Peace Talks

   (1963-1964)

   Discussions held by the Revolutionary Council (RC) of General Ne Win and the Communist Party of Burma and ethnic minority armed groups. Ne Win claimed the civil war was ruining the country and that any insurgent group willing to recognize the "Burmese Road to Socialism" could participate in the new political system. On April 1, 1963, the RC declared a general amnesty, and on June 11 invited insurgent leaders to come to Rangoon (Yangon) to participate in the talks, guaranteeing safe passage. However, once it became clear that the RC expected total surrender, the talks stalled. Only one small Karen (Kayin) faction laid down its arms. In support of the peace process, the "People's Peace Committee," whose prestige was bolstered by the patronage of the revered Thakin Kodaw Hmaing, held a march from Minhla to Rangoon in November and a rally in front of Rangoon City Hall that was attended by as many as 200,000 people. The Peace Committee was seen as a threat by the RC, especially after another rally was scheduled for Mandalay, and a wave of arrests and detentions followed. The general amnesty expired on January 31, 1964, without having achieved tangible results.