Burma: The Revolution

Burma is divided into 7 states and 7 divisions. Although the borders tend to follow ethnic lines, with each of the seven states representing an ethnic nationality, and the divisions primarily ethnic Burman, the present boundaries came about during and after British colonial rule. Prior to and even during Britain's rule, the 7 ethnic states and Burma proper were not always considered as nor ruled as a unified state. Throughout history, the area that is now Burma has been variously unified and divided under different kingdoms. Ultimately, the ethnic nationalities consider themselves politically autonomous participants in what should be a federal union of Burma, and not minority subjects under Burman rule.

During WWII the Burmese Independence Army founded by Aung San fought alongside the Japanese in a bid to win independence from Britain, while many in the ethnic states fought alongside the British. However, Aung San negotiated with the ethnic leaders to join Burma in independence as a federal union - which culminated in the "Panglong Accord", whereby the ethnic states maintained the right to autonomy and secession.

Timeline of Burma's Descent:

1947 - Aung San Assassinated, Socialist U Nu takes over leadership of the new nation.

1962 - Ne Win stages a coup in seizes power to establish an isolated socialist state.

1972 - A new 'constitution' is imposed by Ne Win, negating the rights of secession.

1988 - Student and public uprisings are violently suppressed. Martial law is declared and the State Law and Order Restoration Council takes power.

1990 - The National League for Democracy wins a majority in open elections. The results are ignored and Aung San Suu Kyi is placed under arrest.

1997 - SLORC becomes the State Peace and Development Council.

Today, the SPDC continues to detain the elected political leaders and rules with an iron fist. They maintain that the ethnic insurgents are secessionists bent on destroying the Union, and respond by persecuting ethnic minorities. They have recently commented that the NLD is irrelevent, and have made no moves towards restoring democracy.

Shan State
The largest of all the states or divisions, Shan State is in eastern Burma, bordering China, Laos, and Thailand. Ethnically, it is over 60% Shan, with the remaining population consisting of Burmans, Kachin, Wa, Palaung, Pa-O, Danu, Intha, Lahu, Karen and Karenni, Akha, and Ann.

Kachin State
The northernmost state of Burma, Kachin State borders China and India. "Kachin" is used to in reference to several different ethnic tribes with cultural affinities, but different languages. The largest of the Kachin tribes is the Jinghpaw, who can also be found in China and India. Other tribes and ethnic groups include: Rawang, Burman, Lisu, Zaiwa, Maru, Yaywin, Lawngwaw, Lachyit, and Naga.

Chin State
Chin State borders India in the west of Burma. Although the main ethnic group is 'Chin', this distinction encompasses inummerable tribes divided by geography and dialects. The Chin are mostly Christian, and joined the resistance relatively late, with the Chin National Front being established after the 1988 uprisings.

Karen (Kayin) State
Karen State borders Thailand in central Burma. The Karen National Union has fought the longest resistance, and the Karen's have faced some of the hardest oppression and counterinsurgencies.

Karenni State
Karenni is the smallest state in Burma, situated between Shan and Karen States. With a population of about 260,000, there are least 10 different ethnic groups indigenous to the area.

Mon State
Mon is the southernmost state of Burma.

Arakan State
Arakan borders Bangladesh in the west of Burma. Arakanese are the main of about 10 or 11 ethnic groups. There is a sizeable minority of ethnic Muslims, the Rohingya, who are not recognized as 'native' by the Burmese government and are often rendered stateless.