For nearly seven decades, Shan State, a resource-rich, ethnically diverse region covering a quarter of Myanmar’s land, has been embroiled in armed conflict. Among its many armed groups, two Shan forces once stood as symbols of resistance, vowing to fight dictatorship and secure liberation for their people.
Yet today, as Myanmar marks four years under renewed military rule, these same forces have fallen silent. Their inaction has left the Shan public questioning their purpose, and their future.
A revolution adrift
On May 21, 1958, 31 young Shan rebels launched an armed struggle under the rallying cry: “Shan people, Shan State, fight against all dictators.” Sixty-seven years later, that spirit appears diminished.
“While other ethnic groups wage revolution, where are our Shan armies?” asked Sai Hla Shwe, a 45-year-old from Lashio, displaced during Operation 1027 but now returned. “Why are we being looked down upon?”
Historically, Shan forces commanded respect, their survival owed to public support. But today, that bond is fraying.
“The Shan armies must remember: the people are their backbone, their heart,” Sai Hla Shwe said. “Even in crisis, they must protect us.”
Lost faith, rising disillusionment
Shan youth activist Yin Noom Lao voiced a growing sentiment: “A revolution should resist dictators. But whose cause are today’s Shan leaders serving?”
Many now see the armed groups as detached from their original mission. “Those claiming to lead have turned their backs on the people,” she said. “My hope lies with the youth driving change.”
Nang Kwan Leik, a Shan researcher, echoed the frustration: “As a Shan youth, I find no pride in our armed groups today.”
Despite 67 years of struggle, the goals of liberation and equality remain unmet. Worse, infighting between the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) has deepened public disillusionment.
The cost of internal conflict
Since 2015, clashes between the SSPP and RCSS, fueled by territorial disputes and differing alliances, have ravaged Shan communities. A fleeting 2023 ceasefire collapsed months later, reigniting despair.
On May 16, 2025, both groups issued another truce declaration. Yet many dismissed it as “a disgrace.”
“The fault lies with leaders who cling to power,” a veteran Shan politician argued. “They’ve failed us. It’s time for them to step aside.”
Youth: The fading hope
The Shan revolution began with young rebels. Today’s youth, however, hesitate to join what they see as a fractured movement.
“If the armies stopped fighting each other, young people would enlist,” said Sai Mane from Lashio. “But now, they fear internal strife more than battle.”
Nang Mwe, a youth advocate, stressed that change need not be armed: “Youth must lead, through political activism, awareness campaigns, and holding all armed groups accountable.”
Nang Kwan Leik agreed: “Elders bring experience, but youth bring energy. Both must unite to reshape Shan politics.”
A crossroads for Shan State
As the revolution’s 67th anniversary passes, the question lingers: Will Shan forces reclaim their role as defenders of their people, or fade into irrelevance?
“The revolution must evolve,” warned the veteran leader. “If it doesn’t, Shan society risks collapse. The youth must rise.”
For now, the people wait, watching to see if their armies will reignite the flame of resistance, or let it die.
Note: Translation by Eugene, adapted from the original Myanmar article by Nang Seng Nom.
This story was first published by Shan Herald Agency for News.
