Mixed reactions for Independence declaration

Politics

Mixed reactions for Independence declaration

Shans both at home and abroad have responded differently to the unexpected declaration of Shan State independence on Sunday by hitherto little known latecomers.

Many ordinary people express delight. "At last they are really saying what we want," exclaimed a Shan migrant in Bangkok who said he is organizing a rally in support of the declaration.

Inside, Burmese speaking Shans flocked together to listen to the reports broadcast by the foreign-based radio stations.

"Now the politicians held in reserve all these years have come out of their warehouse", said an excited officer from a Shan ceasefire group interviewed by phone.

Seasoned politicians on the other hand are wary. "The last time Independence was declared was in 1993 by Khun Sa," remembered a former political officer who now lives in retirement in southern Shan State. "And he was destroyed when Rangoon pooled its resources against him."

"We stand by the resolutions of the Ethnic Nationalities Council" said Sao Sengsuk, Chairman of the exiled Shan Democratic Union.

The ENC which claims to represent the majority of the non-Burman nationalities reported in its 5 March 2005 statement it was committed to finding a political solution to the crisis in Burma through a Tripartite Dialogue as called for by the United Nations General Assembly since 1994.

It also agreed with five of Rangoon's much-publicized Six Objectives:

• Non-disintegration of the union

• Non-disintegration of the national unity

• Stability of national sovereignty

• Development of a genuine multi-party democracy

• Promotion of social truths such as justice, freedom and equality

As for the military rulers' sixth demand for a leading role in Burma's future politics, it allowed that the military should have a role 'in the transition period.'

He blamed the latest development in Shan politics as the result of Rangoon's inflexibility, as demonstrated by the arrests of 11 Shan politicians, 10 of whom have been jailed in February. At the same time, he saw the latest move by the radical Shans as 'ill-advised'.

Other Shans also expressed concern for the detained Shan leaders. "They may have to bear the brunt for all this hullabaloo," worried an elected Shan MP in northern Shan State. "The generals will make them pay."