The National
Day is highly celebrated across the globe for countries that have National Day.
It is primarily an anniversary for the founding of a nation, as some countries
make their Independence Days a National Day. For a sovereign country, National
Day is a national holiday—highly regarded above all and is well observed. Simply
put, National Day is clearer in saying that it is the celebration in memory of the
foundation of a nation or nationhood. It therefore appears to be nationalistic
rhetoric in the nature of its implication, wherever and whenever it is used,
for the fact that it symbolises the triumph of the cause of one’s nationalistic
independence or freedom, or self-determination from the hands of ruler or oppressor.
In other words, it means the birth of a nation.
Looked
into what is explained about the National Day in the English dictionary is that it is a
designated date on which celebrations mark the nationhood of a nation or non-sovereign
country. Few countries have more than one National Day like Pakistan, and
others serve in their unique ways with the same echo of national spirit. For
instance, Australia’s Anzac Day celebrated on 25 April is a National Day
becomes a national holiday for its citizens for remembering the past military
sacrifices. In the United States, Independence Day celebrations on July 4 are
widely celebrated with parade, fireworks, picnics and barbecues.
However,
National Days claimed by ethnic minority groups in countries like Myanmar riven
with corruption, elitism and cronyism under the irony grips of military dictator
for more than half a century are low-key affairs. Systematic attempts to deny
the rights of using National Day for ethnic minority in fear of the rise of
ethno-nationalism had been institutionalized in place. Yet, once it was
regarded illegal and unconstitutional was now allowed to be reobserved, following
the controversial nationwide ceasefire agreement signed between the ethnic
armed groups and the military-turned civilian government led by President Thein
Sein in 2011.
When it
comes to the anniversary of Chin National Day which falls on 20 February, what
we should learn from the history is always more than important. Celebrating National
Day that fails to produce national spirit is just a party without
purpose—making chaotic or disastrous for the generation to come. For other
nationals, esp, foreigners, Chin National Day seems to be in the making because
it is yet to gain recognition by the central government with the hope of
achieving the subsequent holiday at least for Chins even if it is impossible to
be for all in recognition of the rights of ethnicity—a sign that would ensue everyone
have equal rights under the rule of laws. On the contrary, it is far from being
realistic beyond the periphery of Chin occupied territories even if gained the
government’s recognition, others suggest.
Lest we
forget the historical evidence, Pu Vomtu Mawng, Chin Affairs Minister and Pu
Captain Mangtung Nung, Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Chin Affairs
demanded the U Nu’s government to approve February 20 as an official holiday
for Chin territory, which is now Chin state. The demand was granted so by Prime
Minister U Nu and the government of Union of Burma on the ground of the Chin
Battalions saving the Union of Burma while on the brink of falling into the
multi-insurgencies in 1949. Denying the demand of Chin leaders could project
further divide amidst they had been in great turmoil for Chin soldiers were
saving the government by scarifying their lives. So, Feb 20 in 1948 was purposely
selected because it was the day on which it was voted to abolish Chin traditional
aristocracy system into democracy practice and made it the Chin National Day.
Deeply
investigated into the cause, Chin people in Kanpatlet demonstrated against the
English commissioner, who was visiting Kanpatlet from Magway as a British subject
town on Feb 20 1937, in protest of the English rule in Chin territory. Feared
for his life at the end of the uncontrollable protesting, the British Magway
commissioner fled to Saw, a nearby town in the plain, Burma. The British administrators
quickly banned to spread the news about what happened in Kanpatlet in the Chin Hills.
But U Aung San, father of Daw Aung San Suu Gyi, got the news of Kanpatlet’s
demonstration and used it in his political campaign for Burma Independence in
Danuphyu. The warrant to arrest the legend was issued after disclosing of the sensitive
information. Aung San escaped to run away from the country and formed the
historic thirty comrades in Japan for Burma revolution. Thus, there was a
saying in Burmese in those days that “Burmese revolutionary started in the Chin
Hills”—“Bama Tawhlan ye a sah Chin taung kah” in Burmese. This reaffirms the
validity of Burmese revolution started in Chin state.
Even so, we see the pure
negligence of Burmese historians creating different versions of revolutionary
history in order to dilute the truth. For many years, the Chin National Day was
usually celebrated up until 1974 under the Revolutionary Council Government led
by General Ne Win and the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Union of
Burma. However, it was the new military regime after 1988 which banned the
celebrations of Chin National Day and forced the Chin people to celebrate it as
Chin State Day instead within the Union of Burma. Again, the odd was turned. After
an agreement has been signed between the Union level Peace Work Committee (UPWC)
and Chin National Front (CNF) within the Union of Republic of Myanmar, the name
bearing Chin has been reinstated for the celebrations of Chin National Day since
2013. It was a great joy, yet greater challenges lie ahead.
What more
or less surprises the entire Chin people as well as international observers is
that Thein Sein, President of Myanmar actively participated this year in the celebration
of 67th Chin National Day in Hakha, the capital city of Chin state.
It was a celestial visit by the head of State for Chins paving wide door for a
variety of interpretation. This visit of course signals that there is a nested
interest in Chin state or Chin people. Meanwhile, other critics say that it is too
soon to expect for more by this just a visit and this can only mean for a
showcase just to promote the reputation of military-turned civilian government,
as they attempt by all means to remain in power in this year election yet to
take place in November.
