the creation of a Kachin State by the Constituent Assembly. It continued the financial relations established between the Shan states and the Burmese federal government, and envisioned similar arrangements for the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills.
The day is celebrated in Myanmar as Union Day each February 12.
But 63 years after Panglong Agreement for Union of Burma, the non- Burman ethnic nationals were betrayed and The Panglong Agreement” ruined by the Burmese Military Regimes when they took power by coup and the Constitution was destroyed and the Union of Burma was later become Union of Myanmar. The State Law and Order Restoration Council(SLORC), former name of the military junta, changed the country's name from Union of Burma to Union of Myanmar in 1989. Burmese opposition and the Western nations still continue to use "Burma" while the Eastern nations and the UN use "Myanmar".
Prior to the Panglong Agreement on 12-2-1947, there was First Panglong Conference in March 1946. The Panglong Agreement was also called 2nd Panglong Conference, which resulted in the independence of Burma, known as Union of Burma.
Panglong Conference 3-12 February 1947
• Kachin-Shan Agreement 6 February 1947
• Chin-Kachin-Shan Agreement 7 February 1947
• National Day of Shan State 7 February 1947
• Panglong Agreement 12 February 1947
Path to Independence
When Aung San and his delegation went to London to negotiate Burma's independence, no delegates from the Frontier Areas were present. During the meeting, Clement Attlee, then British prime minister, insisted that Burma proper should not coerce leaders of the Frontier Areas to join the Union of Burma against their will.
Aung San, however, argued that it was the British who kept the peoples of Burma apart. Aung San was quoted in The Times (London) on January 14, 1947 as saying: "We can confidently assert here that so far as our knowledge of our country goes, there should be no insuperable difficulties in the way of a unified Burma provided all races are given full freedom and the opportunity to meet together and to work without the interference of outside interests."
In an attempt to allay the doubts and lingering fears of the British government regarding unequal treatments to the Frontier Areas in the future Union of Burma, Aung San assured the Frontier peoples in his unforgettable remark: "If Burma receives one kyat (a Burmese currency), you will also get one kyat.
In January 1947 Aung San, now Burma's acknowledged political leader, led the Burmese delegation to London for independence talks with British premier Clement Attlee. On his return in February 1947 Aung San successfully negotiated the Panglong Agreement, which provided for the participation of various frontier-area peoples in the new Union of Burma, as the emergent Burmese federal state was to be called.
On July 19, 1947 - six months before the coming of independence - Aung San, only 32, and most of the other top nationalist leaders of the country were shot to death by henchmen of an insanely jealous political rival, prewar premier U Saw. The anniversary of the assassinations, known as "Martyrs Day", is Myanmar's most solemn national holiday.
Because of Panglong Agreement, the Union of Burma was formed after granted independence by British on January 4, 1948, and February 12, the date of Panglong Agreement has been celebrated since as 'Union Day'.
Text of Panglong Agreement
Text of the Agreement signed at Panglong on the 12th February, 1947 by Shan, Kachin and Chin leaders, and by representatives of the Executive Council of the Governor of Burma
A conference having been held at Panglong, attended by certain Members of the Executive Council of the Governor of Burma, all Saohpas and representatives of the Shan States, the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills, the members of the conference, believing that freedom will be more speedily achieved by the Shans, the Kachins and the Chins by their immediate co-operation with the Interim Burmese Government, have accordingly, and without dissentients, agreed as follows:
(I) A representative of the Hill peoples, selected by the Governor on the recommendation of representatives of the Supreme Council of the United Hill Peoples, shall be appointed a Counsellor to the Governor to deal with the Frontier Areas.
(II) The said Counsellor shall also be appointed a member of the Governor's Executive Council without portfolio, and the subject of Frontier Areas brought within the purview of the Executive Council by constitutional convention as in the case of Defence and External Affairs. The Counsellor for Frontier Areas shall be given executive authority by similar means.
(III) The said Counsellor shall be assisted by two Deputy Counsellors representing races of which he is not a member. While the two Deputy Counsellors should deal in the first instance with the affairs of the respective areas and the Counsellor with all the remaining parts of the Frontier Areas, they should by Constitutional Convention act on the principle of joint responsibility.
(IV) While the Counsellor in his capacity of Member of the Executive Council will be the only representative of the Frontier Areas on the Council, the Deputy Counsellor(s) shall be entitled to attend meetings of the Council when subjects pertaining to the Frontier Areas are discussed.
(V) Though the Governor's Executive Council will be augmented as agreed above, it will not operate in respect of the Frontier Areas in any manner which would deprive any portion of these Areas of the autonomy which it now enjoys in internal administration. Full autonomy in internal administration for the Frontier Areas is accepted in principle.
(VI) Though the question of demarcating and establishing a separate Kachin State within a Unified Burma is one which must be relegated for decision by the Constituent Assembly, it is agreed that such a State is desirable. As first step towards this end, the Counsellor for Frontier Areas and the Deputy Counsellors shall be consulted in the administration of such areas in the Myitkyina and the Bhamo District as are Part 2 Scheduled Areas under the Government of Burma Act of 1935.
(VII) Citizens of the Frontier Areas shall enjoy rights and privileges which are regarded as fundamental in democratic countries.
(VIII) The arrangements accepted in this Agreement are without prejudice to the financial autonomy now vested in the Federated Shan States.
(IX) The arrangements accepted in this Agreement are without prejudice to the financial assistance which the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills are entitled to receive from the revenues of Burma and the Executive Council will examine with the Frontier Areas Counsellor and Deputy Counsellor(s) the feasibility of adopting for the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills financial arrangements similar to those between Burma and the Federated Shan States.
