Preventing division and racism is everyone’s responsibility

The council continues to offer opportunities for open dialogue, welcoming ongoing discussions and fostering a durable peace.

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing sent a message to the ceremony to mark the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day on 20 February 2025. The full text of the translated message is as follows: –

Esteemed Chin ethnic national brethren,

On this special occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day which falls on 20 February 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and auspiciousness to all Chin ethnic groups and all national peoples of the Union. May everyone be blessed with good fortune and well-being.

On 20 February 1948, a public assembly in Falam abolished the feudal system and chose the regional democratic system. This date was designated as “Chin National Day”, and it has been celebrated annually with great honour for 77 years. In the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, including the Chin ethnic group, all indigenous peoples of the Union have lived together for centuries on the same land, sharing the same water, and uniting with family values. As a result, they have been able to stand proudly and with dignity in the world. Even when Myanmar lost its independence and sovereignty, the Union spirit of all ethnic groups helped to regain it.

Throughout the struggle for the nation’s independence and the process nation-building after gaining independence, the Chin ethnic group stood side by side with the Union’s other ethnic groups, united in spirit and action. During the period of British colonial rule, Chin ethnic leaders such as Bo Khai Kam, Bo Con Bik, Bo Lall Lwe, and Bo Thaung Linh, along with the Chin people, bravely fought in resistance with other ethnic groups. Even during the struggle for independence, leaders like U Thong Za Khup, Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) recipient U Kio Mang, Wunna Kyaw Htin U Hlur Hmong, Thiri Pyanchi U Thaung Cin Thang, and Independence Mawgun recipient (First Class) Thadoe Maha Sithu U Vammathumong were found to have fought courageously in battles.

Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) recipient Thiri Pyanchi U That Ling who participated in drafting three Constitutions of the State in 1947, 1974 and 2008, Lt-Col Hrang Thio, Lt-Col Lyan Ciin Zamg, Captain Thura Aung San Thuria Taik Chun, Colonel Zeya Kyaw Thin Van Kul, and Naing-Ngan Gonyi (First Class) recipient Maj-Gen Thaung Za Khai, who fought against internal insurgency in the post-independence era, each served their respective duties with dedication for the benefit of the State.

For the durability of the nation and the Union, and perpetuation of sovereignty, many Chin ethnic heroes, sacrificed their lives, blood, and sweat for the State and Tatmadaw. These heroes, who played significant roles in history, are worthy of great honour and respect for the Chin State and the Chin ethnic people.

Currently, there is a significant threat to the nation due to violent conflicts, violations of the law, and destructive actions within the country, including in certain areas of Chin State. These threats pose a severe danger to the nation. It is essential to pay special attention to preventing the spread of hatred among the people, which is being fueled by internal and external destructive groups, and to protect the long-standing bonds of unity and fraternity that have existed for thousands of years among national brethren of the Union. Everybody needs to prevent instigation against people and the implementation of narrow-minded racism.

The terror acts currently being faced stem from the outcome of the 2020 general election, where election fraud was exposed and annulled. Instead of objectively assessing the situation, these acts began due to a desire to seize power through immoral means, starting with violent protests. Some ethnic armed organizations, with misguided attitudes towards the State and its people, also took advantage of the ensuing instability to launch terror attacks and destroy peaceful regions. As a result of these events, innocent civilians’ lives, homes, and belongings, as well as public infrastructure in areas including Chin State, have been severely damaged and destroyed, leaving people in poverty and suffering, which is well known to all.

The local ethnic people are the ones who are directly experiencing the negative consequences of armed terrorism. The losses incurred are primarily the nation’s resources and infrastructure. In a situation where progress and development are underway, the damage and destruction caused by such reckless actions reduce the country’s strength and require considerable time and resources to restore the original state. The government is also providing financial support to employees and citizens who have been displaced due to these terror acts. Therefore, we urge all ethnic people, including the Chin, to cooperate and participate in efforts to end these violent conflicts and achieve peace and stability for both the country and the people.

The State Administration Council has set two political visions: to strengthen a genuine disciplined multiparty democratic system and to build a union based on democracy and a federal system. It has also set two national visions: ensuring the prosperity of the nation and food security. To achieve these objectives, the Council has defined a five-point Roadmap and nine objectives, which are being actively implemented. The Council is committed to promoting the national interest and the welfare of the people by bringing an end to armed conflicts, ensuring a stable and peaceful environment, and advancing economic and social progress. To improve the socioeconomic life of the people, priority will be given to economic development. If the economy improves, other sectors such as political, social, and health sectors will also see progress and improvement.

As a result, agricultural produce will be able to increase production more effectively according to regional needs, and priority should be given to developing livestock farming businesses that align with the region. The agricultural and livestock products produced locally should be further enhanced and developed into high-quality MSME products. Efforts should also be made to ensure food security in the region, meet domestic needs, and increase exports. The government is providing the necessary technology, capital, and production capacity for operating MSMEs with continuous aid plans.

As the country needs to initiate the plans to build a Union based on democracy and federalism and implement the socioeconomic life of individuals, the government is striving to ensure the development of all sectors, including education. All children of school age should have the opportunity to attend school, receive school education, and improve their transition between grades. In addition to vocational education, they should be able to complete higher levels of education. By doing so, we aim to cultivate educated young people who will contribute to the nation’s future. Only then can we ensure the prosperous future of the nation, led by capable and knowledgeable youth.

The State Administration Council is actively working to successfully hold free and fair multiparty democratic general elections, which is its ultimate goal. Only after resolving armed conflicts in respective areas can elections be conducted in a fully free and fair manner. The State Administration Council is committed to implementing the ceasefire agreements under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in the ongoing armed conflicts. Therefore, discussions have been held with ethnic armed groups, and the Council continues to keep the path to lasting peace open. The State Administration Council is committed to ensuring that all voters are free from threats, oppression, unlawful coercion, and group dominance, and to conducting a fair, dignified, and accurate election. For free and fair elections to be held, the entire country must remain stable and peaceful. Therefore, we urge all Chin ethnic people to unite with love for their region, nation, and the union, and to work together to ensure peace and stability in their region and the success of the upcoming election.

The stability and peace of the nation, along with the rule of law, are crucial for the country’s development and nation-building. Therefore, I kindly urge all ethnic peoples, including the Chin nationals, to work together with the government to achieve a ceasefire in armed conflicts. I send this message of goodwill, wishing that the Chin people, based on the spirit of union and patriotism, would be able to work for the interests of the Chin State and the Union on this auspicious occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Chin National Day.

                                                                                                         Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu

                                                                                                       Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing

                                                                                                            Prime Minister

                                                                                                          Chairman, State Administration Council