Depayin Comemoriation and mass meeting at Utica

Aung Moe Win, December 29, 2003

Karen New Year festival at Utica was wonderful, and NCGUB, ABSDF, ABFSU and pro-democracy groups from Burmese democratic communities (Indiana, Washington D.C, New York City, Albany, Ithaca, Syracuse, and Buffalo) enjoyed in it. After Karen New Year festival, we had Depayin Commemoration and special mass meeting for our democracy movement. Comrades from Finland, Thailand and other countries attended to the mass meeting from Online.

“7 steps of National Convention are clearly against the meaning of Democracy and Federation of Burma. We don’t need to have a dream and expectation for National Convention. Reactivation of National Convention is big mistake and dishonesty of SPDC.

Some people are doing big mistake by saying Fort Wayne resolutions are not modernized / useful resolutions for now. Fort Wayne resolutions are still alive and effective for our current situation and struggle. The battle between SPDC and people movement is heading to the most important step. We have to work hard as soon as we can.”

From online, P’doh Mahn Shar from NCUB gave a speech to Depayin Commemoration ceremony.

At that special mass meeting, prime minister of NCGUB Dr. Sein Win, famous poet Saya Mg Swan Yee, Dr Thaung Tun, ABSDF chairman Ko Than Khe, KNU, ABSDF, ABFSU and activists about 100 from democratic Burmese communities also attended and share their opinions how to promote our democracy movement.

Dr. Sein Win explained the current political situation in Burma and Fort Wayne Conference resolutions.

“Amnesty International could not meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when they visit to Burma. Therefore, AI knows the dishonesty of SPDC. Our struggle will have many difficulties to get the victory. But we need to be strong because we realize it is not easy.

“What we should do”

“What I can do”

By asking these questions ourselves, we will have a solution for our movement.”

According to Fort Wayne Conference resolutions,

Accept the leadership of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and National League for Democracy. Not accept any political change, which is not based on the results of the 1990 elections. Support the enhance the role of the Committee Representing People’s Parliament.

The Chairman of ABSDF Ko Than Khe also gave a speech to that Commemoration.

“I believe 21st century is victories for our democracy groups. Lives of our brother ethnic nationalities are burning in the Civil War. At the same time, our people are suffering in the social crisis and oppression of SPDC inside Burma. I do believe we can topple the regime if we do the best as soon as we can.”

Poet Saya Mg Swan Ye spoke his opinion and comments on Depayin massacre.

“ Daw Aung San Suu Kyi bravely challenged the discussion about peace and future of Burma to SPDC, but SPDC ignored. “DASSK sacrificed her life to show SPDC ‘s insincerity, and Depayin Massacre also showed that we should not believe SPDC.”

Dr. Thaung Tun from NCGUB also shared his feeling “We had many weak points .I accepted that NCGUB has more responsibilities and needs more work hard. We should also seriously think about unity. We need spiritually unity and we will try to close each other. I would like to share my opinion how to built unity among us Contact, Communication, Confidence building among us.”

Aung Moe Win from ABFSU and democratic Burmese Community ( Ithaca) said

“ When I met with Ludu Daw Amar in Mandalay before I left from Burma, I always asked her health “ How are you mother?” She replied “ I have to be healthy because I want to get reunion with my sons and I want to see the people ‘s victory. Therefore, I always take physical exercise. ( Ludu Daw Amar always walk in the early morning near the Mandalay mote)”

Her words are striking in my hearts and I know mothers are waiting her sons with victories in burning cities. So I believe we have three promises on this Depayin Commemoration.

We promise we never betray the democracy movement.

We promise we never betray to our comrades who sacrificed their lives for our motherland and who are still in the prisons.

We promise we never betray our lives.”

At the discussion, former ABSDF members and people from Albany, New York city, Ithaca, Utica frankly asked to Dr. Sein Win and in-charge of Fort Wayne Conference committee. ( the resolutions/ who will arrange and time frame/ self funding).

After mass meeting , pro-democracy become closer than before each other , and ABDF chairperson and members are still discussing for the future of ABSDF.