PRESS RELEASE -SHAN NATIONAL DAY

[100706.1311@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

06 February 1999

PRESS RELEASE

SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION:  7th FEBRUARY 1947, SHAN NATIONAL DAY

The date 7th February 1947 is a defining moment for us in the record of
our 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 "Shan National Day" which were followed by the
resolutions of "Shan National Anthem", "Shan National Flag" and the
formation of " Shan States 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, 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. This
marks the birth of a nation-state now known as "Burma".

Without Panglong, signifying the intent and willingness of the free
peoples and nations of what could be termed British Indochina, there
would have not been born the Union of Burma in 1948.

On this day, the fifty-second anniversary of the entry of the peoples of
the Shan States onto the world historical stage as a modern nation, we
reiterate our right and that of all peoples and nations of "Burma",
including the Burman, to decide for themselves their own destiny
according to the principle of self-determination: no nation or peoples
should be forced, against their will and national self-interest, to give
up their freedom, dignity, and identity in the name of "national
solidarity" enforced by state terror and military oppression.

At the same time, we firmly reiterate the right all peoples and nations
of "Burma", including the Burman, to live together under one flag as

equal, co-independent partners, if it is determined by the people that
such a union will safeguard and strengthen their freedom, dignity, and
identity.

The SDU refutes the claim made by successive ruling generals that it is
they who are holding the Union together. To the contrary, they are the
ones who have destroyed the unity that was forged at Panglong between and
among the free peoples and nations of "Burma" and their leaders. They did
this by unilaterally and unlawfully abrogating the Union constitution in
1962.

The SDU holds it to be true that the people of the Shan States, the
Burman, Karenni, Karen, Mon, Rakhine, Chin, and Kachin are all free
nations. We firmly believe that whether we continue to live together
under one flag, in a union of equal, co-independent nations, or to live
separately as respective sovereign entities is a matter for the peoples
and nations of "Burma" to determine for themselves. It is not for the
military or the Rangoon junta -- those responsible for bloodshed,
oppression, and disunity -- to decide on this issue.

The SDU joins Daw Aung San Suukyi and democratic forces in calling upon 
the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to act upon the United 
Nations resolution which calls for a Tripartite Dialogue. We are of the 
view that the tripartite dialogue among civilian leaders, elected or 
otherwise, and between them and military leaders, does not constitute a 
threat to national unity, but would lead to better understanding and a 
positive, peaceful, and lasting resolution to problems that have 
devastated the country. 



SHAN DEMOCRATIC UNION
SHAN STATES
February 7, 1999.
(Kham Zam, General Secretary)
*****