An interview with U Pe Than, ex-Lower House MP from Myebon Township
More than 30 to nearly 40 civilians were killed and many others injured during four months of renewed fighting between the military council which seized a coup and the Arakan Army (AA) as the military carried out targeted attacks on the Arakan people. Many houses and buildings were destroyed by the renewed fighting. The army killed 10 people from Siningyi village in Ponnagyun Township.
The military council’s heavy shelling killed 13 Mro ethnics in Gyitchaung village in northern Maungdaw Township. Heavy shelling also resulted in civilian deaths in other villages. In addition, the army has cut off roads in order to cut the flow of ration, medicine and fuel. The military council committed human rights violations and maximum oppressions.
The army which carried out a series of different forms of oppressions against the Arakan people is trying to persuade Arakan people by holding funfairs in Arakan State on the nominal Arakan State Day. We interviewed veteran politician U Pe Than, ex-lower house MP from Myebon Township about his view on the Arakan State Day.
Q: It is found that the military council is holding 48th gold-coated Arakan State Day in all townships in Arakan State on a grand scale, following the ceasefire. First of all, May I know your view on the Arakan State Day.
A: In my view, the Arakan State Day is just on paper. The Arakan State Day provides no rights for Arakan people. The facts about self-determination, autonomy and resource sharing of a state are not included in it. So, we will not recognize the State Day. We will just enjoy the rights offered by the State Day if we recognize it. So, this is just a deception as the military council is holding festivals in an attempt to persuade ethnics and other races. In fact, what they (military council) give has no essence. All the things are just superficial. I would like to say that people need to have feelings of resentment.
Q: May I know the Arakan people’s view on the Arakan State Day?
A: The State Day is related to politics. We should recognize the State Day with the political essence. They (army) have been using the State Day to sweeten the pill. So, the State Day has no essence. We all know the fact that they hog the glory by bringing nothing.
Q: I have heard that the people criticize the Arakanese singers and the Arakan State Administration council about the concert held on the Arakan State Day organized by the military council. What do you want to give a comment?
A: Singers are the powers of Arakan State. We can clap our hands when they sing national songs. However, they happily received the slavery award given to a slavery race. Honouring tarnishes the images of singers. It is a shameful thing for the country and race. I think the singers should attend it only after thinking about the fact whether they should attend the festival or the public agrees to it or it can carry stigma, rather than the fact they want to sign songs at the festival.
Q: As a last question, should the public participate in the Arakan State Day organized by the military council? May I know your view?
A: The Arakan people will not feel excited. However, they will go there to see singers. So, singers will not get worthy encouragement. We cannot view it as a funfair. Participation in this festival would amount to recognizing the rights. So, the public will not recognize it. I think the people should not enjoy it as a funfair.
Sent by Khaing Lu Hla (Yoma Myay)