Creation of the History of the Panglong Conference Based on the “National Solidarity” Image: Myanmar Authority’s Arbitrary Reference to the Narrative by a Shan Activist: Htun Myint

Abstract

This paper examines the process of molding the official history of the Panglong Conference, which was held in February 1947 in Myanmar. According to the history shaped by the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP), the Burmese nationalist leader Aung San and minorities’ representatives agreed to establish the union state. Hence, “Panglong” is interpreted as the symbol of national solidarity today. While the BSPP used the above history to appeal its legitimacy, it viewed the military as a guardian of the multiracial country. The “national solidarity” image of the Panglong Conference was reinforced under restricted freedom of speech. During the critical moment of the 8888 uprising, the Committee for the Compilation of Authentic Facts of Myanmar History again edited the history of the Panglong Conference. To make the history more inclusive and to base it on the “national solidarity” image, the committee used the narratives of various people who joined in the event. Htun Myint was one of the activists who founded the Shan State Freedom League, and he referred to the Panglong Conference as a means of requesting minorities’ rights after Independence. However, the committee hid Htun Myint’s political views and accepted only those parts of his narrative that supported their position.