The circumstances and events described in this work have been based on a combination of fact and fiction, and some, close to facts. There has been no attempt to malign personalities or policies of any individual or institution in the portrayal of these events and circumstances. The facts could be easily gleaned by the discerning reader from numerous press reports that have appeared over the past 40 years. While the identities of some personalities could not be altered in the context of the published truth, the identities of some characters have been suppressed, and some are purely fictional. Also, while I have attempted to adhere to facts in the writing of this book, I have taken the liberty to detract from some in order to suit the story.
Having stated that, I wish the people of Myanmar good fortune in resolving the ever-present conflict, and usher in the birth of a democracy free of the oppressed and the oppressor— wherein painful memories can be forgotten, and an era of mutually beneficial coexistence can begin. I certainly include the ethnic people of the land in this environment and wish them an era of peace—long overdue—when they can discard their arms in pursuit of their cultural heritage without fear.
This has left many, including myself, wondering what the future of the diverse nation of Burma will be...