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Nehginpao @ Papao |
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Some Positive Developments
So far, the conflict has no substantive solutions. If the present government, comprised mainly of the Burman ethnic group, is sincere, problems in the country could be solved even without the intervention of any third country. The government should either hand over power to the democratically elected government or formulate a program that could mutually be accepted by the regime, the opposition parties, and leaders of respective ethnic groups.
Meanwhile, in this regard, the government has so far made positive developments by bringing some of the ethnic insurgent groups including the dominant ones to negotiating table and even made formal ceasefire agreements with them. The rebel groups include; Chinese Myanmar National Democratic Army in Kokang District of Shan State, United Wa State Army, the Shan/Akha/Wa National Democratic Alliance Army, the newly reconstituted Shan State Army and the New Democratic Army, which was Kachin, United Wa State Army (1989), Kachin Independence Army 4th Brigade (1991), and the Kachin Independence Organization (1993).
In all, 22 armed groups, some quite small, either made ceasefires with or surrendered to Rangoon between 1989 and 1997. One significant achievement for the Junta in recent years is that it could bring the strongest and longest ethnic rebel group, Karen National Union (KNU), to the negotiating table. As I write this paper, a verbal ceasefire has been reached between the two in December 2003, albeit, the formal agreement is yet to be signed.
The government should show sincerity in its attempt to solving the decades' old problems with ethnic groups. There should be political equality, liberty, and a sense of peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding. Even if democracy is restored as demanded by all opposition groups and the international community, the decades' old conflicts will not subside as long as the government ignores the grievances of the minority ethnic groups.
In that case, democracy will be restored, but problems will still exist. The long lasting solution will be achieved if both the minority ethnic groups and the majority Burmans could build mutual trust among themselves. The government should give up pursuing the policy of aggression against the insurgent groups; instead, they should invite them all to participate in a meaningful dialogue to find political solution.
If the demands of ethnic groups are resisted with force, the Union of Burma could even break up into pieces in the years ahead.
In the meantime, the demands of ethnic groups such as Kuki, Lahu, Naga, Palaung, Rohingya, Wa, etc. who are not having their own states, and yet suppressed, are also to be given due consideration. Development and prosperity could be achieved only if there is peace and mutual trust among the people.
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