June 6.
The US-based Chin Youth Organization of North America and 23 Chin youth groups issued a statement on June 5 calling on all Chin leaders and communities to unite and end inter-Chin violence.
In the statement, the Chin youth expressed their regret at the increasing tensions and the spread of hurtful rumors about the possibility of conflict among the Chin people, and said that no matter how much disagreements among the Chin people, there should never be a situation that leads to bloodshed among our people.
A former leader of a Chin youth organization based in Burma and currently serving as a leader in a civil society organization said, “I don’t want to reveal the name of my organization. But I have to say something when I see this statement. It makes me sad to see young people issuing statements urging leaders. Chin elders and current leaders in various sectors should think about this seriously. I want the youth organizations to unite. Now that they are taking up arms, it makes me even more worried. What good will it do for the youth when there is so much online bullying?”
He continued, “The role of the youth is very important now. We are seeing and hearing that some elders and leaders are arrogant and are passing on their own opinions to the youth. As we all know, not only the elders, but also the youth are seeing divisions among themselves. This should not happen among us. It is not just about revolution, but key players in various sectors should reconsider everything and consider from all perspectives for the future. We should also look forward to the future youth and improve ourselves.” He expressed his views on the statement.
The youth should firmly oppose the idea of war or violence among the Chin people and should not engage in power struggles or divide the younger generation. There may be differences of opinion among the elders, but the youth still have a path to move forward. The statement said that we believe in building unity and building a future based on mutual respect and hope.
Furthermore, we, as young people, would like to ask all leaders and all communities to not be influenced by internal distrust or fear, but to remember that we are one nation, the Chin people, and to overcome the challenges that lie ahead together.
This statement reflects that this is not a statement of blame from overseas, but a statement of love, and encourages us to choose the path of dialogue rather than division, and to lead peace and reconciliation among ourselves.
This statement was jointly issued by 23 Chin youth organizations, along with the Chin Youth Organization North America, based in the United States.
