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NLD Chairman's Speech on Independen



Subject: NLD Chairman's Speech on Independence Day (English)

Address given by 
the Chairman of the National League for Democracy
on the 51st anniversary of  Independence Day


Good wishes for happiness (body and soul) to all.

Today is fifty one years since Burma obtained independence.

First, I will recount the events and how the courageous and dedicated 
heroes obtained this independence for us. Then I will discuss and 
suggest what needs to be preserve this independence in the present and 
for the future.

Our great martyr leader, Bogyoke (General) Aung San, father of the 
Tatmadaw (armed forces), is proclaimed the architect of our 
independence. Together with him, other leaders and martyrs with genuine 
love for the country had courage, persistence, enthusiasm, industry, 
vision and foresight to win this independence. 

The first stage towards independence was- 
 to free the country from the grip of the British colonial government,
The second stage was- to be freed from the evil fascist system, 
The third stage was- to be freed from British administration.

Because armed resistance was the only possible way to succeed in the 
first two stages, Bogyoke and his colleagues made the decision to take 
up arms in the fight for independence. What accrued to Bogyoke was that 
the entire country proclaimed him a hero and leader filled with genuine 
love for country and completely selfless. A hero is not born with a 
golden spoon.

It was only after the completion of the second stage that the world 
realised that Bogyoke Aung San was a true hero with great and genuine 
love for his country.

In the third stage, Bogyoke Aung San gave up the armed struggle and 
resorted to political means and peaceful negotiation through a 
democratic process of talks around the table. This is how independence 
was gained in the final analysis. 

What political strategies did Bogyoke apply? He held discussions and 
talks with all the different nationalities that live in the country- 
Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Burman, Mon, Arakan, Shan etc- for unity and 
stability. It was on the 12 February 1947, at the Panglong Conference 
that a spirit of cooperation and unity was established.

Bogyoke Aung San's reputation as an honest leader filled with sterling 
qualities of leadership, free from all selfish motives but with genuine 
and perfect love of country became most outstanding and clear.

Because of Bogyoke Aung San's leadership, fifty one years ago, on the 4 
January 1948, with great pride and dignity, Burma emerged as an 
independent sovereign power on the map of the world.

The sterling qualities possessed by Bogyoke Aung San cannot be denied. 
Those who did not personally exert any effort in the fight for 
independence but may have casually read about the events without a 
careful study of the implications, will not be in a position to 
appreciate Bogyoke's character or they may not have the inclination to 
do so.

No one can diminish the tremendous historical impact made by Bogyoke 
Aung San and his colleagues. He will remain a shining light for as long 
as Burma exists and ill the end of time. Those who attempt to undermine 
him and his colleagues will only be distorting historical facts and will 
stand accused by the nation. It will be a blemish in our chronicles.

With life and blood this precious and valuable independence must be 
preserved and strenuously defended. I will propose and recommend ways 
and means of how this should be done. 

The first important thing is to uphold and strongly adhere to the 
Panglong spirit that Bogyoke created. That unique spirit of union, 
alliance and harmony which Bogyoke invoked must be kept alive and 
developed. It must be nurtured so that there is no deviation or 
divergence. By sole use of arms independence cannot be maintained.

When independence was first obtained, a variety of insurgents appeared 
on the scene. Now, peace treaties have been signed with the armed rebels 
operating in the forests. The initial cause of these insurrections was 
political.

Permanent peace can only be obtained through discussion, dialogue and 
negotiation relating to political grievances.

Up to this date there has been no political settlement with these 
groups.

In every country where different ethnic races and minority groups 
reside, there will be differences but solutions can be found through 
political process. If this is not accomplished the country will suffer. 
This will adversely effect stability and progress.

In any country of the world, political problems give rise to other 
problems such as economic, social, education, and health problems. First 
and foremost, political problems must be solved. Giving priority to 
economic problems is not the way to go.

As long as these problems remain, every person residing in the country 
will be hard pressed and this will adversely effect unity of  the 
different nationalities and in turn will effect the independence of the 
country.

Moreover political parties do exist in all countries. Whether there is a 
one-party system or multi party system, there has to be political 
parties which have to operate in accordance with their aims and objects 
and the policies they have set for themselves. Political parties act as 
a bridge between the people and the administrative bodies of a country. 
If these bridges are strong and stable and communication is good much 
can be done for the benefit of the people. Therefore these bridges 
should not be destroyed. Parties are composed of people. The country can 
progress only when the voluntary approval of the people is obtained. 
Authority cannot be exercised without the consent or approval of the 
people. 

What is it  that will enable us to hold this union of nationalities 
together and maintain our independence? It is genuine love towards one 
another, strenuously and courageously striving not only to benefit one's 
self or one's organisation, resisting abuse of authority or power, 
trusting one another (one ethnic group trusting the other ethnic group), 
joining hands and communicating with each other, and coming together to 
discuss all issues that concern the country. In a nutshell, it means 
that a democratic process must be adopted.

Don't given in. Always have determination and courage. Discard any 
feelings of wanting to retreat. Act boldly and enthusiastically. These 
are the suggestions and advance that I present to you today.

-END-
						   





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