Mahn Ba Zan & the Karen Revolution

Acknowledgment

For the successful accomplishment of this book, from the very outset, I would like to thank all the great leaders, comrades, and my children for their kind help and cooperation. My deepest gratitude goes to:Encomia provided by patriotic leaders and comrades-in-arm who have fought together with the author’s father;
Artists Saya Tin Tun (KNU), Saya Kyaw Hsan (Karen Historical Research Department), and Saya Saw Ngo (ABSDF);
Typesetting of the manuscript by Saya Tone Tone (KNU);
Taping and editing by children - Second Lieutenant Hla Tun Oo, W.O II Kyaw Moe Naing, Saya Kyaw Ze Ya, Sayama Si Si Zan, and the author’s comrade-in-arm Saya Myo Win;
Transposing to computer fonts by ABSDF’s Saya Lwin Moe, Sayama Aye Aye Lwin, and all their associates;
Helping in morale and Authentication by Major Mu Too (KNU)
Dr. Naing Aung (ABSDF)
Mahn Aung Htay (Karen Historical Research Department).

I wish to dedicate this book to the honor of both of my parents who had faithfully participated and fought till the end of their lives for the national democratic revolution, and for love, understanding and peace among all ethnic nationalities.



Foreword

To my esteemed readers:

I have tried to publish Mahn Ba Zan and the Karen Revolution since the later part of 1991. While trying to assemble all the information, including tapes made by the principal and others, copying them, authenticating and editing them, ascertaining dates, etc., - the enemy SLORC/ later SPDC (State Law and Order Restoration Council/ later State Peace and Development Council) troops began offensive operations against the very central headquarters of Manerplaw, and I had to take the command of the DAB (Democratic Alliance of Burma) troops in defending the positions of TweePahWeeKyo (KweAikTaung), and the MehLehHta battlefield, and thus had to temporarily discontinue and postpone this publication project.

Because of the cessation of fighting against the SLORC/SPDC troops under the command of Major General Maung Hla and Brigadier General Aye Kyaw, respectively of Infantry Division 66 and 88, following the shameful defeat with great losses of their futile offensive operations, resumption of attempts to publish this book was possible.

The several sources of this book came from: tapes recorded by Mahn Ba Zan; a book written by Mahn Ba Zan and the author’s younger brother, Lt. Colonel Baldwin Zan; History of the Karen Revolution by P’Doh Sgaw Ler Taw; a book on the Karen History prepared by KNU Organization Department; a book on the Revolution Program by Saya Tha Htoe; History of the Combined Command by the Democratic Alliance of Burma (DAB) General Secretary Kaing Soe Naing Aung, also Vice Present of the Arakan Liberation Party; The Four-foot Colonel by General Smith Dun; and Martin Smith’s BURMA, Insurgency and the Politics of Ethnicity.

Again, while trying to continue with the preparation of this book, another interruption came when enemy troops began operations in the SawHta area, and the author and the DAB troops under my command had to rush over to the SawHta as well as to KyaukHynat and PahHaik battle areas.

Time permitting, research on this book was continued while in the battle areas, and after six months of command duty of military operations, request for leave was obtained from Major General Maung Maung, the DAB Military Secretary, and the work for publication was resumed. Should there be any weakness or error in some points concerning Mahn Ba Zan and the Karen Revolution, the author takes responsibility for these deficiencies.

Although lacking in exposure and experience, inevitably resulting in some mistakes or oversight, the author has no intention of harming or diminishing the illustrious Mahn Ba Zan and the historical aspect of the Karen Revolution. The author wishes to state that any blunder or lapse would be entirely his own shortcoming.

It is my hope and belief that after reading this book, researchers and brothers and sisters of all nationalities who are interested in the Karen movement will come to understand the Karen heritage and can be more sympathetic toward the Karen people.

We are not those who wish to destroy the Union, neither are we separatists nor followers of expansionists, and must let all our fellow ethnic nationalities with similar destiny that we will strive for:

1. the long duration of love and allegiance among all nationalities;
2. the establishment of a genuine Federal Union;
3. belief in the united fight and celebrate the success of democracy and the right of all peoples, and everlasting peace;
4. the uniting forever of the Karens and brothers and sisters in the same situation as long as the world exists;
5. preserving and defending the basic rights and authority of the country;
6. a peaceful and prosperous life together in a genuine Federal Union;

And these comprise our solemn vow.

Respectfully,
Mahn Robert Ba Zan
(Pukidoh)