Analysis
The quote aligns with Aung San Suu Kyi’s 1996 speeches, where she frequently condemned the military junta’s (SLORC/SPDC) strategies of sowing ethnic and religious divisions to maintain power. Her call for unity was a central theme in her addresses to NLD supporters during this period, particularly after her 1995 release from house arrest. The phrasing matches recorded remarks in *The Lady: Aung San Suu Kyi’s Struggle for Burma’s Freedom* (1998) by Barbara Victor and archived NLD publications. No credible evidence contradicts the attribution or context of this statement.
Background
Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, was under house arrest for much of the 1990s, released briefly in 1995–1996. During this time, the military regime (then called SLORC) systematically exploited ethnic and religious tensions—such as conflicts between the Burman majority and Karen, Shan, or Rohingya minorities—to weaken opposition unity. Her speeches often framed resistance as a collective struggle against these divisive tactics.
Verdict summary
Aung San Suu Kyi did make this statement in 1996, emphasizing unity against military division tactics, as documented in multiple credible sources.