49th anniversary of Rakhine State Day celebrated in Sittwe

 The 49th anniversary of Rakhine State Day was celebrated  at Khaing Thazin park in Sittwe township on 15 December amidst the tight security.

The ceremony was graced  by military council member Dr Ba Shwe, Rakhine State chief minister U Htein Lin, deputy minister of religious affairs & culture Daw Nu Mya Zan, deputy minister of ethnic affairs U Zaw Aye Maung, former military council member Dr Aung Kyaw Min  along with Rakhine State judges and State military council members.

Ba Shwe read the message sent by the military council chairman senior general Min Aung Hlaing on the auspicious occasion.

Rakhine State chief minister delivered a speech in commemoration of the sacred day.

258 awards were presented to individuals who had contributed significantly to the development of Rakhine State, those including social excellence honours and commendation certificates.

Rakhine State Day was designated by the Constitution of Myanmar in 1974, and on every 15 December it is observed.

Veteran Rakhine politician U Pe Than urged the Rakhine people not to perceive the day as a nominal designation bestowed verbally by the Myanmar's rulers. He further urged the people of Rakhine to collaborate with the Arakan Army (AA).

"This is a crucial moment for Rakhine State, and the people must stand with the AA as well as  unite and strive to reclaim their due rights. Relying on verbally granted rights by the military council is not a realistic aspiration. Genuine rights will only be secured if we collaborate with the AA to take back our sovereignty," he stated.

Even though it has been 49 years since Rakhine State Day was observed, the fundamental rights of forging one's own destiny and exercising self-determination (the core elements of Statehood) have not been fully realized. Despite the Arakan National Party (ANP) winning the public mandates in various multi-party elections, the absence of governing rights still persists which  allows the mainland political parties and Myanmar military generals to exert manipulation and even control.