Students and Politics

Students and Politics

Dated: 01~10~2005

By Robert Sanga Hualngo

Literally student means a person who is studying at school, university or another places of higher education. There are several reasons why student wants to study. Some students study in order to achieve something great in life, to know the art of living, to become well educated and live a respectable life in society. Studying politics means studying the real world and developing the skills to make sense of that world.

The study of politics includes basic information about governments, public opinion, law, historical and current issues and explores broad issues of power, conflict, peace, citizenship, representation and justice. Students of politics explore many different dimensions of political life, ranging from small groups to citizens organizations, cities, countries and the international system. Graduate students of political science are recognized as flexible people who can fit into a variety of position in modern life.

Student's participation in politics play very important role as college student's agenda for the nation is strongly progressive. Students provide the energy and idealism that drive social and political changed. The first strike made by students in 1920 against the British colonialism policies marked the entry of students into national politics in Burma. Many college students of Burma have joined politics, risking life and limb for the civil rights cause and freedom. It was the beginning of youth movement that ultimately changed the face of Burma and gained independence from British administration on 4th January, 1948. Indeed, the civil rights and nationalist movement led by former students leader like General Aung San is a source of inspiration.

From 1948 to until 1962, Burma was governed by a parliamentary democracy based on the September 1947 constitution. Although the political structure was a unitary system, the country was divided into seven states and seven divisions. In March 1962, military coup took place in which General Ne Win took power. He then instituted a one-party rule under military control. Burmese military rule can be classified into two phases: from 1962 to 1974 was the first phase of absolute military rules; and from 1974 to 1988 was the second phase of constitutional dictatorship. Since the military took power political conflicts, underground communist movements, student demonstrations and ethnic insurgencies remained unresolved. This is because the Burma Army has absorbed a large proportion of the country budget and resources.

In August 1988, there was nation-wide demonstration for freedom and democracy in which many students have participated. Students leader Min Ko Naing have made the right kind of appeal to the government and call the young students to get involved in politics. He could once again awaken a powerful response on the nation's campuses. However, the army used harsh measures to crush demonstrations by killing and arresting many students, politicians and common people. On 27 May, 1990 general elections were held in which the main party National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi won 81 per cent of the seats. In the elections, college students care about the issues of the day and exercise their right to vote. A few believe that working on political campaign can help society better. However, there was a complete failure to honor the election results and to transfer power to a dully elected civilian government.

Students concern about and willingness to help the vulnerable and disadvantages demonstrate that they can be engaged in politics. As Burma a fertile country rich in natural resources was designated "Least Developed Country" by the United Nations in 1987, students are concerned more with the impact they will have and less with the ideal they will serve in politics.

If candidates, political parties and social-changed organization hope to involve young people, they should keep in mind the following important points:

1) Young people want to make a difference, not just a statement.

2) Students are looking for honest leaders who understand young people's concerns.

3) Provide avenues for individual empowerment and celebrate the power of voting.

4) Build a bridge between direct service and politics and public services.

5) Support and encourage young women.

6) To reach this generation, use mass communication i.e, Television, Radio, Newspaper, Magazines and Journals.

7) Parents must lay the ground work for students and discuss politics openly at home.
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References:
Peter D. Hart, Research Associates, Panetta Institute (2001). Making a Difference, Not a Statement: College Students and Politics, Volunteering, and an Agenda for America.
Lecture notes from Political Theory, Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi, class of 2003/2004

Burmese Brain Drain

"Brain Drain"

Dated: 01-08-2009

By Robert Sanga Hualngo

The term brain drain is generally uses to point out the problem of immigration face by underdeveloped countries. People resettle from small villages to bigger cities and from developing countries to highly developed countries. There are many causes which are responsible for a large number of emigrations from third world countries to various places.

Burmese military regime had created civil war of discrimination against fellow citizens for more than six decades. Thousands of people were killed in several occasions of demonstration against the regime. The tyranny had ruined the economy, education and health care system of the country. As a result of which there are millions of Burmese immigrants in the neighboring countries.

The country lost human resources as most people had immigrated. The bad economic situation makes it hard to find a job. The regime is not interested in providing good facilities and social services to the poor. There is a very little option of employment even for the skillful individuals. That's why they have to leave their native places. The suffering of the ordinary people increased as more and more educated had migrated.

Many Burmese have found a better living condition abroad. They got good rewards for their investment. It’s wonderful that they could live a comfortable life. But it’s also important to remember those who are left behind below poverty line in the country. Their condition gets worst because they experience the dramatic drain of resourceful people among them.

