- Web Master
- June 26, 2024
The ceremony was graced by
military council member Dr Ba Shwe, Rakhine State chief minister U Htein Lin,
deputy minister of religious affairs & culture Daw Nu Mya Zan, deputy
minister of ethnic affairs U Zaw Aye Maung, former military council member Dr
Aung Kyaw Min along with Rakhine State judges and State military council
members.
Ba Shwe read the message sent by
the military council chairman senior general Min Aung Hlaing on the auspicious
occasion.
Rakhine State chief minister
delivered a speech in commemoration of the sacred day.
258 awards were presented to
individuals who had contributed significantly to the development of Rakhine
State, those including social excellence honours and commendation certificates.
Rakhine State Day was designated
by the Constitution of Myanmar in 1974, and on every 15 December it is
observed.
Veteran Rakhine politician U Pe
Than urged the Rakhine people not to perceive the day as a nominal designation
bestowed verbally by the Myanmar's rulers. He further urged the people of
Rakhine to collaborate with the Arakan Army (AA).
"This is a crucial moment for
Rakhine State, and the people must stand with the AA as well as unite and
strive to reclaim their due rights. Relying on verbally granted rights by the
military council is not a realistic aspiration. Genuine rights will only be
secured if we collaborate with the AA to take back our sovereignty," he
stated.
Even though it has been 49 years
since Rakhine State Day was observed, the fundamental rights of forging one's
own destiny and exercising self-determination (the core elements of Statehood)
have not been fully realized. Despite the Arakan National Party (ANP) winning
the public mandates in various multi-party elections, the absence of governing
rights still persists which allows the mainland political parties and
Myanmar military generals to exert manipulation and even control.