Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 05 December 2024

The 6th Kaman National Day, which occurs on December 5, cannot be commemorated this year because of political unrest and persistent conflict in Arakan State, as stated by those engaged in Kaman people's matters.

U Zaw Ko Ko, a person who aids in Kaman people's affairs, voiced disappointment that the Kaman National Day, which is usually observed in various townships of Arakan State, including Yangon, could not be celebrated. He observed that the lack of celebration had weakened communication and solidarity among the Kaman people.

“As Kaman individuals, we desire to commemorate and come together, yet we are disappointed. The event is no longer feasible, since we cannot arrange or conduct it within a political organization. In Kyaukphyu, the Kaman community is residing in displacement camps, and we are also unable to celebrate in Thandwe. The Kaman people's inability to celebrate National Day stems not only from their economic situation but also from political factors,” he stated.

He mentioned that the economic prospects for the Kaman community have diminished, and the political climate has rendered it unfeasible to celebrate. Nonetheless, a short celebration is set to occur in Sittwe Township.

“We intend to organize a short celebration in Thet Kae Pyin village, Thayar Kone Ywa Ma village, and Thin Ga Net village in Sittwe. It will be an enjoyable occasion for the kids. Even though the phone lines are out of order, the festivities will occur in those three villages," he stated.

At present, the Kaman community in Yangon is striving to establish a prominent group. They primarily live in the townships of Mingaladon, Hmawbi, Htauk Kyant, Bwet Gyi, Thamine, and Thaketa.

Another Kaman individual stated, “In Kyaukphyu, there are just a small number of Kaman people, and in Ramree, there are none at all. Thandwe has 19 villages, the majority of which depend on agriculture. A lot of our population lives in poverty. Only individuals employed in the town or the water industry come to Yangon. The others journey from town to town, encountering many challenges. Even the Kaman individuals who arrive in Yangon feel uneasy due to the scarcity of job prospects. To survive, they need to construct their own vessels and aid each other. They cannot depend on support from organizations. In light of these conditions, how can we celebrate Kaman National Day?

In Sittwe, the Kaman community resides solely in three villages: Thet Kae Pyin, Thayar Kone Ywa Ma, and Thin Ga Net. The Kaman community also lives in the towns of Thandwe, Kyaukphyu, and Ramree.

In Thandwe, Arakan State, there are still villates populated by the Kaman community, with many members fleeing the current conflict.

The Kaman people, a Muslim ethnic group within the Arakan sub-groups, number approximately 15,000 across the country. They encounter discrimination not just in their native land, Arakan State, but also while escaping the conflict and searching for safety in Yangon.

Daw Khin May Phyu, a Kaman woman residing in Yangon, stated, “Previously, we Kaman individuals organized grand festivities in Yangon during national day , attended by state officials and other Arakan ethnic leaders. The events were filled with gatherings and customary cuisine. We can no longer have such celebrations now."

As per the individuals supporting the Kaman community's matters, there are roughly 2,000 displaced Kaman individuals residing in Yangon.

The Kaman community in Yangon escaped the violence in Arakan State, endangering their lives to get away from the turmoil. Nonetheless, they are encountering challenges in Yangon because of the shortage of employment options.