RELATIVES of Myanmar’s fallen independence leaders paid tribute at the 79th Martyrs’ Day ceremony at the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in Bahan Township, Yangon, calling for peace, national unity and continued efforts to build the country.
U Ye Aung Than, a relative of General Aung San, attended on behalf of U Aung San Oo, who was unwell. He said he was proud to belong to General Aung San’s family and urged the public to safeguard the independence for which the martyrs had struggled. “Peace is important,” he said, adding that the country would benefit if all people could live peacefully.
U Ye Myint Aung, a family member of Thakin Mya, said national unity was essential because the independence movement had brought together people from many ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Muslims and Christians. He said the martyrs had focused collectively on the goal of independence, and that similar unity today could help Myanmar develop.
U Thant Zin Cho, a family member of Deedok U Ba Cho, also stressed that national progress depended on people of all ethnic communities living together with mutual understanding. He called for peaceful and stable conditions, saying these could be achieved through unity and the absence of conflict. Open discussion, understanding each other’s needs and forgiveness were important foundations for unity, he added.
Sao Kai Hpa, a family member of the late Mongpun Sawbwa Sao San Tun, said he attends the annual ceremony every year and was pleased to see people gathering in large numbers to pay their respects. He encouraged everyone to remain united.
Daw Myint Myint Khaing, a relative of Mahn Ba Khaing, urged the public to work together from their respective roles to realize the leaders’ vision of an independent, developed and peaceful nation. Although many years had passed since the leaders’ deaths, she said shared commitment and collective action remained vital to achieving that goal.
Nant Soe Soe Khaing, also from Mahn Ba Khaing’s family, described unity as the country’s most important need. She expressed gratitude for the legacy of independence handed down by previous generations and for her grandfather’s contribution as a Kayin leader. She said unity should be built on love, and that younger generations had a responsibility to carry forward what their ancestors had begun.
U Hla Kyi, a family member of U Razak, said ethnic unity had been crucial to achieving independence and required no further explanation of its importance. He said the martyrs had already shown, through their actions and ideas, how people should work together for the country.
Dr Min Myint, a relative of U Ohn Maung, thanked the authorities for holding the Martyrs’ Day commemoration at the national level. He recalled his father’s role in promoting ethnic unity, including helping to bring Sama Duwa Sinwa Nawng, a Kachin leader, into contact with General Aung San ahead of the Panglong Conference. He said his father had worked prominently and successfully to advance unity among the country’s communities.
U Aung Ko Ko, a family member of Yebaw Ko Htwe, said ethnic unity had been the basis for the independence struggle. He noted that efforts to unite the country’s frontier and central regions contributed to the Panglong Agreement and to independence for the whole of Myanmar.
He said unity remained necessary to protect national stability and sovereignty, particularly at a time of political differences and growing geopolitical and economic pressures. Stronger unity, he said, would create a more peaceful domestic environment and allow development work to continue without disruption.
The relatives’ messages centred on a common appeal: honouring the martyrs’ sacrifice by strengthening mutual respect, peace and unity across Myanmar.
News Crew/ST
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