A ceremony to support the National Convention and constitution, organized by the townselders of the Kachin State in accord with law was held at the people’s sports ground in Myitkyina, Kachin State on 29th September 2007.
Over 100,000 people including the townselders from four districts in Kachin State, national races leaders, members of social organizations, traditional cultural troupes, economic and industrial organizations, peasants and workers, representatives of peace groups, service personnel, students and people from various mass and class organizations attended the ceremony. Before the ceremony, starting at 7 am Myitkyina District No 1 column led by townselder U Alaypa, Mohnyin District No 2 column led by townselder U Kyi Myint, Bhamo District No 3 column led by townselder U Ganest and Putao District No 4 column led by townselder U Saw Aye Ko marched to the respective gathering points.
Rector U Soe of Myitkyina University presided over the ceremony. Members of the panel of Chairmen were executive member U Soe Thein of Kachin State Union Solidarity and Development Association, Chairperson Daw Tin Tin Ohn of Kachin State Women’s Affairs Organization, Joint-Secretary Dr Daw Myint Myint Than of Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee, Major Jan Mala (Retd) of Myanmar War Veterans Organization, townselders U Khet Htain Nan and U Sai Yi Kyan. Members of Myitkyina Township USDA Daw Nan Bauk and Daw Zone Nyaw acted as master of ceremonies and co-MC respectively.
First, Joint-Secretary U Soe Min of Myitkyina District USDA and those present saluted the State Flag. Chairman Rector U Soe gave an opening speech. He said there are four districts and 18 townships in Kachin State. Various national races with a population of over 1.4 million reside there.
He said he was very glad to meet all the national races and the people from all walks of life present at the gathering. The ceremony represents the entire people of Kachin State.
The National Convention successfully ended on 3 September 2007 and it laid down fundamental principles, detailed basic principles for drafting the new constitution. There were two constitutions in Myanmar. The 1947 constitution, which practised parliamentary democracy system, was prescribed under the rule of the imperialists. It was drafted hastily for regaining independence.

The 1974 constitution was based on one-party system. The majority of the people approved and supported it. In that constitution priority was given to the establishment of the socialist system rather than market economic system and the private sector. So it became defunct in 1988.
It is totally impossible for one person or an organization or a government to draft the constitution. It cannot be copied from others. The constitution should be based on the historical background and prevailing conditions of the country. Our country needs a constitution that serves the interest of the people forever and guarantees perpetuation of the State and stability, peace and development.

Fundamental principles of the constitution are based on Our Three Main National Causes— non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.
The government has laid down and is implementing the seven step Road Map for the emergence of a peaceful modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation.
The National Convention was held for drafting the constitution. On 28 May 1992 the National Convention Steering Committee was formed and duties were assigned to it. The coordination meeting for holding of the first session of National Convention was held on 23 June 1992.
On 2 October 1992, the National Convention Convening Commission comprising 18 members was formed. The 27- member National Convention Work Committee and 36- member National Convention Management Committee were formed for successful implementation of the National Convention tasks.
The National Convention was not organized by the government The government only released necessary orders in order to carry out the tasks by members of the Steering Committee, representatives-elect from political parties and independent representatives-elect.
The National Convention commenced on 9 January 1993. It continued from 18 January to 9 April 1994. It adjourned from 10 April to 1 September. It also began from 2 September 1994 to 7 April 1995. The 104 basic principles and detailed basic principles on seven chapters were laid down. The National Convention resumed on 28 November 1995.
On 27 November 1995, the National League for Democracy sent a letter of accusations on the National Convention with negative view to the National Convention Convening Commission The NLD demanded the commission to reply to its letter. The NLD said its members would not attend the National Convention insisting on a dialogue and they walked out of the National Convention. Therefore, the National Convention Convening Commission revoked 86 NLD members from National Convention representatives on 30 November 1995.
The tasks of the National Convention were delayed as the NLD ignoring the national interest walked out of the National Convention. So the National Convention suspended temporarily in 1996.
However, the government did not lose sight of the goal of the emergence of a democratic nation. On 17 May 2004 the National Convention resumed.