I hope that each Burmese will seriously consider in serving our beloved people and country. I know that nationwide awakening can be generated by the feeling of patriotism and nationalism. It would be very supportive for all the immigrants to organize a successful revolution against the regime as to reverse the problem of Burmese brain drain.

Kan Ram Dinhmun

Kan Ram Dinhmun

Dated: 13-07-2009
By Sui Than Sanga

Pathian zarah kan ram Burma/Myanmar chu January 4, 1948 khan Bristish kuthnuai atang zalenna kan lo hmu a ni. General Aung San leh mipui trangrualin kan ram zalenna tan an nunna hlu takte an lo hlan tawh a ni. Kum 61 zet hnuah kan ramin hmasawn lam a pan theih lohna chhang ber chu sipai pawlin thuneihna an chelh tlat vang a ni.

Mipui thlangtling ram hruaitu kan neih laiin kan ram chu Asia khuamual mai bakah khawvelah pawh ram hausa tak leh chengna hmun nuam tak a lo ni thin tawh a ni. Prime Minister hmasa ber U Nu chu March 2, 1962 khan General Ne Win chuan a hnawl kiang tak vangin sipai pawlin dan lo takin ramrorelna an nei tan ta a ni. Sipaitein an thuneihna leh hamthatna tan chauh hna an thawh vangin mipuitein buaina nasa tak kan tawng a ni.

Ram leh hnam tan hnathawh tum lo sipaite rorelna chu thlak danglam turin August, 1988 khan mipuitein beihpui thlakin kawng an zawh vangin sipai kuttuarin a sangtelin an boral a ni. Mipui thinrim bendai turin May, 1990 kumah inthlanpui buatsaih ah National League for Democracy party chuan mipui vote 80% aitam a hmuh vangin thlangtling a ni. Party hruaitu Pi Aung San Suu Kyi chu mipui tan hnatha tam tak a thawh vangin 1991 kumah khawvelah lawman sang ber Nobel Peace Prize chawimawina a dawng a ni. Mipuitein lungrual takin an thlangtling party hnenah sipaitein thuneihna an pek loh vangin buaibelh zel a ni.

Ramroreltu sipaite chungah zirlaitein lawm lohna an neih tam em vangin October leh December, 1996 khan kawng an zawh leh a ni. Kawngzawh zingah tel zirlaite chu sipaitein manbetin an hrem a ni. Kawng engkimah mipuitein harsatna an tawng chhunzawm zel vangin Buddhist puithiam pawl nen trangrualin September, 2007 khan rampum huapin kawg an zawh nawn leh a ni. Sipai pawlin kawngzawhtu a sangtelin man betin an hrem nasat vangin boralta pawh an tam hle a ni. Mi vannei thenkhate chu ramdangah an tlang chhuak hman a ni.

General Ne Win, Saw Maung leh Than Shwe tein dan chihrang hrang bawhchhiain rorelna an neih vangin mipui maktaduaih chuang meuh ramchhungah cheng thei lovin awm a ni. Sipai hruaitutein politics hrisel lo tak mai an khelh vangin Pi Aung San Suu Kyi leh mipui hruaitute a sang telin lungin an tang mek a ni. Sipai sisual taktein hmeichhia tam tak an pawngsual mai bakah khuachhak lam khuate 3,300 aitam an hal kang bawk a ni. Chin, Kachin, Karen, Shan, Mon, Arakan pawltein Burma sipai ramrorelna duh lova silai chelhin an dodalna pawh a rei tawh hle a ni. Hollywood Action Star Sylvestar Stallone chuan Rambo 4 tih film ah Burma sipaitein Karen hnam leh a ramchhung mipuite chungah an nun rawng dan chiang takin a tarlang bawk a ni.

May, 2008 khan Nargis thlichhia nasa lutuk tak a hrang vangin kan ram mipuitein an neih chhun tam tak an hlauh bakah trumkhatah a nuaihtelin thiboralna thleng an tawng a ni. May, 1990 kumah inthlanpui pawh pawm lovin 2010 thleng hunna sipai pawlin inthlanpui buatsaih nawn leh an tum a ni. Ramrorelna tha lo tak hnuaiah awm kan ram, leilung, khua, chengna hmun leh kan unau leina, thiantha duhtakte chu ramdang hmundang atang chuan an ngaihawm thei khawp mai. Kan ram sipaitein ramchhung mipui tan zalenna, inangkhatna leh mipui hnenah ramrorelna a pek hma loh zawng chu kan ram dinhmunin hmasawn changkang chhoh lam a pan thei dawn lo a ni.
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Nargis Thlichhia Tuartute

By Robert Sanga Haungo
Dated: 22-06-2008


Pathianin Burma ram chu hun rei tak chhung a lo veng him hnuah May 2, 2008 khan mipuitein Nargis thlichhia nasa takin an tuar a ni. Burma ram chauh sawi loh Asia khuamual hian Nargis thlichhia ai ropui thlichhia hi tun hma zawng chuan vawikhat mah a la tawng ngai lo a ni. Nargis thlichhia vangin Burma ram mipui a nuaih telin boralna leh harsatna rapthlak an tuar a ni.

