Not only the government but also the people are required to take cooperative measures as our country isn’t a fully genuine federal democratic Union. Reliance only on the government seems undemocratic, said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
These remarks came from the speech of the State Counsellor made at the 71st Kachin State Day ceremony at Myitkyina Sitapu Ward Manaw ground, Kachin State on January 10.
Gathering and being able to hold the 71st Kachin State Day ceremony through collective strength of Kachin people in Manaw ground is forming a symbol to keep on walking on the road to our Union. I am very glad to see different ethnics of different costumes. This is our country and our Union. Our ethnics are different from each other, but individuals possess their unique beauty of their own. With such gathering, our country forms Union. But, our Union isn’t a fully genuine federal democracy. For that reason, not only the government but also the people are required to try for that. Reliance only on the government goes against democracy. Democracy, actually, is based on the people and the governments have to rely on the people back, said State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Kachin State Day represents the different ethnics residing in Kachin State. Kachin State Day emerges together with the country’s independence in the same year. It is also a symbol of the country’s independence. Sao Shwe Thaik was the first president who won attended Kachin State Day and he was a Shan ethnic. His attendance at the ceremony of Kachin State Day symbolized our situation of Union. It meant the day for all ethnics, said Aung San Suu Kyi.
I believe that we can see remarkable changes within one year not one decade mentioned by the president if peace prevails across the country. If civil war is over, significant changes will appear within one year. All are responsible for trying to work for the status we would love to see as the president mentioned. The first step is important to start a journey. Genuine internal peace is our first step toward strong and developing Union. Let me warn you again, said Aung San Suu Kyi.
Aung San Suu Kyi arrved in PutaO on January 8 and then went to Khaunglanphu and Machanbaw. On January 9, Aung San Suu Kyi attended the opening ceremony of Nanttwan hydropower project and then went to Naungmon. On her way to the areas, Aung San Suu Kyi met with the residents. Aung San Suu Kyi had to listen to the reports on the matters relating to PutaO travel and tourism, Khakabo national gardens, transport and communications. During the tour, Aung San Suu Kyi made remarks on special emphasis to be placed on development tasks in remote areas.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
