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Burma in the new millennium
Reply-To: "BLC" <blcindia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Burma in the new Millennium
The new millenium is on the threshold . Euphoria of joy is all over the
globe. But for people of Burma it has lost its meaning. The people are in
great agony in the deadly grip of Junta rule. A peep into the major events
of the century on its exit will however provide evidence that there is
nothing to be frustrated. It will affirm faith that the country is going
through birth-pang, that its a birth pang of a new order about to be
born.
The major event of the century in Burma was the disappearance of old Burma
and consolidation of the colonial order. Burma although under monarchy and
decadent feudalism was after all Independent. To add insult to injury,
Colonial rule made her a province of India. The World warI did not have much
impact on Burma except that it demonstrated the invincibility of colonial
power. But it could not deter the emergence of a Burmese Nationalism as
challenge to that power. The University Student's 1920 Strike was the
harbinger of nationalism in Burma and a great mile-stone of the century in
Burma's journey to freedom. The hunger strikes and martyrdom of Rev
UOttama, U Wissara are other mile stones in Burma. Another mile stone was
Saya San Rebellion in 1930. This was the first organised armed challenge to
British rule in Burma. Although it ended in failure, it continued to give
inspiration to patriots in the country and it helped to retain militant
character of nationalism which was under domain of old politicians. The
British rulers were at the time busy inventing constitutional reform and
attracting the rising educated Middle class into its vortex.
The century witnessed the triangular fight between colonialism, moribund
patriotism and militant nationalism and the ultimate victory of militant
national nationalism. The birth of Doh Burma Asi Ayone with thakin Kodaw
hmaing as leader and the role it played in the freedom movement was itself a
great event of the century. It inspired the student community and its two
organs the Rangoon University students Union and All Burma Student Union
were note worthy event of the century. They launched historic general
strikes with a martyrdom of Bo AungKyaw. The movements produced a new
generation of leaders who joined DoBama Asi Ayone and gave political
leadership to the country. The Yenang gaung oil field strike and the long
march down from Yenang to Rangoon was another mile stone.
For the first time unity of workers/ students/ peasants emerged. The
emergence of u Aung San as the national leader was beginning of birth of a
nation in Burma. Burma became separated from India but the national leaders
continued to forge links with freedom movement of India. With the
outbreak of World war II, there was turn in the events of the country. The
story of 30 comrades who fled the country and formed Burma Independence
Army(B.I.A) with the help of Japanese is saga of the century. It was an
experiment in armed struggle against foreign rulers. The coming of
Japanese and their rule in Burma( 1942-45) convinced the people that their
freedom had to be won through hard struggle.The B.D.A which was formed
during Japanese occupation became Burma patrioticForces sources engaged in
armed fight against Japanese .
27th March, 1945 was the red letter day which marked the launching of
antifascist resistance and founding of Anti Fascist People Freedom.
League, then the September 46 general strike .They were great lessons in
national Unity and resistance to oppression.
The Panglong conference 1947 was a land mark for event of the century for
Burma. It laid the basis of national unity and road map for ethnic amity.
The birth of independent Burma on 4/1/1948 was the greatest event of the
century for Burma for the first time in her history.
That the country was ruled under a democratic constitution. The
assassination of Gen. Aung san was a great loss as to the country and a
great set back. It was a clear that reactionary forces will resort to arms
to subvert the rule of law. But this lesson was lost and the tragedy of
Burma began. The democratic government was over thrown and the era of
military detectorship was ushered in. For the second part of the century
the fate of people of Burma was to be under rule of oppression, torture and
violation of human-rights. The to the credit of Burmese people it must be
acknowledged that the people have given resistance . The event of 18th
September 1988 before the military rule for even 40 days that shook the
whole country & the world is the greatest event of the later part of the
century.
Burma as a member of World community has witnessed the following earth
shaking events of in world arena of the century.
The October Revolution in Russia, the founding of peoples Republic of
China, the anti-colonial Liberation struggle, the movement against
apartheid.
The rise and fall of imperial powers and the immortal fight against
fascism.
The birth of UN and its increasing role in fight for peace human-rights
and new world order .
Dismantling of autocratic regimes and on going march of the democracy all
over the globe.
All these events had their ups and downs and Burmese people from
generation to generation have been taking lessons.
Burma's tragedy is that she will be entering the new millennium as a nation
in chains. Nevertheless the spirit of her people could not be chained. The
events of the intire century show that ups and downs, ebb and tide,
political doldrums and re emergence of resistance movements had been part
of her history. She is now going through the dark period. It is darkest
hour before the dawn. The beginning of the millennium will witness the
dawn of a new civil society based on rule of law and human- rights-