Today marks 33 years since the pro-democracy student revolution against military dictatorship in Myanmar. We deeply remember and salute all the fallen heroes of the Nation who have given their lives for the brave people of Myanmar during the 1988 student’s uprising against the military rule of injustice and their brutal reign of terror against the people of Myanmar. Today, in this 21st century, military dictators have once again seized the country, and killed more than 1000 innocent civilians. Over 7000 innocent people have been illegally arrested, and more than 2000 are evading illegal arrest warrants. Over 1.2 million innocent people are displaced, and 6.4 million innocent people are being forced down the road of starvation. It is estimated that 27 million people will be forced into extreme poverty, with over half population of Myanmar being infected by the Covid-19 delta variant.

Non-violent protest has been a hallmark of this brave student initiated movement, and despite the extreme violence of the tatmadaw junta against them, these brave students, citizens and leaders remain unshaken in their resolve to shake off tyranny from the ‘Golden Land.’ Student leaders such as Min Ko Naing, Ko Jimmy and so many others are still to be found at the very forefront of this movement 33 years later, together with their younger compatriots and elderly veterans. The reason? To end dictatorship, once and for all, and to build a new Federal Democratic Union of Myanmar where the rights of all people will be equally respected, promoted and protected under an inclusive constitution and government operated by democratic principles.

Dear respected comrades and compatriots, the past thirty three years have shown clearly that the military dictators are powerless to destroy the root of this peaceful and non-violent movement, for it is rooted in the hearts of all citizens. They have failed to silence us, despite their atrocities, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. They have done everything in their power to murder and destroy the people and country of Myanmar. It is certain that we have no future with military dictatorship, and instead our future will be a glorious one, free from military rule and tyranny, atrocities, genocides, and crimes against humanity. Our future holds Federal democracy, freedom, peace, prosperity and self determination, with absolutely no room whatsoever for dictatorships, military or otherwise.

Our student heroes and defenders of freedom and democracy from 1988 and onwards have shown unmistakably that they cannot be shaken, silenced, or bought by the genocidal military dictatorships. Throughout our history, military dictators live only to serve themselves by killing the people of Myanmar and committing crimes of every description, proving beyond the shadow of a doubt that they indeed are the true enemies of freedom, human rights, democracy, and the prosperity of the people and country of Myanmar.

We, the people of Myanmar, will never allow the normalization of these crimes against humanity, senseless massacres, ethnic cleansing and war crimes against innocent unarmed civilians by the terroristic ‘tatmadaw’ military dictatorships. Together we will bring an end to this nightmare, a lasting end to military dictatorship in Myanmar. Together we will usher in a new era of peace, federalism, democracy and stability where all people, regardless of race, religion, culture, ethnicity, gender, background or social status will be equal. Together we are indeed winning.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of the Ministry of International Cooperation & NUG Spokesperson