SIGNATORIES
Burmese Government:
Aung San
Kachin Committee:
Sinwa Naw, Myitkyina
Zaurip, Myitkyina
Dinra Tang, Myitkyina
Zau La, Bhamo
Zau Lawn, Bhamo
Labang Grong, Bhamo
Chin Committee:
Pu Hlur Hmung, Falam
Pu Thawng Za Khup, Tiddim
Pu Kio Mang, Haka
Shan Committee:
Saohpalong of Tawngpeng State.
Saohpalong of Yawnghwe State.
Saohpalong of North Hsenwi State.
Saohpalong of Laihka State.
Saohpalong of Mong Pawn State.
Saohpalong of Hsamonghkam State
Representative of Hsahtung Saohpalong. Hkun Pung
U Tin E
U Htun Myint
U Kya Bu
Hkun Saw
Sao Yape Hpa
Hkun Htee
[This text is taken from pp404–405 of Hugh Tinker's Burma: The Struggle for Independence 1944-1948 (Vol. II) London, HMSO 1984]
The Panglong agreement was a turning point in the modern history of Burma. General Aung San, father of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, played a pivotal role in bringing together leaders of the Frontier Areas (ethnic nationalities) to the negotiating table.
Burma (or Myanmar) is an ethnically diverse nation with 135 distinct ethnic groups officially recognized by the Burmese government. These are grouped into eight "major national ethnic races":
1. Kachin
2. Kayah(Karenni,Red Karen)
3. Kayin(Karen)
4. Chin
5. Mon
6. Bamar(Burma)
7. Rakhine(Arakanese)
8. Shan
Out of 8 ethnic race group, only 3 ethic groups involved and signed the Panglong Agreement, they are Kachin, Shan and Chin. The other ethic group, Mon, Rakhine, Kayah, Kayin, were not in the conference, or signatory to Panglong Agreement. For the ethnic race group that signed the agreement, their right was not uphold but was betray by the military Junta.
The Aung San-Atlee meeting
The Aung San-Atlee meeting not only recognized the pre-colonial freedom and sovereignty of Chin, Kachin and Shan nations but also acknowledged their rights: to get separate independence, to establish separate national states and national self- determination.
The representatives of Chin, Kachin and Shan met at Panglong in Shan State from 6th-7th of February, 1947 and agreed to form a Union with the Burmans provided there would be equality and democratic rights and the right to secession at will. The Burman representatives led by General Aung San accepted these points and the historic Panglong Agreement was signed on February 12, 1947. So there emerged the Union of Burma into the world.
The Panglong agreement was a turning point in the modern history of Burma. General Aung San, father of democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, played a pivotal role in bringing together leaders of the Frontier Areas (ethnic nationalities) to the negotiating table. But Aung San was assassinated on July 19, 1947 at the age of 32.
Panglong agreement was the hallmark of ethno-political conflicts in Burma. The significance of forming the Union was that Burma became a home to multi-ethnic nationalities.
After receiving assurance from Aung San, leaders of the Chin hills, Kachin hills and the Shan states agreed to co-operate with the interim Burmese government. The attending Frontier leaders believed that freedom would be more speedily achieved by immediate co-operation with the interim government. The Shans, the Kachins and the Chins agreed to the formation of the Union of Burma in return for promises of full autonomy in internal administration and an equal share in the country's wealth. The Karens still believed that the British would grant them an independent state.
After the Panglong Agreement was signed, the Anti Fascist Peoples Freedom League (AFPFL) initiated to draft the Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories. The AFPFL elected General Aung San as a leader of Drafting Committee along with 110 Committee Members. The Draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories was brought to the AFPFL National Convention and subsequently approved enormously in May 27, 1947.
The substances of the Draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories was purely based not only federal principles but also the Draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories guaranteed each unit (State) to have their own unit (State) Government to perform, safeguard, promote, and protect the interests and benefits of their own states.
However, 57 days after the draft Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories was approved, General Aung San and his interim leaders were assassinated by their political rivals, who refused to grant equal rights and privileges to non-Burman ethnic nationals. The Governor of Burma immediately authorized U Nu to takeover the position of General Aung San and ordered him to lead the national movement into independence.
U Nu, the new leader of transitory period was not participated in Panglong Agreement so that did not understand the essence of Panglong Agreement as well as who was a person critical to grant non-Burman ethnic nationals to have equal rights with Burman ethnic nationals during negotiation of General Aung San and Attlee on Burmese independence. U Nu authorized U Chan Htun, legal consultant of Constitution Drafting Committee of AFPFL to revise the “Approved Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories” to approval of the interim legislature that was due in September. U Chan Htun and few Burman nationalists as well as Cambridge Legal scholars revised substantively the “Approved Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories” from federal type of constitution to unitary type of constitution. The revised “Constitution of Burma Union and Its Territories” was brought to the interim legislature by U Nu and asked the speaker of the interim legislature for approval from the interim legislators without debate and subsequently approved on September 24, 1947. The revised Constitution of the Union of Burma came into force on January 4, 1948 when Burma was officially granted independence by Great Britain.
Constitution of the Union of Burma (1948)
Gradually, the non-Burman ethnic national leaders, politicians, and scholars realized that the Constitution of the Union of Burma (1948) not only disregard the essence of Panglong Agreement but also was substantively different from the “Draft Constitution Approved by the AFPFL National Convention”. They also realized that the Constitution of Union of Burma (1948) allowed majority Burman nationals to manipulate all legislative, executive, and judiciary powers over non-Burman ethnic nationals.
