The 63rd Chin National Day Celebration & Decennial Anniversary of Chin Refugee Day in Malaysia

Photo- VOCR

Kuala Lumpur (VOCR): 22 Feb, 2011, Chin national day that falls on the 20^th February is remarked as the very significant and historic for the people of Chin as all of us across the globe commemorated the Day every yearly in each of our respective living and stranding by a variety of games and a great kind of celebration exercise. The sport games this year in Malaysia included football, volleyball, sepak takraw (most popular in Asian region) and other competitions and traditional wrestling, which is a very much-expected performance ahead, were held from 16 January to 19 Feb in Imbi playground, Imbi, Kuala Lampur. 

Back to history, the National Day on which the freedom and self-determination was ever momentously achieved by a mass conference in Falam, Chin State on February 20, 1948 after the Union of Burma won "Independence" from British government. Until present, for Chins, the day always newly brings a conception of freedom and democracy ever achieved from the mainland government in our mind in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. It is honestly the greatest day for Chins in history. 

The games, starting in advance from January 16 as a part of commemorating the 63^rd National Day and the 10^th Anniversary of Chin Refugee Day in Malaysia—the great Two days for Chins in Malaysia and mainly organized by sport committee under the administration of CRC, were wrapped up on Feb 19 then followed by the National Day and decennial anniversary of Chin Refugee Day celebration on 20^th Feb in Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

 

It was truly unique that all representing leaders from tribal-based communities run under the ACR and CRC came into a profound nationalism and united spirit and throwing their best effort for the possibility of the splendid event of our National Day as well as the day that accepts Chins as refugee officially by the office of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR). Truth, Chins seeking refuge under the protection of UNHCR in Malaysia are not the economic migrant but the ones fleeing the country to escape from the brutal human rights violation, forced labor, portering, recruitment for army and the cause of religious repression intentionally committed by the inhumane military regime.

In the program on 20^th Feb, it was seen that several representatives of NGOs; ACTS (A Call To Serve), SUARAM (Human Right Watchdog on Malay Government), TANATAHNEGA (An Organization for Health and other services supporting for human trafficking victims and refugees as well) and UNHCR gingerly shared their short speeches towards the Chin society. Other statements also were read. Mr. Salai Bawi Lian Mang, director Chin Human Right Organization and the one who knocked the door of the office of UNHCR in Malaysia for Chins was given special chance for special speech—addressing what has been faced in the past years and current issues and need for the unity in the future. 

Meanwhile, it was believed that every attendee in the joint celebration in Chinese Assembly hall best enjoyed all performances lining up for the whole day long, including performances, such as, traditional dances, cultural fashion show and music entertainment by various singers from communities.  

Although the most-expected event of national day and 10^th anniversary of being refugee in Malaysia are held in 20^th Feb, the loss of Pa Mau U, 13 yrs, from Ngaiphaite village, Thantlang Township, Chin state, during the games in 19^th Feb was saluted by a silence for one minute and prayer for the rest of his family while the first section program were being held. 



By Simon