August 30: According to the statement issued today, it demanded the SPDC government initiate a dialogue toward a political settlement.  The NMSP has continually insisted upon a political dialogue to solve the political crisis and a purpose of attending the government sponsored National Convention was the goal for forming a Federal Union in Burma.  The NMSP will struggle by both means; solving the political crisis on the dialogue table and by armed struggle.

President Nai Htin of the NMSP also sent a commentary message on the significance of armed resistance day in recognition of the struggles for self-determination and a federal union in Burma.  He urged the Mon people to be united and continue in the struggle for national freedom.

The Mon armed struggle has continuously fought against the Rangoon central governments for over five decades, but decided to sign a cease-fire agreement hoping to resolve political problems and to end the conflict with the junta in 1995.

The Mon Resistance Day commemorates the beginning of the armed struggle against the central government in 1948.  When the British granted independence to Burma, Mon political leaders planned to negotiate peacefully with the Burman AFPFL leaders for their nationality rights.

After their demands were flatly rejected some Mon leaders were assassinated and imprisoned, overnight the Mons transformed from a non-violent movement to an arms struggle.  To enforce control over the Mon population, over 100 Mon villages were burnt down during that time.  This
triggered the resistance movement, when a group of young patriots led by Nai Pan Thar seized arms from the police station at Zar Tha Pyin village near Moulmein.

This year, the NMSP and local communities celebrated armed resistance day at Central Headquarters, Tavoy, Moulmein and Tathon Districts.