Taunggyi Conference (8th to 16th, 1961)
Therefore, the non-Burman ethnic national leaders gathered in Taunggyi, the capital city of Shan State in 1961 to discuss the defects of the Constitution of Union of Burma (1948). Representatives from all states, Kachin, Kaya, Karen, Chin, Rakhine, Mon and Shan states attended. Over 200 non-Burman politicians, leaders, and scholars agreed to amend the defects of the Constitution of Union of Burma (1948) within democratic principals and approved the drafted “Federal Bill” to table at the Union Parliament. Consequently, they also urged Prime Minister U Nu to initiate Federal Seminar in Rangoon to discuss the future of Burma Union and implementation of federalism in the Union of Burma.
The Prime Minister and all Burman ethnic national leaders understood that Federal Bill was ready to table in the Union Parliament for amending the Constitution of the Union of Burma (1948) and it will be passed without difficulties since all non-Burman ethnic national leaders favor to amend the Constitution according to the “Federal Bill”. They also understood that if the Constitution of the Union of Burma was amended according to the “Federal Bill,” the Burman will have equal status with non-Burman nationals although they are majority in population and in some other aspects.
Revolutionary Council Coup on 2-3-1962
The Burman nationalists, who were the high-ranking officers in Burmese Army, realized that the only way to safeguard Burman domination over non-Burman ethnic nationals is removing the democratic regime by force. Therefore, the Burmese Army led by General Ne Win staged a coup under the name of Revolutionary Council took the power on March 2, 1962. They seized the state power from the popular government, nullifying the efforts to establish a genuine federation that would guarantee peace and justice, claiming they did so in order, "to safeguard the possible disintegration of the union". They overthrew the 1947 constitution and ruled the country with martial law for 12 years.
New Constitution: Constitution of Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1974)
After the coup, Brigadier General Aung Gyi, the second most powerful in the coup have said to the media that the reason of the military coup was to prevent from disintegration of Burma Union and also indirectly indicated the “Federal Movement” was an evident to prove the coup. The Revolutionary Council arrested all participants in the Taunggyi Conference and sent them to jail without due process of law. Many prominent non-Burman ethnic national leaders were secretly murdered in jail. Subsequently, the Revolutionary Council drafted a new Constitution after ten years that came to force in 1974. The new Constitution not only disregarded the essence of Panglong Agreement, but also constitutionally expanded Burman ethnic national domination toward non-Burman ethnic nationals by creating Seven Divisions out of Burman inhabitant area. Therefore, under the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1974), the Burman had monopolized all legislative, executive, and judicial power by creating Seven Divisions and Seven non-Burman ethnic national States.
What happen to the ethnic groups that signed the Panglong Agreement? The Shan, Chin and Kachin?
(1) Kachin - Kachin state
Kachin, also known as Jinghpaw, Rawang, Lisu, Zaiwa, Lawngwaw, Lachyit.
The constitution of 1947 has promised that if a state finds the union is negative to its own national interest, it can leave the union after 10 years of independence,that is 1957.
The KIO(The Kachin Independence Organization)pointed out that the first constitution in 1947 was not drafted in keeping with the Panglong Agreement and ethnic minorities are yet to derive benefits from it.
Kachin troops formerly formed a significant part of the Burmese army. With the unilateral abrogation of the Union of Burma constitution by the Ne Win regime in 1962, Kachin forces withdrew and formed the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) under the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO).
The KIA(Kachin Independence Army) was set up to fight for Kachin rights on February 5, 1961. Zau Seng and his brothers Zau Tu and Zau Dan along with hundreds of Kachin youth established in northern the Shan State Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). Their first operation was to attack a military base near Kutkhai, northern Shan State. Then they shifted quickly to Bamaw area in Kachin State. From this revolutionary base,they launched their long-term national revolution. On Mar 2,1962, Ne Win's Burmese Army seized the power through a coup.They ended the parliamentary democracy and abolished the Union Constitution. In the period between 1961 and 1976, the KIO/KIA fought wars with successive Burman-led central governments for secession. In 1975 the KIO leaders Zau Seng, Zau Tu and Pung Shwe Zau Seng were assassinated at the Thai-Burma border. Brang Seng took over as Chairman and Zaung Hkra as Secretary of the KIO. At that time the KIO was the main force in the National Democratic Front (NDF), an ethnic army alliance.
It changed its stance and demanded a genuine self-determined Kachin State since 1976.
On 24-2-1994, the KIO entered a ceasefire agreement with the regime (State Law and Order Restoration Council). In fact in 1963 and 1980 the KIO had already tried his best for domestic peace negotiation with Burmese authorities but in vain. A few months after the cease-fire, Brang Seng died. Zau Mai became KIO's new leader
KIA signed a ceasefire agreement with the Burmese military junta on February 24, 1994. It went ahead and supported the junta-formulated seven-step road map to the so-called disciplined democracy. In February 2001, a reformist faction within KIO staged a coup at the KIO headquarter at Lai Sin near the China border. They detented Zau Mai and later ousted him. Lamung Tu Jai became the leader of the KIO. Kachin Consultative Assembly(KCA), was formed in 2002 by KIO.
A political group formed secretly on 24-1-2005 The Kachin Solidarity Council(KSC) in Pang Wa, the NDA-K headquarter,including a Joint Military Commission and a Joint Economic Commission. It seems a parallel organization against the KIO's Kachin Consultative Assembly, KCA. They are in fact the border security militia group of Burmese Army.
Between 2004 and 2007, the KIO took part in the junta’s National Convention for drafting the new constitution. It submitted two key proposals for a genuine federal union and the autonomy of Kachin State. However, it was rejected outright by the junta. The proposal for a genuine federal union was jointly submitted with 13 other ethnic ceasefire groups along with a 19-point proposal for autonomy of Kachin State.
The KIO chairman admitted that the ongoing dialogue with the regime on the contentious transformation issue failed because only the armed wing, the KIA, was being pressurized to change into the Burmese Army controlled Border Guard Force(BGF).
