Today marks the 495th Shan Ni National Day for our Shan-Ni brothers and sisters, also second year it is celebrated under military coup. Shan Ni people, also known as Tai Leng, largely lived around Inn Daw Gyi Lake, Sagaing region but like many Shan peoples, they span across other regions in Sagaing and Kachin State. During the British occupation in the 18th century, Shan territory was the last territory to be colonised. After independence, the territory was separated and Shan State was established, but for many Shan groups who lived further west, such as the Shan Ni, Shan state would never grow to include them.

The benefits of independence did not last long for our Shan Ni brothers and sisters, as after the military coup staged by General Ne Win in 1962, he banned the teachings of ethnic languages and even went as far as jailing or killing people who were found speaking the language or possessing any Shan Ni documents. Shan Ni people not only had to endure the abuse of the military, and the struggle for self-determination, but also were at risk of having their culture and language wiped out. Then in 2014, during the period of reform under faux-civilian government, teaching of ethnic languages was finally made legal. And the brave and strong spirited Shan Ni people spared no time in revitalizing their culture and language.

Shan Ni people have stood firmly with the rest of Myanmar people in fighting against the the fascist military. Today, Shan Ni and all Myanmar people shared the same goal, the future Myanmar where true federal democracy awaits. In order to achieve our goal, we must stay united and continue our fight against the junta. I want to thank our Shan Ni brothers and sisters for their bravery and determination, and I sincerely wish that the next Shan Ni National Day will be celebrated in a uniquely Shan Ni way.

Sincerely,

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