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The blood-strewn path: Burma's early journey to independence | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Episode 1 The 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese brought World War II to Asia. Until then, the war had mainly been confined to Europe where Nazi Germany was fighting Britain and its allies. Angry with the United States for economic sanctions imposed on them, Japan bombed the Harbor. Historians say Japan's entry into the war and its subsequent invasion into Southeast Asian countries, set the course for change of fortune in Burma. What impact did the WWII have on Burma, then a British colony? Historians Dr. Aung Khin and Professor Aye Chan chart Japan's war aims and their ultimate effects on Burma. Episode 2 Even before Japan entered the war, the Japanese army had been in China since 1937. Within hours of bombing Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Japanese army attacked Malaya, Hong Kong and the Philippines. They pushed on with blitzkrieg, reaching Java, Borneo, Sumatra and even Singapore. After Singapore's fall, it was inevitable that Japan would enter Burma. Many Asians then were apparently taken in by the Japanese mantra of 'Greater East Asia Co-prosperity'. How did the Burmese react when Singapore, British stronghold in Asia, fell to Japan? Why did Japan's formidable military force face a humiliating defeat just after four years? Thakhin Chan Tun recalls how some Burmese students started a plan to resist the Japanese. Episode 3 The flames of World War II had started to reach Burma. Japan had been watching South-East Asia closely for some time and had come to realise the benefits of colonising the region. Meanwhile, Burmese youths had learnt a lesson after the bloody student movement in 1938: they may be able to depose the government of Dr. Ba Maw but only armed struggle can remove the British colonialists. Japan seized the moment with offers of military training, heralding the search for 30 Comrades.
What made Burma so attractive? Why was Burma Road so integral for Japan? How did General Aung San and the Japanese representative meet? Where did the 30 Comrades fit into the Japanese military strategies? Thakhin Tin Mya and Dagon Tar Yar share their experiences. Episode 4 When Nazi Germany turned its attention towards Britain, the Burmese realised this was a good opportunity to fight for independence. By then, the whole of Burma had been colonised for 50 years. Disquiet over the British was brewing and the "We Burman Association (Do Bamar A Si A Yone)" was born. Decision was also made for Thakhin Aung San to leave Burma and get help abroad. How did Ko Aung San and others end up being trained by the Japanese when the original plan was to contact the Chinese communist party? What did left-leaning student leaders think of working with fascists? Thakhin Soe Myint, Thakhin Chan Tun and Thakhin Thein Maung explain. Episode 5 Thakhin Aung San had reached Tokyo with the help of Colonel Suzuki who disguised himself as a newspaper journalist in Burma. The Japanese were initially not keen on providing military training to the young Burmese patriots but changed their mind later and Minami Kikan group was formed. Under the British's watchful eyes, the young patriots made their way to Hainan Island. What made the Japanese change their mind about training the Burmese? What else did the students learn about the Japanese? Colonel Suzuki's son recounts meeting Thakhin Aung San, and Bo Ye Htut and Bo Hmu Gyoke Kyaw Zaw remember the training. Episode 6
The 30 Comrades had reached Thailand and formed the Burmese Independence Army. And Colonel Suzuki became Bo Mo Gyo. The Japanese army, however, was having second thoughts. Still the Burmese welcomed them with open arms, believing the Japanese were going to liberate them. But the promised independence was not realised. What propaganda did the Japanese use to gain the Burmese trust? Why didn't the British defend Burma? Thakhin Tin Mya and Thakinmagyi Daw Hla Kyi explain, and Japanese military officers relive their march into Burma. Episode 7 When BIA reached Burma by the end of 1941, there was rousing welcome. Later Dr. Ba Maw's government was formed. But BIA was downsized to BDA and General Aung San started a plan to drive the Japanese out of the country. On August 1 1943, Burma's independence was declared while the country was still at war. The happiness was short-lived, however, when the Burmese realised the independence was fake. Why was the BIA downsized? How did the public get to know the viciousness of the Japanese military police (Kempetai)? Writer Nan Nyunt Swe and veteran politician Thakhin Tin Mya among other veteran activists, recount the trying times. Episode 8 The lives of Burmese people under Japanese occupation can be described as very grave and grim. Rich natural resources and food were exploited to feed Japanese soldiers in the front lines. This led to food scarcity and people died of preventable diseases for lack of medicine and basic necessities.Moreover, forced labour to construct the death railway which linked Thai and Burma killed as many as a hundred thousand of lives. What about other social problems and the issue of comfort women in Burma? Social aspects such as strict censorship, education and hardships faced under World War Two atrocities are discussed by the veteran journalist Aung Bala, Writer Dagon Taryar and Nan Nyunt Swe among others. Episode 9 As people faced misfortune under the iron heel of Japanese military, underground movements spearheaded by the communist party nurtured political awareness throughout the country through their secret cells. General Aung San’s Army at the same time laid down the ground work to rise against the Japanese when the time was right. What are the roles of civilians at the grass-root level and Burma’s army in paving way for the 1945 Japanese Revolution on March 27 and when was the East Asian Youth Asiayone, a breeding ground of nationalists first founded? Veteran politicians Thakin Soe Myint, Thakin Tin Mya recount their experiences and Professor Dr. Aye Chan gives an analysis on the people’s strength as driving force behind the Army in resisting the Japanese regime. Episode 10 The anti-fascists military campaign, secretly organized under the very nose of occupying forces, was taking shape. Detail plans were drawn up to rise against the Japanese. General Aung San, who realized the importance of co-operation from Burmese ethnic people in the campaign, successfully secured their trust. The revolt of the entire country, united under AFPFL, accelerated the Japanese defeat. Thakhin Tin Mya explains AFPFL’s struggle. Bo Kyaw Zaw recalls a difficult battle against the Japanese. Dr Aye Chan and Dr Aung Khin explain the role of ethnic people in this campaign and how Aung San’s integrity won the hearts and minds of ethnic people. Episode 11
Having scored unprecedented victories in Southeast Asia, Japanese began their assault on India. But their advances were effectively halted at the Burma-India border. Japan had, by that time, bitten more than they could chew. The battles of Imphal and Kohima are decisive phases of the war from which allied forces began to turn against the tide. What is the role of INA in this decisive campaign? What is the role ‘a forgotten army’ comprising hill tribes of Burma near India border? Dr Sugata Bose, the grandnephew of S C Bose, Professor Silverstein, Dr Aung Khin and Dr Aye Chan explain the decisive phase of the ‘Great Eastern War’. Episode 12 How did World War II shape the future of Burma and its political struggle for Independence ? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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