The KIO and Burmese military officials met over the thorny BGF issue in Myitkyina the capital of Kachin State on January 29 for the tenth time but the meeting ended with no result
Other than KIO, and KSC, other Kachin Organizations are:
1.Kachin Defense Army (KDA)
An armed organization founded in 1990 by Mahtu Naw, commander of the Kachin Independence Army's 4th brigade based in northern Shan State. After the breakaway from its mother organization, KDA signed a ceasefire agreement with the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council in the same year. The area controlled by KDA is now called Shan State Special Region 5.
2.New Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K)
Founded by former KIO officers Zahkung Tingying and Layawk Zelum. NDA-K is the first Kachin group to reach a ceasefire agreement with the State Law and Order Restoration Council, in 1989, after the collapse of the CPB the same year. The organization is based in Pang Wa, former headquarters of the CPB's 101 War Zone, situated on the Sino-Burma border. The area controlled by the group is called Kachin State Special Region 1.
3.Kachin State National Congress for Democracy (KNCD)
A political party founded in Myitkyina by Kachin politicians led by Ubyit Tu, former State Council member of Ne Win's socialist BSPP government. The party won three seats in Kachin State in the 1990 general election. Leading party members were arrested and the party was barred from political activities after the election. The KNCD, led by Gumgrawng Zau Ing and Bawm Lang, became a member of the United Nationalities Alliances (UNA), led by Khun Tun Oo, chairman of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy.
4.Kachin People's Party (KPP)
Founded on April 17, 2002 in Thailand by young Kachin inside and outside of Kachin State to lay the foundation for an "appropriate and meaningful democratic nation" which is essential to Kachin people and to resist all forms of dictatorship and despotic rule. The KPP leader is Gumgrawng Aung Wa.
5.Kachin National Organization (KNO)
A political organization founded by overseas Kachin and a group of elders from the Kachin homeland on January 9, 1999. KNO strives for an independent homeland and democratic government. Its leader is Hawwa Ja La.
6.All Kachin Student and Youth Union (AKSYU)
Founded on August 5, 1996 by exiled Kachin Student in India. The same year, AKSYU became a member organization of the Students and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB), an opposition student and youth alliance.
7.AKSYU branched out to open offices in Thailand in 1998, Europe in February 2002 and China in Septemeber 2002. The all Kachin Students and Youth Union (AKSYU) is currently a member organization of the Students and Youth Congress of Burma (SYCB), United Nationalities Youth League (UNYL), and United Nationalities' Democratic Congress (UNDC).
(source:
(ii)Chin - Chin state
The Chin Hills were one western region the Burmese retained after the rest of their western possessions--Assam, Manipur, and Arakan--were ceded to the British after the First Anglo-Burmese War of 1824-1826. The British only acquired the Chin Hills after the Third Anglo-Burmese War of 1885. The ensuing Chin resistance to the British was suppressed only by 1890. The British administered the Chin Hills as part of Arakan Division. American missionaries began arriving in the 1890s and by the middle of 20th century, had converted most of the Chin people to Christianity.
Upon independence from the United Kingdom in 1948, Chin Hills Special Division was created out of Arakan Division, with the capital at Falam. On 4 January 1974, it was granted the state status and became Chin State.
Chinland was however divided, without consultation with the people, into two parts when the Burma Act of 1937 split Burma from British-India. The western part of Chinland remained under British-India and the eastern part came under the administration of British-Burma. When British India became independent in 1947, the western part of Chinland was divided again, again without consultation with the people, when India and Pakistan were divided. One part fell to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and the other part came under Indian administration.
While Burman nationalist youths formed We Burmans Association, launching a national movement, young Chin nationalists started a separate national movement under the name of Chin National Union(CNU). In 1933 the Union presented a demand for independence to the British authorities in Rangoon and in 1939, the youths who made this demand were arrested and jailed. When Atlee's Labour Party won the general elections and Atlee became Prime Minister in 1945, it became certain that British colonies were to get independence.
1947
1947 The representatives of Chin participated in Panglong Conference along with the Kachin, Shan, and Burman representatives, singed historic Panglong Agreement on February 12, 1947 to form a federal union with equal rights, privileges, and status including secession right.
1947 The Chin representatives participated in Drafting Process of the Future Constitution of the Union of Burma under the leadership of General Aung San. The draft Constitution was drawn up by a 111-member committee of the AFPFL Convention which met on May 20, 1947, and approved on May 23 when the Convention was dissolved.
1948
1948 The Union of Burma gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948; and the Constitution of Burma (1947) was enforced. However, the Burman politicians disregarded the principles of Panglong Agreement so that the independence was stumbled with the civil war.
1948 Captain Mang Tung Nung formed the Chin People’s Freedom League and started the movement for the Rights of the Chin people. Over five thousand Chins from all over the Chinland held unprecedented gathering in Falam Town and proclaimed in their unity and determination to be free from traditional feudal administrative system, and adopted a democratic system of governance on February 20, 1948, which later became the Chin National Day.
1961
1961 In order to amend the Constitution of Burma (1947) into more federate features as agreed in Panglong Conference, the Chins and all non-Burman nationalities gathered in Taunggyi, the Capital of Shan State from June 8 – 16, 1961.
1962
1962 The General Ne Win and his associates staged a coup in the name of Revolutionary Council (RC). Many Chin politicians and scholars presumed to participate in Taunggyi Conference were arrested.
1964
Chin National Organization (CNO) went underground to overthrow the military junta and restore democratic government.
1971
Chin Democracy Party (CDP) was formed in liberated area to overthrow the military junta and restore democracy in Burma.
