Statement on the 79th Anniversary of the Myanmar Union Day
- February 12, 2026 marks the 79th Anniversary of the signing of the Panglong Agreement in 1947 in Myanmar (also known as Burma). For the 8th year, the Myanmar community residing in Indianapolis and friends are joining the people of Myanmar and those in the diaspora around the world in honoring this historic political achievement for Myanmar and its people.
- Under the leadership of U Aung San, on February 12, 1947, at a conference held at Panglong and attended by various members of the Executive Council of the Governor of Burma, all Shan Sawbwas and representatives of the Shan States, the Kachin Hills, and the Chin Hills, leaders signed the 9-point Panglong Agreement in the belief that it would speed up freedom from British colonial rule and with the intention to form a federal union based on the principles of federalist democracy and equality.
- Successive military dictatorships have not only failed to honor the Panglong Agreement, but have systematically undermined the prospects for democracy, peace, and prosperity in the country. Systematic rights violations, oppression, misrule, and mistrust for nearly 80 years have caused continued political crises and civil war, and forced thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons to flee their homes in search of safe haven and protection.
- We, the Convening Committee of the 79th Myanmar Union Day in Indianapolis, hereby urge the military regime to immediately and unconditionally release all those detained after the February 1, 2021 military coup —including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President U Win Myint, and members of Parliament, as well as numerous democratic leaders.
- Recognizing peace as a prerequisite for meaningful political dialogue, we join ASEAN and the international community in calling on all sides to refrain from excessive use of force and engage with all parties concerned to find a peaceful resolution to end violence.
- To fully realize and enjoy the essence of Union Day and to achieve a genuine federal democracy, we reaffirm our stance that the Myanmar political crisis can only be resolved through political means, including an open, sincere, and serious dialogue with an inclusive and equal process that will result in constitutional and political reforms and therefore peace and prosperity for the people of Myanmar.
- We thank the international community and our friends for the important support they have provided. At the same time, we recognize the need for and the opportunity to strengthen our partnership and cooperation with our Hoosier friends, the Myanmar Diasporas, the American people, and the international community to further help bring about real change in Myanmar with the leadership of the United States.
- Fully understanding that we are at a critical juncture in Myanmar’s history that demands strong unity, we urge every citizen and all stakeholders to prioritze the common vision of a new Myanmar formed on the principles of freedom, equality, and self-determination – the very foundation laid out in the Panglong Agreement.
Convening Committee
The 79th Anniversary of Union Day of Myanmar
Celebrated on February 14, 2026, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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