He said the national races in Kachin State honoured all the National Convention delegates who uphold the interest of the State and the people. A few days ago protests took place in some regions of the country. The reason was that a group of internal and external destructive elements who begrudged stability and progress of the State created these with various means. They tried to undermine the National Convention. They were not pleased to see completion of the National Convention successfully. Selfdetermination and non-interference by other country will be included in the forthcoming constitution. Some big nations do not like this and internal elements tried to disrupt the prevailing conditions.
Now they incited some young monks in monasteries. Some people who wrongly believed the instigations of internal and external elements and foreign broadcasting stations expressed political demands and disrupted peace and tranquillity of the State. The people of Kachin State denounced protests.
We learned that a UN delegation would be arriving soon. The entire people and the government except a group of people wanted to live in peace. I would like to urge the delegation to report on true situation and genuine desire of the people after realizing the prevailing conditions.
All the people are determined to march on in accord with the seven-point Road Map. A peaceful modern developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation will surely emerge soon.
On behalf of the people in Kachin State I support the National Convention and the constitution.
Next, Secretary of Waingmaw Township Union Solidarity and Development Association U Min Kyi tabled a motion calling for the support of the National Convention.
U Min Kyi said that on behalf of the national races residing in Kachin State, he was going to table a motion calling for the support of the National Convention.
Kachin State was among the 14 states and divisions of the Union. With the area of 34379.22 square miles, Kachin State was home to Kachin tribes such as Jinghpaw, Lisu, Rawan, Lawwaw, Lachid and Zaiwah, Shan tribes such as Tailay, Tailon, Tailai, Taikhamti and Taihsa and Bamar and other national races, he said. He continued that in Kachin State, the number of USDA members was over 500,000.
Due to geographical condition, poor transportation, evil legacy of the history and lack of peace and stability, Kachin State lagged behind in development. But, nowadays, thanks to national unity and prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the state, basic infrastructures have been built in all sectors and significant development can be witnessed throughout the state, he said.
U Min Kyi continued to present the development of Kachin State saying that in 1988, there were only 380,000 acres of arable land in the state. Of them, only over 270,000 acres were put under monsoon paddy which yield only 11.6 million baskets. It was just enough for local rice sufficiency. But now, efforts for extension of arable land and water supply has resulted in increasing of arable land and farmers were able to grow summer paddy in addition to the monsoon paddy and per acre yield has also increased. As a result, the output of paddy was 35.42 million baskets in 2006-2007. Rice sufficiency was 149.59 per cent. As regards edible oil, there was no sufficiency of edible oil in the past, he said. But now, over 160,000 acres were put under edible oil crops which produced over 113 million viss of edible oil and oil sufficiency was 127 per cent in the state.
In the livestock breeding sector, there were only 1.5 million of buffalo, cow, sheep, goat, pig, chicken and duck in 1988. But now, the number stood at over five million. In the past, there were only 58 acres of fish ponds but now fish were bred in the ponds built on 1149 acres.
In the past poor transportation was common in Kachin State. But due to building of new roads, repairing of the old ones, construction of river-crossing bridges including Bala Min Htin Bridge, upgrading of airstrips and extension of railway services, transportation in the state became secure and smooth.
In the communication sector, auto telephone exchanges, post offices and telegraph offices were established in towns and many villages and thus people are now enjoying better communication services both in local and overseas calls.
Implementing of hydro power projects and efforts for supplying electricity to rural areas has resulted in supplying of over 20,000 million units compared to over 1,300 million units in 1988.
As regards the education sector, there were only 1,178 basic education schools and one degree college in 1988. But now the number increased dramatically— 1,346 basic education schools, 6 universities, two colleges and one degree college which produced highly educated youths—he said. In the health sector, there were only 35 hospitals and station hospitals which employed only over 700 health staff. But now, over 1300 health staff were providing health care services to people at 65 hospitals and station hospitals.
People living in Kachin State are now enjoying fruitful results of these developments, he said.