1972
Over 70 Chin intellectuals, who had made suggestion to Revolutionary Council on RC announcement No. 74, Date December 5, 1968, were arrested by the military junta and sent them to jail.
1974
The Revolutionary Council drafted and enforced the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma. The said Constitution has promoted and protected one party dictatorship.
1988
The Chin National Front was formed on 20 March, 1988, dedicated to securing the self-determination of the Chin people, to restore democracy, and to re-establish federal Union of Burma. It became a member of the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) on November 18, 1988, and member of the National Democratic Front (NDF) on February 1989.
1992
The Chin National Front, as a member of National Democratic Front (NDF), participated and gave its consent on the Manepalaw Agreement to establish genuine Federal Union. The Manepalaw Agreement was signed by National Democratic Front, Democratic Alliance of Burma, National League for Democracy (Liberated Area), and the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma on July 11, 1992.
1993
The first Chin National Front’s Party Conference was held in the General Headquarters of Chin National Front on June 9 – 16, 1993 and the Government of Chinland was formed.
1997 Maetharawhta Agreement
The Chin National Front participated and signed the Maetharawhta Agreement. The Agreement was signed by KNPP, PPLO, WNO, UWSP, PSLF, KIO, AASYC, LDF, NMSP, ALP, KNLP, SURA, CNF, SDU, and KNU.
1997 The second Chin National Front’s Party Conference was held at the Camp Victorian from June 20 – July 8, 1997.
1998 The First Chin Seminar was held in Ottawa, Canada and attended by 17 Chin compatriots - including former Members of Parliament, Elected Members of Parliament, Religious leaders, Chin scholars, and activists. The attendants formed the Chin Forum to work together by the Chin individuals on Chinland Constitution, Development, Communication, Education, and Historical Research.
2001 The Chin National Front became a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), representing the Chin people.
2004 A Chin Consensus Building Seminar was held in Camp Victoria, the General Headquarters of the Chin National Front, Chinland and attended by representatives of Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD), Chin National Front (CNF), Mara Peoples Party (MPP), Zomi National Congress (ZNC), as well as 95 representatives from Chin Civic Organizations/Socities based in and outside Chinland. The attendants of the said seminar formed Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC) based on Chin National Political Parties.
2006 Chin National Council
The Political Affairs Committee of Chinland (PACC) conducts the first Chin National Assembly at Mt. Sainai and the Chin National Council was formed. The Chin National Council comprises the Chin National Front, Chin National League for Democracy, Mara Peoples Party, Zomi National Congress and Civic Organizations to promote, protect, safeguard, and working together to implement the Chin national interests and benefits.
The Chin National Front is a member of the National Democratic Front, which consists with leadership of political wings in the ethnic groups. The NDF was established in May 10, 1976 at Manerplaw, Kawtoolay by 12 different Ethnic political parties and organizations, such as the Arakan, Chin, Karen, Karenni, Kachin, Lahu, Mon, Pa-O, Palaung, Shan and Wa. The NDF is the first and most successful union of all of the ethnic groups who are working together to develop the best strategy for a Federal Union and topple military regime.
Current member organization of NDF
1) Arakan Liberation Party (ALP)
2) Chin National Front (CNF)
3) Karen National Union (KNU)
4) Lahu Democratic Union (LDU)
5) New Mon State Party (NMSP)
6) Pa_O People’s Liberation Organization (PPLO)
7) Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF)
8) Wa National Organization (WNO)
The Chin National Front is also a member of the National Council of the Union of Burma, NCUB was formed on September 22, 1992 at Marnerplaw through the National Democratic Front. At the beginning NCUB was formed with 4 big Organizations such as NDF, DAB, NLD(LA) and NCGUB and now MPU is working on behalf of the NCGUB. It was originally aimed for NCUB to perform both the responsibilities of the United front, as well as, the Parliament.
(source: http://www.chinland.org)
(iii) Shan - Shan state
The Shan State, is a co-founder of the Union by virtue of 1947 Panglong Agreement, Shan State is the biggest state in Burma. Shan State was the only entity to gain the right of secession in 10 years from independence, in 1957.
The date 7th February 1947 is a defining moment in the record of the Shan history as a modern nation. On that day, Shan princes and the people's representatives of the Shan States demonstrated their newfound unity to declare it a "national day" which were followed by the resolutions of "Shan National Anthem", "Shan National Flag" and the formation of "Shan State Council" on the 11th and 15th of February, 1947 respectively. These had been done without reference to the British colonial overlords, who claimed protectorship over the Federated Shan States since 1886-87 (one year after the fall of the Burman kingdom and the Alaungpaya or Gonbaung dynasty).
The formation of the Shan State Council by Shan leaders autonomously of the British represents a declaration by the Shan that they are a sovereign, free nation. This bold action constitutes a Shan declaration of independence from foreign rule, and the date, 7th February 1947, marks the entry of the Shan people onto the world's historical stage as a modern nation.
The people of Shan States and leaders decided in this very year later at Panglong, on the 12th of February 1947, to join with U Aung San and the AFPFL (Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League) and leaders of other nationalities, to live together under one flag as co-independent and equal nations in a federal state. This marks the birth of a nation-state now known as "Union of Burma".
1952
In 1952 Burma invaded the Shan States under the pretext of fighting against Guomintang, Chinese nationalists fighting against the communist regime
1958
Shan rebellion, started in 1958 by a small group called Num Hsük Han (Young Warriors), now joined by the Shan State Army (SSA).
