“I entirely believe a theory that political crisis must be solved through negotiation. However, it is no way to hold peace-talks with the miliary that breaches promise and uses armed power. So, we will keep on fighting.”Mon ethnic people’s modern era armed revolution, initiated by Mon youth, has been over 70 years for self-determination, equality and self-ruling.
The slogan of 76th Mon Revolution Day this year was “Racial rights will emerge only through a powerful revolution’, and the commemoration event was held at Mon Martyrs Hill in Win Sein Taw Ya area of Mawlamyine township, Mon state, on 31 August.
This interview with Nai Nagar, the spokesperson of Mon State Revolution Force (MSRF) is about to what extent Mon revolution have reached the goals and the rights for self-determinations under the military ruling.
TLT: On 76th Mon Revolution Day, to what extent Mon people have enjoyed rights for self-determination?
Nai Nagar: The 76th anniversary is just the number. We need to review whether the revolution really took place. The term 76 years is the time when we started modern era armed revolution. I mean that we started armed revolution 76 years go, but the Mon People’s Front surrendered during this period. Nai Shwe Kyin established New Mon State Party (NMSP) and continued armed struggle. Chairman of NMSP Nai Han Thar has already explained it in his message. We could resume our armed struggle around 1970. After the NMSP signed ceasefire agreement in 1995, the period after this year is not included in armed revolution. We need to consider these developments. Except chances for literature and culture, Mon people have not enjoyed any rights under the issue of self-determination.
TLT: Do you think Mon people could enjoyed self-determination and equality under the ruling of military council?
Nai Nagar: As the military council neglected common human rights, it is entirely impossible to emerge self-determination and equality. I have presented the common situation of Mon people. However, NMSP is practicing their constitution and judiciary in their control areas of Yechaungphya and Kyainseikkyi. Actually, the ruling does not cover the entire Mon people.
TLT: What will MSRF continue working for Mon people whose goals are self-determination and establishment of federal democracy union?
Nai Nagar: The MSRF is the army of Mon people. We will keep on fighting for objectives and goals of Mon people for self-determination and the establishment of democracy Union together with other anti-military resistance forces.
TLT: What is your remark on Mon Revolution Day?
Nai Nagar: I entirely believe a theory that political crisis must be solved through negotiation. However, it is no way to hold peace-talks with the miliary that breaches promise and uses armed power. So, we will keep on fighting.
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