(7 February 2026)
Esteemed national brethren residing in Shan State, Everybody, Mingalaba!
I extend my greetings with best wishes for all Union-born national people residing in Shan State and the entire nation to enjoy physical and mental well-being with peace and prosperity on the occasion of the 79th Anniversary of Shan State Day, which falls on 7 February 2026, today.
Shan State is the largest area among all regions and states, as a home to the largest number of ethnic nationalities. Shan State, located in the eastern mountain ranges, is situated on more than 60,000 square miles. It is an important state due to sharing borders with other countries.
Historical evidences proof that Shan tribes, namely Shan, Pa-O, Palaung, Danu, Inntha, Taungyoe, Wa, Danaw, Kokang, Lahu, Yinnet, Yinkya, Myaungzee, Akha, etc., have been residing in Shan State for a long time together with other ethnics such as Kachin, Kayah and Lisu.
Shan State is a large and scenic state blessed with a favourable natural climate and home to well-known hill resort towns. In addition, it is rich in Stone Age cultural sites such as Pyadalin Cave, Loiwun Cave, and numerous limestone caves, as well as natural lakes, long-standing urban cultural heritage, and the diverse traditions and customs of ethnic nationalities. With abundant natural resources, Shan State is a well-endowed and well-rounded region in every aspect.
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a sovereign nation that, since ancient times, has been home to diverse ethnic groups living together in unity under their own monarchs and governance. With distinct cultures and literary traditions flourishing, the country stood tall with dignity across the world. However, the British colonialists waged three wars of aggression against Myanmar and unjustly occupied the country. As a result, on 1 January 1886, the entire nation of Myanmar fell into colonial subjugation.
In resisting the unjust aggression of the British colonialists and striving to regain independence, the Shan Saophas and the Shan ethnic people stood shoulder to shoulder with other Union-born ethnic groups in a united struggle. The tradition of working hand in hand with unwavering national patriotism, so that the country’s sovereignty might remain intact and unbroken, is a source of respect and pride for Shan State and the Shan people.
Throughout the period of the struggle for independence, driven by the strongest and most resolute determination deeply held in the hearts of all ethnic groups that they would continue to fight in every way until genuine independence was fully achieved, the ethnic leaders from Shan State worked energetically and in complete unity, making concerted efforts towards securing Myanmar’s independence.
During the period when the “AFPFL” led the struggle in Myanmar and fiercely fought for independence, the Shan people, both elders and youth, in Shan State, also actively participated in the independence movement, fully motivated by their deep love for their ethnic community.
During the period of the Second World War in 1942, fascist Japan occupied and administered the entire country of Myanmar, including Shan State. Although the British colonialists had been driven out, the invading fascist Japanese forces brutally oppressed the nation and its people. As a result, national leaders and all ethnic groups united in active resistance, and on 27 March 1945, they were finally able to completely expel the fascist Japanese from Myanmar’s soil.
However, after the end of the Second World War, the British colonialists once again returned and, dividing the hills from the plains, continued to administer the entirety of Shan State under the old feudal system. They retained the local rulers, town chiefs, and tax officers, maintaining a divided administration. Moreover, the British attempted to follow the plan outlined in wartime white papers, aiming to grant Myanmar independence only on the condition that the hill regions would be left aside, allowing them to continue their segregated control.
Thus, due to British oppression, exploitation, and the denial of equality for the hill regions, the unity and determination of all ethnic groups led to a strong demand and active struggle. As a result, in 1947, the British invited the Myanmar delegation, led by General Aung San, to London to discuss the future of Myanmar. During these discussions, General Aung San requested that all hill regions, including Shan State, be granted independence simultaneously when Myanmar was given independence. However, the Executive Council of the Shan State Council objected, stating that General Aung San was not a representative of the Saophas. In response, the leaders of the Shan People’s Freedom Organization held a large public assembly in Taunggyi, made decisions, and sent a formal delegation confirming that General Aung San was indeed their representative for the hill peoples and that they fully supported him. Only then was the Aung San-Atlee Agreement signed.
From 3 to 6 February 1947, discussions were held with the participation of Saopha members of the Executive Council and representatives of the Shan people. On 7 February, representatives of the Shan, Kachin, and Chin peoples formed a subcommittee and reached agreements, signing documents to cooperate with the Union in achieving independence. As such, 7 February has been officially celebrated as Shan State Day, honouring the day when the leaders of the Shan, Kachin, and Chin ethnic groups within Shan State were able to make a unified decision to join the Union in gaining independence. This tradition has now continued for 79 years.