1961
In 1961, Shan saophas led by the first president of Burma and saopha of Yawnghwe Sao Shwe Thaik proposed a new federal system of government for greater autonomy even though the Shans had the constitutional right to secede. Though Shan leaders promised not to exercise the right, it was seen by the Burmese army led by Gen. Ne Win as secessionist
1962
Since 1962, when Ne Win's coup d'etat unilaterally abrogate the constitution of Union of Burma. Shan State has been treated as a de facto colony and occupied territory by the Burmese army, no longer an equal nation in a federal state. Its forced assimilation and Burmanization policies to subdue Shan's national identity have devastated the Shan homeland and make the people homeless and refugees.
By the early 1960s, eastern Shan State, festered with several insurgencies and warlords, emerged as a major opium growing area, part of the so-called Golden Triangle. Narcotics trafficking became a vital source of revenue for all insurgencies. Major forces consisted of the SSA, Communist Party of Burma (CPB) as well as those of drug lords Khun Sa, and Lo Hsing Han. By the mid-1960s, CPB had began receiving open support from China. Thailand also began a decades-long policy of support for non-Communist Burmese rebels. Families of insurgent leaders were allowed to live in Thailand, and insurgent armies were free to buy arms, ammunition, and other supplies.
n the late 1980s and 1990s, the military government signed ceasefire agreements with 17 groups, including all major players in Shan State. An uneasy truce has ensued but all forces remain heavily armed. Today, the 20,000 strong United Wa State Army (UWSA) is the largest armed group, and heavily involved narcotics trade. In the 2008 Constitution, endorsed by the Burmese junta, certain UWSA controlled areas were given the status of an autonomous region
1990
The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) is the largest winning political party in the 27th May, 1990 nation-wide election within the Shan States, representing the non-Burmese. SNLD, as well as National League for Democracy (NLD), participated in the "National Convention" (NC), formed by SLORC in 1993 in order to draft a new Union of Burma Constitution. State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) refused to honor the results of nation-wide multi-party general elections in 1990 in which NLD won a landslide victory – winning 392 seats out of the total 485 contested and the military backed National Unity Party (NUP) won 10 seats only.
But even under such circumstances and after more than four decades of brutal suppression and occupation, the Shan sense of "national identity" and the aspiration to be the master of their own faith have not diminish but have grown stronger. The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy's (SNLD) victory in 1990 nation-wide election in the whole Shan State; the continued political activities of the Shan State Army North within the limited political space provided by the Burmese military junta; the active armed resistance of the Shan State Army South, together with the bulk of Shan State National Army; and the highly self-conscious Shan civil societies in keeping the national identity alive under intense pressure of the Burmese military junta; are indications of a nation, which refuses to be cowed.
2008
Five of its non-Shan ethnic groups: Danu, Kokang, Palaung, PaO and Wa, were granted Self Administered status by the junta drawn 2008 constitution. But most opposition groups have put it down as a cosmetic one
Extract from the Myanmar Constitution Chapter 2
(12) The following detailed basic principles are laid down:
(a) to group together Leshi, Lahe and Namyun townships in Sagaing Division and prescribe it Naga Self-Administered Zone;
(b) to group together Ywangan and Pindaya townships in Shan State and prescribe it Danu Self-Administered Zone;
(c) to group together Hopong, Hsihseng and Pinlaung townships in Shan State and prescribe it Pa-O Self-Administered Zone;
(d) to group together Namhsan and Manton townships in Shan State and prescribe it Palaung Self-Administered Zone;
(e) to group together Konkyan and Laukkai townships in Shan State and prescribe it Kokang Self- Administered Zone;
(f) to group together Hopang, Mongmao, Panwai, Nahpam, Pangsang (Pankham) and Metman townships in Shan State and prescribe it Wa Self-Administered Division"
The Shan became a member of UNPO in June 1997, represented by the Shan States Organization (SSO), which is member of the SDU(Shan Democratic Union).
Shan State Congress(SSC)
The SSC, Provisional Shan State Congress formed in December 2008 at Loi Taileng, opposite Maehongson. It is formed by the Shan State Army (SSA) South, Lahu Democratic Union, PaO National Liberation Organization, Wa National Organization and others
Shan Democratic Union
On November 16, 1996, the Shan Democratic Union (SDU) was founded by key members of the Chiangmai-based Shan State Organization and the Bangkok-based Tai Union. The SDU is an umbrella organization, now functioning as the Foreign Ministry of Shanland with the tacit approval of SNLD and the formal approval of the resistance groups.
The Shan State Army-South
The SSA-South or sometime called Shan State Army has 5 bases along the Thai-Burma border:
1. Loi Taileng - its main base opposite Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son
2. Loi Moong Merng - opposite Muang District, Ma Hong Son
3. Loi Lam - opposite Wiang Haeng District, Chiang Mai
4. Loi Hsarm Hsip - opposite Fang district, Chiang Mai
5. Loi Gawwan - opposite Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai
The Shan State Army-North
Shan State National Army
There was a Six State Military Alliance with Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), Chin National Front (CNF), Kachin National Organization (KNO), Karen National Union (KNU) and Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), formed earlier but dormant for some years, and Yawd Serk expressed the need to revive this in anticipation of the 2010 elections.
From the above, the three ethical groups that signed the Panglong Agreement did not received any benefits of their right and autonomy; the Panglong Agreement had failed after 1962 coup by General Ne Win, Burma no longer a federal state, but a whole Burma is a unilaterally a military state. The people from the three ethical groups are still fighting for autonomy and resulted in many of them become refugee, especially Chin people.
