In the 21st Century, the habit of solving the problems by taking up arms whether or not we want the federal system, peace and development is outdated, said Zaw Aye Maung, Yangon Region Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister, at the ceremony to open the Ethnics Culture Festival at Kyaikkasan ground in Yangon on January 25.
“Peace is of great importance. It has been more than 70 years we find the solutions to the problems by taking up arms. Many more ethnic people and Tatmadawmen died due to the armed conflicts. We don’t get any answer. Now the time has reached to seek peace at the negotiation table,” he added.
Eight major ethnic groups and 135 tribes have long been living since before it became the Union of Myanmar. King Anawrahta established the first kingdom of Myanmar, King Bayinnaung, the second Myanmar and King Alungpaya, the third Myanmar. The British waged three wars on Myanmar. Under the leadership of General Aung San, all ethnics fought back against the British to regain Independence. General Aung San is said to be the one who established the fourth Myanmar.
Due to the British's policy of divide and rule, disunity and distrust among ethnics have long been in some regions of Myanmar.
On January 4, the AA attacked four police outposts, killing some police members. There are ongoing fights between the Tatmadaw and the AA in northern Rakhine.