Burma sipai sorkar suaksual takin ramdang atang mipuite tan tanpuina a lak luh duh lawk loh vangin mitam tak chu an thihbelh pah a ni. Burma sipai sorkar chuan mipuite tanpui aiin thuneihna a chelh chhunzawm theihna nan inthlangna buatsaih a ngai pawimawh zawk hi chu a mak ve khawp mai. Khawvelah sipai awpna leh sorkar tha lo tam tak zingah hian Burma sipai sorkar hi a sisual ber a ni. Thuneitu tam zawk hi Kawlkerang pawl an nih vangin Kawltha awm nual mahse Kawlhnam hi chu ka ngaihdan chuan hnamchhiava, hnamchawm leh hnam ngil nei lo tak an ni.

Sorkar puitling pakhat chuan a ramchhung mipuite tan theih ang tawkin thiltha a tihsak tur a ni. Burma sipai sorkar erawh chu mipuite harsat zual ber laiin tanpuina pek hi a tum hran lo a ni. Ramdang atang tanpuina rawn thawn thlengte pawh hlawhkham lo sipai rualtein an zuar ruk vangin kimchang takin mipui hnenah thil a thleng thei lo a ni. Awmna hmun nei lo hmeichhia vakvai thenkhate chu sipai pawl pawngsualnate an tawng thu hi www.changeforburma.org tih website ah hian tarlang a ni.

Kawl sipaitein Chin, Kachin, Karen, Mon leh Shan etc hnam hmeichhiate pawngsual an ching thin zia thu hi www.burmaguide.net ah hian tarlang a ni. A bik takin Karen hnam hian kawl sipai pawl tih duhdahna hi an tuar nasa zual a ni. Tiangin Kawlkerang pawl hian hnam dangte chungah rilru chhia tak an put vangin tuntrum Nargis thlichhia hi hnam dang zawng zawng aiin Kawlin an tuar nasa zual bik niin ka hria tlat a ni.

Pathianin Nargis thlichhia tuartute zawng zawng hnenah thlamuana pein tanpuina pechhuaktute zawng zawng hnenah a letin malsawm rawhse.

Min Bolig

Dated: 10-11-2008
Av Robert Sanga Hualngo


Jeg bor i Ivar Aasens Gate-9D, 6508 Kristiansund i åtter måneder nå. Jeg bor i første estajse. Jeg leier hus fra Kristiansund kommune. Jeg har et sove rom, stue, badrom og kjøkkene. Stua er stor og badet er også kjempebra.

Jeg har to Norske og en Burmesisk naboer. Min Norske nabo i første estasje spiller musikk nesten alltid. Så jeg kan spare strøm a høre musikk. Derfor liker jeg min nabo. Men han liker ikke å snakke mye. Han er bare en hyggelig person.

I andre estasje bor min Burmesisk nabo. Naboer heter Koko Tun. Han bor alene også. Jeg besøker han på Lørdag. Jeg har to eller tre besøk på Lørdag og Søndag.

Jeg vasker min leilighet hver Fredag. Jeg bruke en vaskekost og vaskebøtt med soft å vaske stue og kjøkken. Jeg vet at hygiene er veldig viktig. Jeg trives I Ivar Aasens Gate fordi jeg tror der bor mange viktige mennesker. Så politi også kommer hver dag å se at alt gå bra.

Jeg bor i sentrum så jeg kan gå til mange butikker. Jeg kan kjøpe mat fra Kiwi, Coop Mega eller Asia butikk. Jeg kjøper klær fra Cubus og Dress man. Ekspeditrisen klær og mat butikk i hele Kristiansund er nesten alle fint. De er veldig flint å salge klær eller mat også.

Leiligheten min har gul farge i inne. Detter farge er veldig popular. Utten har litt grønn farge. Kristiansund kommune hus i Ivar Aasens Gate har litt grønn farge. Jeg liker denne fargen fordi detter er veldig fin for meg.

Min bolig er så gammel nå. Derfor er leilighet min ikke så moderne. Jeg tror de er bygget i 1945 men den er veldig bra og koselig å bo i.