Other non-participating ethnic groups
1. Kayin(Karen)
2. Mon
3. Rakhine(Arakanese)
4. Kayah(Red Karen or Karenni)
Even at the time, there was no representation from the Karen and Karenni,no consideration regarding the Mon and Rakhine as they fell within Ministerial Burma, and the Pa-O, Palaung and Wa were subsumed under the Shan states, although the Saopha of Tawngpeng Palaung substate was among the signatories. The Frontier Areas Commission of Enquiry (FACE) was set up in April/May 1947 as a condition of the Aung San-Atlee Agreement of January 27, 1947, and although the Burmese independence movement was represented by just one united front, the AFPFL, there were 50 often conflicting groups from the hill tracts; the Delta Karen, Mon and Rakhine were still excluded.
Mon and Arakanese are considered as Bahmar main stream, being two of Buddhist ethnic group. The other being Bamar(majority race), and Shan who are participating signatory of Panglong Agreement. The Karen and Kayah are always strongly for independence, non-participant of Panglong Agreement. However all the non-participatory ethnic group are actively involved in military resistance against the Junta. Even the Bamar people who the military Junta belong are fighting for the democratic Burma.
1. Karen
After the war ended, Burma was granted independence in January 1948, and the Karen, led by the KNU, attempted to co-exist peacefully with the Burman ethnic majority. Karen people held leading positions in both the government and the army. In the fall of 1948, the Burmese government, led by U Nu, began raising and arming irregular political militias known as Sitwundan. These militias were under the command of Major Gen. Ne Win and outside the control of the regular army. In January 1949, some of these militias went on a rampage through Karen communities. In late January, the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Smith Dun, a Karen, was removed from office and imprisoned. He was replaced by fanatic Burmese nationalist Ne Win.[2] These events happened at exactly the same time a commission looking into the Karen problem was due to make its report to the government. The events effectively killed the report. The Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO), formed in July 1947, then rose up in an insurgency against the government. They were helped by the defections of the Karen Rifles and the Union Military Police (UMP) units which had been successfully deployed in suppressing the earlier Burmese Communist rebellions, and came close to capturing Rangoon itself. The most notable was the Battle of Insein, nine miles from Rangoon, where they held out in a 112-day siege till late May 1949.
Years later, the Karen had become the largest of 20 minority groups participating in an insurgency against the military dictatorship in Rangoon. During the 1980s, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) fighting force numbered approximately 20,000. After an uprising of the people of Burma in 1988, known as the 8888 Uprising, the KNLA had accepted those demonstrators in their bases along the border. The dictatorship expanded the army and launched a series of major offensives against the KNLA. By 2006, the KNLA's strength had shrunk to less than 4,000, opposing what is now a 400,000-man Burmese army. However, the political arm of the KNLA - the KNU - continued efforts to resolve the conflict through political means.
In 1994-5 dissenters from the Buddhist minority in the KNLA formed a splinter group called the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), and went over to the side of the military junta. The split is believed to have led to the fall of the KNU headquarters at Manerplaw in January 1995. The divided and ruled tactic learnt from the British by Junta. To create disunity among the Karen people, causing internal fighting within the ethic group, and weaken their demand and military power for independence. DKBA seems to fall into the trap just due to religion difference and perceived themselves a separate group support the Junta based on religion ground, instead the bigger picture of democracy and Karen independence.
The conflict continues as of 2006, with a new KNU headquarters in Mu Aye Pu, on the Burmese–Thai border. In 2004, the BBC, citing aid agencies, estimates that up to 200,000 Karen have been driven from their homes during decades of war, with 120,000 more refugees from Burma, mostly Karen, living in refugee camps on the Thai side of the border.
Many, including some Karen , accuse the military government of Burma of ethnic cleansing. The U.S. State Department has also cited the Burmese government for suppression of religious freedom. This is a source of particular trouble to the Karen, as between thirty and forty percent of them are Christians and thus, among the Burmese, a religious minority.
2. Mon
In 1947, the Mon presented a demand to safeguard their rights after independence, but the Prime Minister of Burma rejected it saying that no separate national rights for the Mon would be contemplated. Despite this, Mon National Day was created to celebrate the ancient founding of the Mon Kingdom of Hongsawatoi, the last Mon Kingdom, which had its seat in Pegu.
The desires of the ruling Burmese were forcefully imposed on the Mon people and resulted in a civil war. The Mon revolted against the central Burmese government in 1962 through the New Mon State Party (NMSP). A partially autonomous Mon state, Monland, was created in 1974 covering Tenasserim, Pegu and Irrawaddy. Resistance continued until 1995 when NMSP and SLORC agreed to a cease-fire. The following year the Mon Unity League was founded (MUL). That same year, the Mon people joined UNPO in their struggle for democracy and the preservation of human rights in Burma.
In 1997, SLORC was replaced with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), and the military junta continues to terrorize all people in Burma.
The Mon people are represented in UNPO by the Mon Unity League (MUL).
3. Arakanese
In 1948, Rakhine became a division within the Union of Burma. Shortly after, violence broke out along religious lines between Buddhists and Muslims. Later there were calls for secession by the Rakhine, but such attempts were subdued. In 1974, the Ne Win government's new constitution granted Rakhine Division "state" status but the gesture was largely seen as meaningless since the military junta held all power in the country and in Rakhine. In 1989, the name of Arakan State was changed to "Rakhine" by the military junta.
Arakanese or Rakhine refugee faced problem,like Bamar as they are not strongly perceived as political refugee.
Arakan Liberation Party/Arakan Liberation Army (ALP/ALA)
Arakan liberation Party (ALP) that was successfully established at hlaing Township in rangoon on 9th April 1967. A 15- member Central Committee of the ALP was unanimously made up an active group of Rakhaing patriot youths. And Mr.Khaing Pray Thein was the first President of ALP. Arakan Liberation Army, or the ALA,was the military arm.
Arakan League for Democracy;
4. Karenni or Kayah
Whilst other states in Burma were annexed as part of India in 1885, the British recognized, by an agreement in 1875, the independence and sovereignty of Karenni State. When the Burmese received independence in 1948, they unilaterally included Karenni State in the Union of Burma, without the knowledge of the Karenni Supreme Council or the consultation with the Karenni people.