He continued to say that our country is an independent and sovereign one. The national goal of the State and the people is the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation with flourishing of genuine democracy. To meet this end, the National Convention was convened in 1993 with the aim of drafting the enduring State Constitution. Over 1,000 delegates from all walks of life across the country participated in the National Convention. The National Convention was successfully completed on 3 September. Fundamental principles and detailed basic principles were laid down for drawing the State Constitution which guarantees the perpetuation of the Union and keeping the sovereignty in the hands of the citizens forever.
Now is the time for all the national brethren, hands held together and with strong Union Spirit, to strive for regional and national development and perpetuation of the Union which is the legacy of ancestors. As the first step of the seven-step Road Map— convening of the National Convention—was successfully completed, the bright future of Myanmar can be seen vividly. Therefore, all the people throughout the country including those in Kachin State are very happy. At such a time, with the manipulation of a foreign power, who practices the policy that there must be no rival and who does not want to allow the prosperity of Myanmar, in collusion with traitors in the country are trying to destroy the country employing members of the Sangha in disregard of the Sasana.
People living in Kachin State do know from where these plots come. Due to the prejudice, he forgot the fact “I am the leader of a big power nation”, and attacked Myanmar in the United Nations and tried to impose sanctions on her. But, we are not afraid of this, do not hesitate but instead, our nationalistic fervour becomes stronger. He seems to be unaware of our unity. Is he trying to shed blood in our country through creating instability in the region like in other countries? We are well aware of the policy of creating instability in Asia through igniting civil wars in our country which is situated in the middle of Asia. The entire people also realize this fact. I hereby categorically declare that those who do not understand are the fistful of traitors who are under their patronage.
People living in Kachin State who are partaking water from the same source together with other brethren will live together through thick and thin. Therefore, all of us in unity must keep on marching in accordance with the seven-step Road Map which is the leading light.
In conclusion, U Min Kyi said that based on the above-mentioned facts he, on behalf of the people of Kachin State, would like to table a motion calling for the support of the National Convention.
Daw Soe Soe Tun of Kachin State Women’s Affairs Organization said the government and the people are striving for building a democratic state. Members of Kachin State WAO are taking part in nation building endeavours. Therefore, the people in Kachin State have enjoyed the fruitful results of all-round development in a short time.

At present, the seven-step Road Map is being implemented step by step and the National Convention was successfully completed on 3 September, 2007. That shows unity of our national races. The National Convention was convened from January, 1993 to March, 1996 laid down appropriate basic principles and detailed basic principles. The delegates from all walks of life attended the NC. The people thanked the National Convention Convening Commission is thanked for successfully completing the NC. The basic principles and detailed basic principles to be included in writing State constitution were laid down in the National Convention. In

the basic principles on education and health laid down by the NC, the State will give priority to improvement of education and health of the entire people. Necessary laws will be enacted to enable the people to take part in the education and health sectors. Free compulsory education system will be implemented and with the right conception and morality, modern education system that contributes to the State will be realized.
We have heard that a UN special delegation will come to Myanmar. We trust the UN which wins the reliance of all nations and all peoples. We would like to say that we want the delegation not to convey only the message of the current ugly incident instigated by a group of internal and external traitors at the expense of the Sasana but wish the delegation to convey the message of building of a new State in accord with the seven-step Road Map, successful completion of the National Convention, the fruitful results and relentless efforts to march towards a new disciplined democratic State.
The NC had been convened successfully and the basic principles and detailed basic principles laid down. So, we support the National Convention and the Constitution.
In support of the National Convention and the State Constitution Member of Kachin State maternal and Child Welfare Association Daw Inbran Dwe Bu said that Myanmar has been an independent and sovereign nation since yore. Myanmar had lost her independence and sovereignty for various reasons. But the independence was regained through concerted efforts of the people who were equipped with Union Spirit, she added.
There were two constitutions— one that was based on the Parliamentary Democracy and another one that was based on the Socialist Economy—after the independence was regained. The two constitutions were abolished as they were not in conformity with the time. Hence, a new constitution is a must for the nation.

Since its assumption of the State responsibilities, the Tatmadaw made relentless efforts for prevalence of peace and stability. It formed the National Convention Convening Commission and held the National Convention from 9 January 1993 to 30 March 1996. The National Convention was adjourned in 1996. It resumed on 17 May 2004 and completed on 3 September 2007. The National Convention has laid down fundamental principles and detailed basic principles for the drawing of the State constitution. In the detailed basic principles there are some principles covering the welfare of mothers, children and old and infirm persons. Those principles brought the rights of citizens. Therefore, the constitution soon to emerge would be in conformity with the wishes of the people, he noted.
At present, efforts are being made day in, day out for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. In this regard, the National Convention was successfully completed. When the National Convention was in session there emerged attempts made by internal and external destructive elements to destroy the process of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. The destructive elements are attempting to smear the dignity of the nation and undermine the national unity. That is why all the people in Kachin State strongly condemned the acts of the destructive elements in line with the four people’s desires. Myanmar people are the ones with patriotic spirit ready to drive out intruders when their nation is encroach upon, she disclosed.
She said that we are sure that the constitution soon to emerge would be able to give rise to the emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed and discipline flourishing democratic nation aspired by the people. Therefore, she seconded the National Convention and the State Constitution tabled by U Min Kyi, she said.

