Burma's indigenous people: the thin edge of the wedge in Burmese society

Abstract

In the contemporary period, Burma has garnered world attention for the oppression of its indigenous minorities. Burmans, the dominant group of Burma are known to have arrived from Tibet, when, by displacing the Mons (Talaings) and other indigenous ethnic groups, they took possession of mainland Burma. Ever since then, the Burmans have been trying to control indigenous minority groups through the use of force, which resulted in the retreat of indigenous groups, such as the Chincs, Kachins, Karens, Shans, Karens and Mons, to the frontier areas. In order to escape the legendary ruthless medieval Burmese kings, some even crossed the international border and settled in Thailand and in the southern part of modern-day Bangladesh. During the British colonial period minorities in Burma received special privileges. The militant, dominant Burman group returned to power in the post colonial period. They took pride in their ruthless kings and instituted Buddhism as the state religion - continuing to modern period. Their policy of assimilation considers the ethnic Burmans as 'first among equals'. The assimilation/extermination policy, known as Burmanization, results in the continued subjugation of indigenous groups. They experience discrimination, displacement and even become refugees, drawing international attention to their plight.