Since 1948, the Karenni people have resisted the Burmese regime and endeavored to regain control of their own state and preserve its traditions, culture and languages. At the forefront of this struggle is the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), which has led the armed struggle and organized aid to the Karenni people since 1957. A ceasefire was established in 1995, which collapsed within months. The KNPP has alleged an ethnic cleansing agenda by the Burmese military.
It has been put forth that the Karenni, in line with the policies of a number of other ethnic states, are in pursuit of establishing a Burmese federal union in which ethnic minorities would be offered autonomy.
Ceased Fire Agreement
Many ethnic military group have signed ceased fire agreement with the Junta. But there is no guarantee the Junta will complied with the ceased fire agreement. The attack on Kokang Chinese at the north near to China border, will provide evidence that Junta has no respect on law and agreement. Many ethnic have been fighting for their right for a long time, as long as Junta is in control, they have never peovide equal right to the ethnic group.
Panglong Agreement Revisit
The weaknesses of the conference and the consequent inadequacies of the Constitution promulgated on September 24, 1947, emerged soon after independence,
(i)In Arakan, the veteran monk U Seinda had already started a rebellion in May 1947.
(ii)The Karen had isolated themselves further by boycotting both the EC and the elections to the Constituent Assembly, notwithstanding seats reserved for them, though persistent in their demand for an independent state; their future was as a result left unsettled, deferred till after independence.
(iii)The Kachin had to make concessions in their representation in parliament in exchange for the inclusion of Myitkyina and Bhamo, towns with Shan and Burman majorities, in the new state, although in the hills the Duwas would continue their rule.
(iv)The Chin ended up with no state, only a special division.
(v)The Mon and Rakhine again were not even considered separately. One Mon group contested unsuccessfully at the elections which they claimed were rigged, but another boycotted; the Mon after independence threw in their lot with the Karen and joined the rebellion
One most notable agreement of the Panglong conference was granting full autonomy to ethnic nationalities, which has not materialised until today. The agreement was basically for establishing a federal state,which consist of independent ethnic states. The Panglong Agreement was not aimed to put an end to the traditional self-rule of the Frontier Areas. Failing to implement Panglong agreement has created mistrust and misunderstanding between the majority ethnic Burman-led central government and other ethnic nationalities. Autonomy has been a core demand for minorities since 1947, and continues to remain the fundamental issue. This reflected their strong will and determination for autonomy. The ongoing ethno-political conflicts, including armed confrontations, are largely the consequences of the failure to implement the Panglong agreement and ethical cleaning of Junta. As long as the minority concerns are not addressed, the conflicts in Burma are likely to remain even if democracy is restored. Any Burmese national leader need to aware of the autonomy issue.
Attempts by the military junta to annihilate any one of the multi-ethnic nationalities, militarily or culturally, is against the spirit of the Union Day and Panglong Agreement.
Autonomy is a political solution that can serve the interests of the Frontier Areas. However, the military junta sees it as something that would disintegrate the Union of Myanmar. Political autonomy is not tantamount to secession, but self ruled within a federal state. In other words, Burma's ethnic minorities are neither secessionists nor separatists. They believe that autonomy or self-determination would give them an opportunity to preserve their culture, language, and tradition. Their demand is not excessive and reasonably acceptable.
The minorities occupy roughly two-thirds of the country's total land area, and constitutes more than 30 per cent of the population. They have long advocated for tripartite talks involving the military, the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic nationalities, as endorsed by the United Nations since 1994. Aung San Suu Kyi to bring peace development and democracy to Burma, need to address the autonomy issue as utmost importance.
Had not Aung San promised political equality and autonomy to the Frontier Areas, the Union of Burma might have never been born in 1948. Panglong Agreement was the foundation for formation of Union of Burma, without the agreement, there is no Union of Burma.
Independent Burma was created on the clear understanding that it would be a federal union. The separate political rights of the minority national areas were recognized in the January, 1947, agreement between Aung San and the British Prime Minister Attlee. The rights of the national groups were also recognized in the February, 1947, Panglong Agreement between Burman leaders and other national groups, in the commission of inquiry on the frontier areas and in the independence constitution of 1948. Each of these fundamental political and legal documents recognized rights of self-determination of the indigenous nationalities. The 1948 constitution gave each nationality representation in a Chamber of Nationalities at the national level. The constitution specifically recognized a right of the Shan and Kayah (Karenni) to separate after 10 years.
These promises of autonomy and self-determination were betrayed. The denial of these promises led to armed resistance which, in the case of the Karen, began in 1949. The present constitution of Burma, enacted in 1974, gives no autonomy to the various nationalities and is against the Panglong spirit. In practice there is no respect for minority languages, cultures and political aspirations. The Government's response to the minority nationalities is purely military.
Ironically, Myanmar still claims to be a "union" and the anniversary of the Panglong Agreement is celebrated every year as "union" day. This is the biggest joke and mockery to democracy.
Will the coming election revive the Panglong Agreement, and give back the right of autonomy to the ethic groups in Burma?....Will the international community take up the challenge to ensure the ethical minority of Burma received their autonomy, as promised by Panglong agreement?....
It is time the international community take action; to ensure a democratic government is set up in Burma; and to ensure the autonomy of the minorities or ethnical nations, as promised by Panglong agreement.
Related articles:
1. Previous blog on 24-10-2009, Panglong Conference(彬龍協定)
2. Karen people, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_people
3. UNPO on Shan, http://www.unpo.org/content/view/7905/140/
4. Chinland, http://www.chinland.org/
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