21 June marks Karenni National Day. It commemorates the day, 21 June 1875, when the British Empire and the Burmese King recognized the independent existence of Karenni (Kayah) State, signing a bilateral agreement.
This year, 21 June 2025, celebrates the 150th anniversary of that significant day.
Since the 2021 military coup, intense fighting in Karenni State has prevented the grand celebration of Karenni National Day as in previous years.
Kantarawaddy Times has compiled views and heartfelt voices of some Karenni youth to learn what concerns they have for not being able to celebrate this significant day.
Maw Lu Myar (Deputy Head -1, IEC Youth Affairs Department)
First, I’d like to wish safety and security to all the people of Karenni State on this 150th Karenni National Day, which falls on 21 June. As everyone knows, Karenni National Day is the day when the British Empire and the Burmese King signed an agreement recognizing Karenni State as an independent state. So, we continue to acknowledge that day to this day, and we are proud of it. Currently, we can’t hold grand Karenni National Day celebrations as we used to. However, we always keep in our hearts that Karenni State was once an independent state.
Because it has a historical tradition, we proudly want to declare that 21 June is Karenni National Day. Our state is currently facing a period of crisis. So, we are striving to overcome these difficulties and crises. Especially the people; they are suffering more. They face difficulties in their livelihoods, their homes are destroyed, and they have to flee. But in the middle of these difficulties, they continue to be part of the revolution. For that, I want to express my gratitude. I also want to urge them to continue participating in this revolution.
When we talk about the revolution, 80 percent of those participating are youth. The youth are sacrificing their lives and limbs. Nevertheless, their only hope is to achieve democracy for the state and for a state with self-determination to emerge. These are the main goals of the youth. So, I want to urge everyone that if we are to achieve our revolutionary goals of federal democracy and self-determination—to create our own destiny and establish a good system—we must continue to fight.
Henry Nyar (Local resident, Demoso)
This Karenni National Day, which has been preserved for generations by our ancestors, has now reached its 150th year. I honor this day. As a citizen, I am very proud. I hope that in the coming years, we can continue to preserve and celebrate this day. I’m quite saddened that, due to various difficulties and the political situation, we can no longer celebrate National Day grandly within the state. But, I believe that National Day will always be remembered in the hearts of the people.
Currently, various ethnic groups are fighting together. I’m concerned that in the future, when Karenni State is liberated, they might not recognize this National Day when they resolve matters. As a citizen, I also want to request that this National Day continues to be preserved.
I’d like to encourage the displaced people to stay strong. This day is when the British Empire and the Burmese King recognized Karenni as a separate, independent state. So, to regain and preserve such a day, I want to urge everyone to endure hardship and fight alongside our comrades.
Maw Thoe Myar (CDM health worker)
I joyfully welcome this 150th Karenni National Day. In the past, we didn’t even know the importance of such special days and national affairs. Mainly because there were restrictions preventing us from engaging in these activities, and there were aspects that were ingrained in us. That’s part of the reason too. However, recently, the people have started to grasp these rights and participate more. They’ve become more eager to learn. But after the military coup, we can no longer celebrate our National Day or other special days grandly within the state. However, the people have become more aware and started to recognize these days.
Also, even in some areas with many difficulties and dangers, there are ways to celebrate such special days. For that, I am very proud. Even if we don’t have the freedom to celebrate, we need to be proud in our hearts. Another point is that after this coup, people in our state have had to leave their homes and flee. It’s not just the people from our state; people from other regions have also sought refuge here. As this period drags on, it can feel like we’re lost or uncertain. But on the other hand, the fact that we are enduring, striving, and working now is so that our future generations don’t have to suffer like us, so they can achieve their rights and freedom.
I feel for and am grateful to our people for enduring and standing strong to this day. Also, in our state, there are many tribes and ethnic groups. We move forward in unity without division. And if we reduce criticism and participate ourselves, we will achieve a shift, and the goal we desire will be within our grasp. My special message is that while there’s no safe place at a time like this, it’s crucial for our mental and physical health to remain sound.
Maurice (Kaw Yaw, Monu Manaw ethnic)
On this 150th Karenni National Day, which falls on 21 June, I first want to wish all Karenni people happiness, peace, and freedom from all dangers. I am delighted that we have not forgotten and have continued to celebrate our Karenni National Day for 150 times now.
However, on the other hand, I am a little saddened that we cannot celebrate Karenni National Day as grandly and securely as before due to security reasons. Nevertheless, I believe that in some areas of Karenni, the Karenni people will hold Karenni National Day celebrations. I also hope that Karenni youth will collaborate on social media. On this 150th Karenni National Day, I hope that the displaced people will not lose heart, will help each other, and that we will achieve the federal democracy we hope for as soon as possible. I also hope that the different ethnic groups and forces within Karenni State will work together hand-in-hand in the revolution, have mutual understanding, and steadfastly continue the struggle against military dictatorship.
Po Po Lay (Geba ethnic woman)
Actually, the historical background of Karenni National Day is incredibly significant. This day is meant to be remembered and celebrated with pride and joy by all ethnic groups within Karenni State. However, as we all know, due to the ongoing military conflict within the state, we are deeply saddened that all our ethnic groups in Karenni State are completely unable to gather and celebrate this National Day. But our Karenni organizations abroad are striving to hold celebrations in different countries.
Their reason for celebrating isn’t just for festivities. It’s primarily to remember our special day, to reawaken our Karenni national spirit and morale, and to be able to reunite. We, the brothers and sisters within the state, are always waiting for the opportunity to gather and celebrate grandly within the state once the revolution succeeds, up to a certain point in time. I hope to meet all.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.