In support of the National Convention and the State constitution Maj Aung Win (Retd) of Kachin State War Veterans Organization said that the national goal is the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation. Therefore, the government is making all-out efforts for the emergence of an enduring State constitution while striving for economic development, human resources development and prevalence of peace and stability. Drawing lessons from the past, the government made efforts for the emergence of a constitution that is in conformity with the nation, race and culture and customs. In the process, the National Convention was held under the six objectives. One of the objectives is to ensure the Tatmadaw to participate in the national political leadership role. The National Convention which laid down fundamental principles and detailed basic principles was successfully completed on 3 September 2007. Regarding the Tatmadaw, the National Convention has laid down some facts that the Tatmadaw is a single Tatmadaw that is strong and modern; that the Tatmadaw has the duty to safeguard the State constitution; that the Tatmadaw has the duty to ensure non-disintegration of Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty; that the Tatmadaw has the rights to ensure the participation of the entire people in national security and defence; that the Tatmadaw has the leadership role in safeguarding the nation; and that the Tatmadaw is the main armed force to defend the nation.

The Tatmadaw plays a leading role in building a peaceful modern and developed nation. Besides, a basic principle which prohibits the deployment of any foreign force in the nation is proper and appropriate for national security and defence.
At present, there have emerged attempts of destructive elements to get the nation under foreign subjugation. Hence, the entire national people with the national awareness are to ward off the dangers of the destructive elements. Now, thanks to concerted efforts of the State and the people the nation is beginning to take shape and the State constitution will soon emerge. That is why he seconded the National Convention and the State constitution, he said.
U Za Khun Tin Ring of Kachin State Special Region-1 said that we are pleased to hear that the National Convention was successfully convened.
Like the national races throughout the nation, those in Kachin State are longing for regional peace and tranquillity and development. Local national races have enjoyed unprecedented peace and rule of law in Kachin State. Kachin State Special Region-1 has understood the genuine goodwill of the State and established mutual trust and peace. We have also carried out regional development tasks and are delighted to enjoy regional peace and development together with the people.
To practise political, economic and social systems that are in conformity with current conditions, a constitution that contributes to the interests of the people will be needed. The constitution is important for the future state. Therefore, we had supported the NC that drafted the constitution.
The National Convention had been convened with the people representatives. Our delegation of Kachin Special Region-1 frankly took part in the discussions of the NC and the National Convention was a genuine one. The State’s three powers— Judiciary Power, Executive Power and Legislative Power— exactly had been laid down. Regarding national races affairs, the State will help raise development of languages, literature and culture of national races, and friendship and unity among the national races, and carry out tasks for development of education, health, economic and transport sectors of the local national races in the underdeveloped region. So, we are delighted at the State constitution to be emerged.
We believe that the basic principles laid down in the NC will build a peaceful modern developed democratic State that guarantees Our Three Main National Causes. Therefore, we support the National Convention and the State Constitution.
Dr Manam Tu Ja of Kachin State Special Region (2) said that the National Convention was convened to draw an enduring State constitution. The Special Region (2) supported and attended the NC. The region also attended the mass rallies to support the NC and the State’s seven-step Road Map.
The region will make contribution towards the follow-up proceedings of the NC. The nation will be transformed into a peaceful, modern and developed discipline-flourishing democratic one through the forthcoming constitution. So, the region supports the NC and the forthcoming State constitution.
He said that the two previous constitutions featured chapters on fundamental rights and duties of citizens, but they were not enough. However, the National Convention has adopted a sufficient number of fundamental rights and duties of citizens. Among the 50 detailed basic principles are:
The State shall enable any citizen to enjoy equal rights before the law and shall equally provide legal protection. The State shall not discriminate against or in favour of any citizen based on race, birth, religion, official position, status, culture, gender and wealth.
Women shall be entitled to the same rights and salaries as that received by men in respect of similar work.
Mothers, children and expectant mothers shall enjoy rights as prescribed by law.
The right of the citizens to develop their language, literature, culture they cherish, religion they profess, and customs without prejudice to the relations between one national race and another, or among national races and to other faiths.
One of the principles regarding the religious point of view says “Every citizen is equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess and practise religion subject to public order, morality or health and to the other provisions of the State Constitution”.
These principles cover rights of all citizens, sovereignty, and national interests, and reflect the way of life and desire of national races. So, the people of the region support the National Convention and the State Constitution, he said.
Then, the chairman sought the approval of the people and passed a resolution to support the NC and State Constitution and to uphold Our Three Main National Causes.

The attendees chanted slogans “non-disintegration of the Union (our cause, our cause) , non-disintegration of national solidarity (our cause, our cause), and perpetuation of sovereignty (our cause, our cause), the State’s seven-step Road Map (must succeed, must succeed). The rally ended at 9.30 am.