Esteemed ethnic people,
The Union of Myanmar was able to reestablish itself confidently on the world stage as a sovereign and independent nation on 4 January 1948, thanks to the unity and strength of its ethnic peoples. However, the legacy of internal armed conflicts that emerged from the British policy of divide-and-rule continues to affect the country to this day. These conflicts, fuelled by ethnic divisions, rigid ideologies, and excessive self-interest, have created narrow political and ethnic perspectives, resulting in ongoing hardships and suffering for both the nation and its people.
Therefore, ethnic unity is not only critically important for achieving peace in ceasing the domestic armed conflicts, but it also serves as a major driving force for a nation’s development. Accordingly, ethnic brethren must work to remove suspicions among themselves, engage in dialogue and negotiation, build trust, and strive to achieve durable peace.
The State has been making concentrated efforts within a short period to ensure peace, stability, and development across the entire country. At the same time, it has been allocating billions of kyats to rebuild and restore damage caused by domestic armed conflicts, unrest, violence, and natural disasters. In this regard, following the major Mandalay earthquake on 28 March 2025, over Ks-147 billion has been allocated to rebuild government office buildings, staff housing, religious buildings and pagodas, hospitals, schools, and the homes of residents in Shan State. The relevant departments, led by skilled professionals, are carrying out these reconstruction efforts.
Since our country is built on a union system, ethnic unity is of fundamental importance. The most crucial and necessary step to achieve harmony among ethnic groups is to cultivate a sense of union identity, instilling in every citizen, regardless of where they live, the understanding that they are an ethnic member of the Union.
To ensure the well-being and stability of a nation or an ethnic group, individuals must continuously strengthen their own resilience and enhance their ability to act and perform effectively. It should be noted that if a country or an ethnic group cannot maintain its long-term stability and security through its own strength and unified efforts, the nation’s authority will weaken, and it may fall under the control of others. To remain a free and enduring country and avoid subjugation, everyone must act in unity. In times of threat to the nation, Tatmadaw and the people, who bear the primary responsibility for national defence, must work hand in hand, defending and protecting the country with patriotism, courage, and collective strength to ensure its long-term stability. Just as during the period when ethnic groups strove for independence, unity, understanding, and mutual trust must be rebuilt among national brethren. Efforts must be made collectively to restore and demonstrate ethnic unity as quickly as possible.
The government has maintained the State power strictly in accordance with the Constitution to prevent the unlawful seizure of State authority through irregularities in the ruling party’s conduct during the 2020 general election. At present, to enable the path towards the democracy desired by the people,a free and fair election has also been conducted. Arrangements are being carried out to systematically transfer State power to the government that emerges in accordance with the Constitution.
Since 2021, due to domestic and overseas provocations and instigations, unrest and violent incidents have occurred across the country. Some ethnic armed groups have taken advantage of these instabilities to recruit and consolidate terrorist organizations, aiming to undermine national stability. Tatmadaw and the government have made great sacrifices of blood, sweat, and effort to protect the country’s peace and security. Through dialogue and negotiation with relevant groups, we have been striving to restore the original stable and peaceful situation. Accordingly, ethnic armed organizations and terrorist groups in Shan State are invited to understand the country’s legitimate needs, abandon armed conflict and unrest, participate in dialogue for peace, and cooperate in national development. Furthermore, everyone is urged to collectively work to eliminate activities that harm the nation and the people’s dignity and impede national development, such as drug production and distribution, telecom fraud and online gambling, and illegal trade, which continue to occur within the state.
Therefore, all ethnic citizens are encouraged to base themselves on patriotism and a sense of union to work together with the government for the benefit of the country and the people, and to participate in the building of a Union founded on democracy and a federal system that is full of fairness, freedom, and equal rights.
In conclusion, on the occasion of “Shan State Day”, which has served as a cornerstone for fostering a peaceful and harmonious Union and promoting ethnic unity, I send this message encouraging all ethnic parents and brethren residing in Shan State to work hand in hand with the government, Tatmadaw, and the ethnic people to build a peaceful, modern, and developed nation.
Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu
Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing
Acting President, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Chairman, the State Security and Peace Commission
