On 3rd-12th February 1947, the historic conference was held in Panglong, southern Shan State. In the conference, a decision was made by Saophas (princes) and the representatives of people from the Frontier Areas, i.e. the Shan, Kachin and Chin regions, to join hands with the Burmans in their struggle for independence from British colonial rule. On 7th February, a telegram from the British rulers directed the princes and the representatives of the people of Shan State to abandon their proposed plans. But, on the same day, a 14-man Council was formed under the chairmanship of Khun Pan Sing, in defiance of the British colonial rulers. It is worth noting that there were leaders of Pa-O, Palaung, Danu, Intha and Wa among the participants at the conference. The chairman, Khun Pan Sing, himself is a Palaung prince of Taungpeng (Namhsan) State, and the Pa-O prince Hkun Kyi was one of the 14-man executive team. The event was reported by the Burma Broadcasting Service that sent a great shockwave throughout the country. A few days later, on 11th February, they unanimously decided that the 7th of February be designated the National Day. It was also unanimously determined there to adopt the national anthem and the national flag. So, it can be imagined that a big event had taken place at Panglong during the first half of February 1947, especially the 7th, the unforgettable day. And, the 12th, which is the day they signed an Agreement with General Aung San, was considered as the Union Day. (For details, see Shan Magazine, vol.2, 1997, Yangon, and www.shanland.org)

A Review of the Conference and Aftermath

It is clear that the Panglong Conference was crucial for Burma's independence from Britain on 4th January 1948. Without the conference, it is unimaginable what would have happened. The British government agreed with General Aung San to give Burma independence only after considering the Panglong Agreement. Also, the first Constitution of the Union of Burma was mainly based on the Panglong Agreement. In both the Panglong Agreement and the Constitution, rights and promises were guaranteed to the Shans and other ethnic groups after Burma's independence. But, in practice, those rights and promises have not been respected. All efforts by the Shan and other ethnic leaders for the rights of their own people failed and thus soon after independence, Burma turned into the ugly scene of civil wars. In terms of power and identity, Burma’s leaders, who broke their promises with the Shans and other ethnic groups, have been more successful. They have the advantage of more members in the parliament and a stronger army. But, it terms of economic and other aspects of social welfare of the country as a whole, including the ethnic Burman majority, it has been much worse than at the time of the British colony. While a few people have been able to enjoy power and prosperity, many civilians, be it Shans, Burmans or other ethnic groups have been their victims and suffered. There is no mercy for the innocent people affected by civil wars. The cause of Burma's disaster is not only the consequences of the civil wars, but also the lack of administrative skills, an unproductive system of education, corruption, unjust management and dictatorial leaders. In terms of social relationship, however, there is a good tie between the Shans and the Burmans. They share a common belief in Buddhism, and as a result, many of them, particularly those in the big cities, are able to maintain their friendship and smiles, no matter how much they feel bitter inside!

No matter how the past was, let us sing the last phrase of a Sai Kham Lek's Song:

wnr:jKwrxkKwr:do: wnr:w/nr;mKcr:do: H;mnr:yv,mI:dI;sudr:esgmr:

Let there be no end to the Shan National Day/the Shan State Day!

Note: Historical facts cross-checked with S.H.A.N. Opinions are those of the author.