29 December 2024
Esteemed Arkha ethnic people brethren,
I would like to extend my best wishes for the physical and mental well-being of all the national race people of the Union residing in Myanmar together with Arkha ethnic people on the 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) Arkha National Day which falls on 28 December 2024, today.
The Arkha National Day, which began in 1975 under the leadership of the Arkha ethnic group’s leaders, has since been celebrated annually with unity by various Arkha communities. This celebration has continued to grow in scale and success, and now, it has reached the significant milestone of its 50th anniversary. I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to express my joy at this National Day event, where the unity, stability, peace, and prosperity of the Arkha people are being showcased.
The Arkha people have been residing together in unity with the indigenous ethnic groups of Myanmar, particularly in the Shan State (East), since the early 11th century, when they first settled and established their presence in the region. They have done so with a spirit of cooperation and a sense of national unity based on the Union spirit. While the Arkha people primarily follow their native Arkhazan religion, like other ethnic groups in the area, they also adhere to Buddhism and Christianity. They live peacefully under the guidance of their respective religious teachings.
Regarding Arkha literature, it is noteworthy that, since 2008, the Arkha ethnic group has successfully developed their own literature.
This accomplishment highlights the efforts and dedication of the Arkha people to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
The Arkha people take pride in maintaining their clothing, culture, language, and traditional customs, just as they weave and wear their own garments.
It is noteworthy that they continue to preserve these cultural elements to prevent them from fading away.
According to their beliefs, traditional customs, and rituals, the Arkha people celebrate seasonally traditional festivals, where they joyfully participate alongside people of all ethnicities.
The Arkha people have collaborated with the Tatmadaw throughout generations to maintain regional peace, stability and the rule of law. As a result, the region where the Arkha people reside, Shan State (East), has seen notable progress and development in various sectors, including economy, society, education, and healthcare. As a testament to the advancement in education, we now see Arkha individuals actively and commendably serving in various roles within the country’s defence, education, healthcare, and administrative sectors, as Tatmadaw members and civil servants. Given that the Arkha people inhabit border areas adjacent to neighbouring countries such as China, Laos, and Thailand, they play a vital role in fostering goodwill and friendship between the peoples of these nations. By ensuring border stability and promoting border trade and development, they contribute significantly to the progress and growth of the nation on one hand.
Since assuming the responsibilities of the State, the State Administration Council has prioritized the interests of the nation and its people.
It has established visions, the Roadmap, and objecties aimed at achieving equitable, comprehensive development across the country. Regarding the ending of armed conflicts which are occurring in certain regions of the country, initiatives have been extended to resolve these political issues through political means and dialogue. However, it has been observed that some ethnic armed groups, turning a blind eye to their regional and ethnic interests, continue to engage in acts of terrorism persistently.
As the Arkha people have collaborated and aligned with the path taken by the government, they have witnessed improvements and progress in their socioeconomic lives. Therefore, the Arkha people must continue to maintain their cooperation with the government, ensuring regional stability and peace while fostering development in various socio-economic sectors. They should work towards further enhancing the benefits for their region and their community.
As the Arkha people, we have already made significant contributions to the history of our nation and region that can be remembered as milestones, and we believe we will continue to make such contributions. Furthermore, as the Arkha people, we strive to preserve and protect our deeply rooted history, traditions, customs, and cultural heritage to ensure they are not lost.
Through occasions like this National Day, we aim to showcase the unity of the Arkha people, elevate our pride, and actively work towards the betterment of our nation and region.
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the Arkha National Day, I send this message with pride and joy, encouraging all Arkha people to unite and contribute to these noble efforts for serving the interests of the State and the region.
Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu
Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing
Chairman, State Administration Council, Prime Minister
