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Burma Transformed

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A case for nonviolence, religious intervention, and minority rights in Mon State

By: Banya Hongsar, a Mon writer based in Canberra, Australia – Editor’s Note:
We would like to introduce our IMNA readers to the first segment of our latest “Burma Transformed” commentary series, a discussion of various political, social, and human-rights related issues set within the context of Burma’s upcoming elections. This first installment will contain a discussion of the place of nonviolent political action in a democratic transition within Burma, as well as an introduction to upcoming topics.  

A non-violent way to democracy is the foremost principle of Burma’s pragmatic democratic leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.  She holds this principle dearly in her heart.  She is well acknowledged by the world’s leaders for her principles and morality in Burma’s politics.  As a citizen of the country, I will explore this principle, asking whether it can be used to achieve the ultimate goal of transforming Burma under a new democratic system. I will next discuss the idea of ethnic unity, specifically between the Mon and Karen Ethnic groups. Furthermore, I will explore the possibility of any alternative avenues through which  Burma’s religious population and Buddhist monks can play key roles in national reconciliation. Next, I will urge the case of the Mon people  when exploring the question of whether they have the political capital to run their own State. In summary, I will argue that  non-violent ways to make changes for democracy in Burma will prevail, if we stand behind the principle of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The essay will be written in line with Buddhist community attitudes and cultures in dealing with political context in the country.

I was born in a small rural village in Southern Burma, in Mon State, and I experienced all forms of discrimination in the country before I could flee in 1994. Despite the support of western nations’ leaders and the backing of some supporters from regional nations in Southeast Asia for a democratic change in the country, the road to this change is a long, slow one. The upcoming general elections in late 2010 is are not supported by the principle opposition political leaders in the country and were utterly rejected by the US and other western nations, as these elections have no credibility. Within this climate of fear and hope, Burmese people will be seeking alternative ways to reform rules of law and a  bring fairness to their society with the principle of social justice.

It is the best interest of each citizen of Burma that a peaceful transition to democracy take place. This hope will be in the long struggle for change through non-violent means, even as Burma’s strong army makes no compromise with the democratic forces. However, the non-violent ways of struggling for democracy are widely supported the world’s freedom movement. Burma’s movement for democracy has been supported by all nations and societies around the world. Non-violent ways of a change are the firm principles of the majority of Buddhist communities and cultures.

Unity in diversity is a key concept for reaching peace and national reconciliation in Burma. Equal rights under the new constitution must be guaranteed for this transitional change. Amnesty to some offenders will be sought for building trust among political stakeholders. Forgiveness to some wrong doers is also required in the larger community to lay down the steps for dialogue. Community-based dialogue and a forum for legal protection must be supported within the government and non-government sectors for deeper national healing.  A Healing and Truth Commission must be appointed in all states and regions in order to heal the wounds of all people, especially within the ethnic groups.  Non-violent ways of movement must be protected by the military armed forces for the citizens. A dialogue modeled within the government and democratic groups must be set widely in all levels of politics, one that could accommodate misunderstandings during the transitional period.

Burma is a land of hope and prosperity. Burmese people have been trying to live in peace for over three thousand years, and we can live in peace for the next three thousand year and more. It is time for each individual to respect human dignity and uphold moral principles.

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