Kayah State Day: Acting President sends message on the 74th anniversary

Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing sent a message to the ceremony to mark the 74th Anniversary of Kayah State Day, which falls on 15 January 2025.

In his message, after greeting for 74th Anniversary of Kayah State Day, the Acting President SSPC Chairman stated that starting from 15 January 1952, Kayinni State, which was one of the states in the 1947 Constitution of Myanmar, was renamed Kayah State through the sentiment of the entire people under the 1951 constitutional amendment act.

From then on, the significant day was designated as the Kayah State Day. Nine tribes of Kayah ethnics are residing in Kayah State together with other ethnic people in unity and harmony through thick and thin. All ethnic people residing in Myanmar have been maintaining unity with their own literature and culture through kinship for hundreds of years.

However, the country fell under colonial rule for more than 100 years, and the systematic divide-and-rule administration of the colonislists sparked the diverse ideologies among different organizations, sections and parties with weak unity in the post-independence era. As such, they attempted to resolve the political issues through armed struggle and violent activities. As such, ethnic armed groups emerged in states, although the country has regained independence.

So, everyone knows that all ethnic groups have suffered different plights without peace and stability for a long time. As is widely known, during the 2020 general election, the holding of free and fair elections – the lifeblood of a democratic system – was disregarded, and irregularities were committed to secure the single-party rule. As a result, in accordance with the Constitution of the State, Tatmadaw had to assume responsibility for the country’s situation.

Taking advantage of this situation, opposition groups resorted to armed terrorist methods in an attempt to create instability, unrest, and violence within the country, thereby undermining nationwide peace and stability. Some ethnic armed organizations also incited and exploited misguided and poorly informed young terrorists, committing armed clashes and expansion of their control areas.

In Kayah State as well, armed terrorists and destructive activities emerged, leading to the breakdown of peace and stability and causing the people to suffer various hardships. As is well known, while enduring these difficulties with resilience, efforts to restore regional peace, stability, and reconstruction have been carried out through many sacrifices of Tatmadaw members, the Myanmar Police Force and other security personnel, as well as by residents. Various sectors, including education and health, are being systematically rehabilitated, and prompt measures are also being taken to improve the daily lives of local people.

As a result, Kayah State has already returned, within a short period of time, to a path of renewed peace, stability, and development. Going forward, the State will continue to make concerted efforts to ensure further progress and success.

Currently, the Government is placing strong emphasis, in line with its set objectives, on achieving a genuine and disciplined multiparty democratic system that the people desire and aspire to. As sending this message with sincere wishes and exhortations, all ethnic communities are earnestly urged in Kayah State to share a common purpose and outlook, and to cooperate in all aspects, starting with the peace and tranquility of the state and extending to the interests of the nation as a whole.