Myanmar People and Ethnic Minorities
Myanmar is culturally one of the most diverse nations on the planet. They historic cultural values of the people are indeed a wonder for travelers and tourists; they never cease to inspire the tourists with the ancient tales of Burma. There are more than 100 ethnic groups and most of them have suffered a lot in past. Despite this fact, the people of Myanmar always have a spark in their lifestyle and they always give off a charming smile to the visitors.
Buddhism is the most dominating religion and Myanmar people follow their traditions strictly since the beginning. The traditions are of such importance that every male person has an obligation to don a robe of monks temporarily.Given below is a brief background of the minorities who suffered most in their past.
Rohingya
The Rohingya are a Muslim group which had been rejected citizenship by the Burmese in 1982 under the Junta’s citizenship law. These people were 800,000 in number residing in the western Burma. Now they are the most subjugated minority and are a prime target of forced-labor. Most of them living in Burma (now Myanmar) are subjugated to illegal treatment as they are thought to be illegal immigrants.
Shan
The Buddhist Shan reside in the Northeastern hills of Myanmar. In 1948, when the British gave independence to Burma, the Shan agreed to be a part of the young nation for the sake of independence. But later they broke the pact and formed an army against the Burmese. In the last 1990s, the strike was called off and treaties of peace were made but there is still some resistance present in some areas. In total, the Shan are thought to be at least 5 million in number.
Chin
The Chin inhabit the penurious mountainous areas near the India-Myanmar border. Their basic belief is Christianity. Just like the Rohingya, the Chin have claimed to be mistreated by the junta due to their religious beliefs. They are now one of the few forces that still stand insurgent to the junta rule. Chins are mostly American Baptists who were converted by preachers back in the 19th century. Thousands of them sought refuge in India since the junta uprising.
Chin people are very famous for their face tattoo tradition, which is a main source for a Myanmar Photography Tour
Karen
This is the second largest ethnic group of Burma. The Karens also have a history of war and rebellion against the Burmese junta since they wanted independence/autonomy. The Karen have both Christians and Buddhists who have been overwhelmed by internal rivalries between various factions in the past decades.
The Karen people populate the Irrawaddy Delta and in the regions of Burma-Thailand Borders. They too have been victims of forced removal and extreme labor activities run by the Burmese army.
Kachin
Kachins are mostly Christians who live in the North of Myanmar. The Kachin were famous during the British rule for their remarkable battling skills. In the Kachin areas, there is flourished nature and forestry as well as casinos in the state. Yet the quality of life remains to be poor and backwards.
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