The Killing Fields of Shan State
Roadmap to Nowhere
In May 2004, the Burmese junta re-launched its National Convention on the Constitution. The convention is the first step in the junta's recently announced "roadmap to democracy." The convention participants have been hand-picked by the junta and there are some important people missing. Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy, isn't there as she is under house arrest. Many of the country's ethnic nationalities, including the Shan League for Democracy, aren't at the constitutional table either.
The junta has tried this before when they called a constitutional convention in 1993. The talks went nowhere and the National League for Democracy finally walked out. The junta insists that a new constitution must entrench a permanent role for the military in the governance of the country. This continues to be unacceptable to the democracy movement. After all, it was the National League for Democracy that overwhelmingly won the snap elections in 1990, only to be prevented by the military from assuming office.
The aging generals of the junta aren't interested in democracy. But Burma's stature as an international pariah is hurting. U.S. trade sanctions, along with inept economic management, have left the economy reeling. And Burma's Asian neighbours, increasingly frustrated with the outflow of drugs and refugees, are pressing the regime to show some progress towards political change. The constitutional convention is a charade, its only purpose to demonstrate that the generals are sincere in finding a way towards democracy.
And so, the refugees sheltering on the top of this ridge will continue to live here into the foreseeable future. When the morning mist lifts, they can see the valley below where they once tilled the soil, built their homes, and raised their children. From here, the valley appears like a green oasis amidst a landscape of tumbled rock. But like so many other parts of Burma, it is a valley of darkness and fear, ruled by men with guns.
The photos featured in this essay are of Karen and Shan State. Photos were taken by Inter Pares staff and the 
Karen Human Rights Group.
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| Reviewed July 31, 2009 |  |
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