Today is Karen Revolution Day.
On January 31st, 1951 the Karen military stood against the Burmese military in Karen State, Burma to fight for the lives of the Karen people, as men were imprisoned against their will and made to fight alongside their enemies; women and children raped and killed with their husbands, brothers, and sons made to watch.
Sixty years of war has ravaged this nation. Sixty years of war with no end in sight. Sixty years with the potential of freedom and democracy stolen from just beyond the fingertips of the citizens of Burma.
Sixty years.
In refugee camps there are celebrations today celebrating the courage of so many Karen soldiers. They celebrate the option given to stand against oppression that was given to many this day sixty years ago.
But some do not think this day a celebration. Some believe that any war - any amount of violence - is nothing less than a tragedy.
On January 31st, 1951 the lives of millions were changed forever, as this day is looked to as one that began the fleeing of the 500,000 people (if not more) who have become refugees in Thailand.
No comments:
Post a Comment