The grand
celebration this year in Hakha is extremely meaningful, as once named the pariah
state that oppressed the minority is starting to listen to the voices of
much-neglected people, which is to some extent a part of greater transition into democracy.
Thein Sein’s participation in Chin National Day celebration can be somehow construed
that the country is being prepared to resolve the conflicts that plagued the
country for half a century by achieving peace deal with all of ethnic armed
groups despite adversity.
People in
Chin state magnificently enjoyed the tested spirit of National Day amidst the
two parallel of influences contesting between the armed group (CNF) and
domestic forces of reform-minded political parties, including those of the
ruling government, the so-called SPDC (State Peace and Development Council)
party. Diaspora people are sandwiched between those ambiguous lines, too.
For
Chins, Facebook, a social platform was massively overwhelmed with photos of the
Chin National Day celebrations making people more engaged in a connected world
with fostering a new sense of nationalism. The dynamism of this sense is partly
shaped by the evolving technology.
Great event
though it seems to be, there comes a great challenge for diaspora community regarding
whether the National Day should be upheld on Feb 20 or a different day which
can be set on the nearest weekend date, Saturday for purpose of full
participation. It is purely because of the difficulty to get a day off for a
group of people at the same time for the fact that Chin people living in
western countries are working in factories and companies by groups due to the
language problem. As a result, many communities target nearest Saturday for
celebrating the National Day. Traditional games such as wrestling (Lai paih),
literature competition (essay writing) and other sport games were arranged
depending on the situations and places with a view to instill young generation
with the ethos of motherland.
Much has
been expected to build up the broken unity that has been lost for decades, although
it is acknowledged that the consequences of “conquer and divide” policy used by
the British colonial are still taking roots in the Chin society. This sentiment
has hampered building the common ground a harmonious unity enjoyed by the
forefathers in a wider context.
The resettled
Chin population scattering across the western developed nations as well as to Scandinavian
nations, generally in Norway and Denmark also celebrated the Chin National Day, irrespective
of each of their community availability and functioning. Some endeavored to do
it by a combination of tradition and cultural performances and special speeches
to be remindful of the past events.
Furthermore, it is
unlikely possible for those living in the west, as is stated above, to
enjoy days-off for the sake of Chin National Day whereas Chin people are just employee and employers do not even understand the existence of Chin National Day-- not to extend further. Some
suggest that if the Burmese government grants Chin National Day as a nationl
holiday, it can be likely possible to reinforce for those living in the West and Europe.
It is this problem that only a very few community can make it successfully
happened on the exact day, Feb 20.
Another
energy-sipping problem facing the diaspora Chin community is that there is a
big debate over the use of national flag; some, mostly from Hakha-Thantlang
community, prefer using the flag designed by CNF and other only want to use the
flag recognised by the government of Myanmar which was used while ago in Hakha. In spite of taking advantage over globalization, technological
advances and new accumulated knowledge to help gain the impetus for setting the
common ground out of our diversity starting from those living in developed
country, it is apparently evident that the narrow-mindedness caused by lack of education
rather take hold in the Chin society.
It is highly concerned that the National Day celebrations would be creating further
divide in the future as long as the dogma people hold is taking roots in the diaspora Chin
community—hating each other, disregarding each other even though we Chin are from
the same fabric of society with bearing the same identity of Chin.
Part of central
to the issue is that language becomes a direct conflicting issue challenging the already divided diaspora
Chin communities across the globe. With acknowledging the needs to more forward, the attempts are made to have a combined service
wherever more than three tribes live in the same city; such are Tedim (Zo and
Zomi), Falam, Hakha-Thantlang, Matupi, Mindat, Kanpalet and Paletwa. Some
succeeded with no essence of national spirit, but some resulted in vain.
However,
in the particular case of Zomi, the only tribe that hates to use Chin among all
tribes in Chin Hills, did celebrate Chin National Day by their own by using
Zomi National Day. Zomi cannot be used for resettling in third countries via
the resettlement process arranged by UNHCR. And this clearly questions why this
people want to use Chin name for resettlement purpose and immediately oppose
the use of Chin name once resettled in third countries.
The tiny
state has a population of an estimated 1.5 million; currently more than 50,0000
people inland and more than 60,0000 around the surrounding territories and
around 30,0000 of diasporas. It also has a strong diversity, with more than 49
dialects spoken. This is indeed a blessing in disguise. The too much competing forces
undermine the attempt to create a common language, and it can be created if
there is a will in the future. Burmese is thus the official common language for communication
among the same identity even in the motherland and any elsewhere in the world
for Chin. Sadly, some dialects have been in a position to be extinct.
Chin
state is recorded the poorest state amongst other 13 states and divisions in
Myanmar in a research conducted by UNDP, with additionally other government reports
indicating that Chin had the lowest rate of pursuing higher education in 2005.
As we remember
the struggle done by our forefather and celebrating the National Day in honor
of our liberty from feudalism and British colonial rule, it should be of a good
use to address the above pressing issues facing our population. For now and
then, the Chin needs a second time liberation from poverty and education while
the fight for self-determination and federalism is ongoing. Successful
elimination of poverty and improving education will have a deeper essence of
the Chin National Day celebrations.
Note: It is hereby acknowledged that the historical accounts mentioned in this article are quoted from Pu Lian Uk who is a historian and wrote a short piece of the said accounts on Chin online forum.
