Today, the 10th of August, 2021 marks the 46th anniversary of Kachin Martyrs Day, where we once again remember and salute the Kachin martyrs of the KIO/KIA-GOC – General Lahtaw Zau Seng, VCS – General Lahtaw Zau Tu, General Secretary Salang Kaba Pungshwi Zau Seng and Major Lahtaw Zau Dan. These brave martyrs gave their lives in 1975 for the cause of freedom, federalism, self-determination, inclusiveness, equal humans rights and democracy. They readily gave their present for our future. These brave martyrs were founding members and leaders of the brave Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) to defend their brave people and their beautiful land from the attacks of the brutal military dictatorship led by Ne Win. In each case, the brave martyrs of Myanmar have spoken loud and clear that they want nothing short of freedom and federal democracy. Yet, the military dictators in Myanmar assassinated not only these brave martyrs and national heroes, but the junta leaders continue to prolong their reign of terror against the innocent and brave Kachin people. These dictators continue their crimes against humanity, war crimes and ethnic cleansing even today in this 21st century.

Dear comrades, compatriot and heroes of the nation, brave and courageous people, these martyrs who so bravely sacrificed their lives will not have died in vain, but their sacrifice will continue to be a stepping stone bringing us closer and closer to the future of freedom and democracy we so much desire. We belong to this glorious future, and this glorious future belongs to us. Crimes against humanity and genocidal dictatorships will have no place in the future to which we are rapidly approaching. Instead, peace, prosperity, freedom, federalism, stability, self-determination and equality will be our future. A federal self-determined Kachin State, that proudly stands together with its fellow federal states in the new Myanmar – the Federal Democratic Union of Myanmar where the rights of all are respected and promoted regardless of race, religion, culture, ethnicity or background is our future.

We all deeply respect and appreciate all of the heroes and martyrs of this Nation who have given their lives to help us attain this future free from tyranny. The military dictatorships continue to commit injustices of every description, crimes against humanity, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and genocide. Forty-six years of daily sacrifice of precious Kachin lives for the cause of freedom, federalism and democracy will never be forgotten in our history, and we will forever remember and be indebted to these illustrious heroes and martyrs. Together, we will win; together, we are winning!

May God bless each and every Kachin person, and Kachin State as a whole.

Sincerely,

H.E. Dr. Sasa
Union Minister of Ministry of International Cooperation
Spoke Person of Nation Unity Government
Former Special Envoy to United Nations