Short Note on Political Violence

Note on Political Violence

Dated:16-04-2009
By Robert Sanga 

Aristotle was the first political scientist who discussed the nature and causes of political violence. He pointed out that change in the balance of social forces in a particular state was responsible for political violence. In fact, violence is a purposeful political action to register protest of certain sections of society against "Wrong" policies of the government. Aggression and violence have been a part of human history since the ancient times. In modern times, revolution as a form of political violence is carried out to change the form of government and to transform social structure.

There are many causes that give birth to political violence. Men take recourse to violence as a last resort. People decide to use violent methods when they think that their survival as a family, community and state will have to have to suffer no end. If the non-violent actions and legal methods failed to deliver good for them, then people usually take to violent. The following are some of the causes for political violence.

1) General Causes

Wrong and oppressive policies of the bad government create resentment in the mind of the people. As a result of excessive taxation, hike in the prices of essential commodities, excessive use of force to put down peaceful agitation are some of the general causes of violence. Kautilya of Indian political philosopher was of the opinion that impoverishment of the people, greediness of the government and dissatisfaction between one another are some of the causes that turn into political violence.

2) The concept of national self- determination

During the last two centuries a large number of countries of Third World became colonies of Western countries. They wanted to free themselves from foreign domination. Hence, they waged violent struggles against foreign rule. Burmese liberation movements have been under the leadership of violent movement. Even developed countries like Great Britain and Canada faced the problem of secession in Northern Ireland and Quebec respectively.

3) Ideology

In modern times, ideology has played an important role in the spread of political violence. Ideology mobilizes people and gives them a certain cause to wage struggle against the state. Most of the movements in modern times are ideology in character. Fascism and Nazism were two such ideologies. Italy and Germany glorified force and used extreme forms of violence to capture political power during Second World War.

4) Religions and ethnic conflicts

Many of the west European countries witnessed religions conflicts during the 17th and 18th centuries. The conflict was basically between the Catholics and the Protestant. Inter-Religions conflicts take place between two religions communities, between Christian and Muslim, Jews and Muslim, Hindu and Muslim. The radical groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan wanted to purify their religion and take to an extreme form of violence.

Cultural and ethnic minorities want to preserve their separate identity. They want to secure and protect their rights which usually led to violence. These minorities are formed on the basis of race, religion, language and culture. Different nationalities in Burma, Quebec province in Canada, Northern Ireland in Great Britain, different minorities in India, the Chechen in Russia, Tibetans in China, Kurds in Iraq and Iran are some of the example of this type of violence. In some cases like Sri Lanka, the struggle of minorities assumed the form of extremely separatist violence.

5) Political disputes between different elite groups

Governing elite in each state consist of groups, factions and these groups are involved in power politics. These groups and factions use violent methods to secure support of the people. Political disputes among the elite may result in splits and divisions in the ruling group. In Burma the elected government under the leadership of U Nu was overthrown on March 2, 1962 by military coup led by General Ne Win. Burma became directly under the influence of military government since then.

6) Economic conditions and the concept of relative deprivation

Economic condition gives birth to different types of political violence because they generate resentment in the minds of the people. It is the wrong policies of the government to push a large section of the people into below poverty line. As a result of this there is growing inflation, decline living standards of the people, price rise, unemployment and non-availability of essential commodities in the market. These factors force people to take streets and participate in violent demonstrations against the irresponsible government.

Through out Burma, workers, farmers, students and other sections of the society took part in demonstrations to protest against the military government in August, 1988 which is popularly known as 8888. The military administrators had responded the peaceful demonstrations of the people brutally and repressively. However, military of Burma had not achieved it objects of silencing them forever for which there has been a very strong and powerful revolution led by some students and the monks against them. If the military continuously fail to address the economic hardship, deprive justices, rights and freedom of expressions there will be regeneration of people movement in Burma sooner or later.

The workers, farmers and the common people must develop consciousness about their rights in their mind. When a section of people begin to believe in successful revolution, it takes recourse to agitation. The feeling of relative deprivation of all the people can easily gives birth to political violence.

7) Support by neighboring countries

Sustained political violence in a state always get support from the neighboring countries. Burma has been trading its forest wealth, mineral and natural resource for a cheap bargain in order to purchase weapons from neighboring countries. The military used the weapons to kill the monks, students and common people instead of protecting them.

There exist different forms of political violence because of the above mentioned seven point of causes for political violent. Some different forms of political violence are known as follow:

1) Violent protest by the people

2) Terrorism

3) Military Revolts and Military Coups

4) Revolts and rebellions

5) War and Revolution

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Reference:
Lectures notes from Political Theory - MPS, IGNOU class of 2015.