20 February 2011: The 63rd anniversary of the Chin National Day (CND) was celebrated and commemorated today worldwide. It is a historical day for Chins wherever they are.

The anniversary was observed by Chin communities in United States of America, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Malaysia, Australia, India and other countries.

“We celebrated the national day along with the establishment of the ‘10th anniversary of Chin Refugee Center’, said a celebration committee member of CND from Malaysia.

“It should be celebrated consistently by Chin nationals, to foster unity and to preserve the national character and spirit,” said Mr. Paul Sitha, General Secretary of the Chin National Front.

The ‘Chin National Day’ was celebrated in different countries by those settled there, because of the oppression and torture prevalent in Burma by its military dictatorship.

Similarly, the ‘Chin National Day’ was celebrated not only in Hakha, the state capital, but in Falam and Matupi, second capital of Chin state by students of different universities and local people but also in Rangoon, the former capital of Burma.

On national day, greetings, statements and messages were released from various celebration sites. There were cultural dances, songs, fashion shows in different townships in Chin state and abroad. Sports such as football, volley ball, and wrestling are increasingly become features of celebrations abroad.

It is learnt that Chin National Day was forced to be celebrated as Chin State Day, since 20 February, 1948 by former military rulers of Burma. The military government named Chin state like other ethnic areas since 3 February 1973 during the Burma Socialist Program Party era.

“It is discrimination against our people given the different meaning between State Day and National Day. So, we should be determined to serve with dignity and unity,” said a university student from Kalemyo.