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The Mizzima News: September 24, 2007
The Mizzima News: September 24, 2007 Specialising in Burma-related news and issues
www.mizzima.com,www.mizzima.tv
INSIDE BURMA
- Protests in Rangoon
- Protests across Burma
- Over 1, 00,000 people in Rangoon and parts of Burma protest
- Junta orders Rangoon based journals to denounce ongoing protest
COMMENTARY
- Dialogue or down with the junta?
- "Yellow Revolution" in Burma
EDITORIAL
- Burma's Golden Revolution
LINK TO MIZZIMA RADIO & PHOTO SITES
NEWS IN BURMESE
- Burma's golden revolution
- Authorities bribe monks
- News inside Burma
Protests in Rangoon
-
September 24, 2007
Mizzima News ( www.mizzima.com)
(Indian Standard time)
7:00 p.m - Situation update of protest in Shwebo
Interview with an eyewitness, who has followed the protests in Shwebo
"The protest in Shwebo began at about noon and ended at 3 p.m. (local time).
Monks from at least 10 monasteries including Gandar, Shwe Thein Daw,
Kyakyaung, Set Sakhan, Hman Tha, Shwe Chintate, and north Chan Thargyi
monasteries participated in the protest. All together there were about 120
monks."
"They were divided into two groups. Monks from Gandaryone monastery marched
in one group, there were about 64 monks. And another group was the
combination of other monasteries and there were about 58 monks. The monks
chanted Suttas and marched through the town. Another unusual thing is that
students distributed pamphlets."
"The people supported the protest and provided drinking water. Police, USDA
members, and intelligence agency personnel kept following the protest from
but there were no disturbances. The people as usual paid obeisance to the
monks from the wayside."
5:47 p.m - Protesters in Rangoon disperse: reports
Authorities in Rangoon have blocked the street outside Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi's residence in University Avenue. Two fire engines and Hlone Htein
(security personnel) with shields and batons along with several members of
Swan Arrshin have been positioned on both ends of the street.
"Protesters marched from Sule pagoda and finally came to Yuzana plaza in
Mingalar market. They marched ahead and dispersed peacefully for the day.
Another group marched towards Tharmwe cemetery and towards Kyaikkasan and
slowly dispersed. We also saw some monks marching on the Kabba Aye APgoda
street heading towards North Okkla. So, I think the group that marched
downtown must have dispersed in downtown itself. For today the protestors
have wound up," said an observer, who is closely followed the protests.
Today's protest was also joined by Pu Cin Sien Thang, chairman of the Zomi
National Congress and Member of Parliament elected in the 1990 elections,
and members of National League for Democracy.
4:57 p.m
Protest in Kwanchankone
About 400 monks and more than 1000 civilians in Rangoon division's
Kwanchankone town today joined the nation-wide monks boycott by marching
peacefully and chanting Metta Sutta (Buddhist words for loving kindness).
Interview with a protesting monk in Kwanchankone
"Monks came from all the monasteries, but we all met at our Mahathilawka
monastery and began marching from there. We started at 1 p.m. and concluded
the march 4 p.m. (local time). The protest was joined by all the people in
the town. It is not only monks from the town but also monks from villages.
We had four religious flags in the front and one at the rear. The march was
led by Sayadaw (an abbot) and we chanted Metta Sutta. So far there is no
arrest or disturbances."
3:55 p.m
Protesters in Rangoon form four major groups, Interview with an observer,
who is closely following protests
"At the moment, a group is heading towards Kabba Aye Pagoda. And on the
other side one group has at least 2 00,000 protesters including students,
monks and civilians and another group that has nearly the same number of
protesters. They marched from Sule to Yuzana. There is also another group.
There are four major groups today."
"There are not much of security in sight things are normal. There are a few
people taking photographs. But in front of Daw Aung Suu Kyi's residence,
there is huge security. At least two trucks each with policemen and fire
fighters are positioned along with a group of army commandos".
3:10 p.m
Protesters, who gathered at Sule Pagoda, are now moving towards Botathaung
pagoda. Eyewitnesses said, there could be at least 1,00,000 demonstrators.
1:25 p.m
Protesters in Rangoon have filled Sule Street for a stretch of nearly a mile
from Thamada cinema hall to Sule Pagoda. Eyewitnesses said the street is
full of at least 50,000 protesters. At the time of Mizzima source reporting
this information, loud cheers rent the air in downtown Rangoon as protesters
clapped their hands.
12:41 p.m
Eyewitnesses brushed off rumors that the famous Burmese actor Kyaw Thu has
been arrested and added that the actor was seen offering 'Swan' to monks.
12:15 p.m.
With monks calling for people from all walks of life to join the ongoing
protests, sources in Rangoon said people are gearing up in groups of
thousands to join the demonstrations.
Burmese celebrities are also ready to join the protests. The famous Burmese
comedian Zarganar and actor Kyaw Thu will lead the group of film-stars while
musician San Linn and Ye Lwin will lead Burmese musicians. Myint Moe Aung
will organize the song-writers. Burmese celebrities will join the strike to
begin at noon today.
12:30 p.m
Elected Burmese representatives to join protests
Burmese Members of Parliament elected in the 1990 general elections have
pledged to join the protest today, according to sources in Burmese political
circles.
Water and medicines will be distributed for protesters in front of the
National League for Democracy head office in west Shwegonedine.
Mizzima sources witnessed a monk distributing photographs of Burma's father
of peace Thakhin Kodawhmine to all passers by.
12:07 p.m
Monks, public gear up for protest in Rangoon
Monks along with thousands of civilians have formed groups in Rangoon and
are gearing up to begin demonstrations at 1 p.m. (local time).
At least 5,000 people have gathered in Rangoon's Myanikone, San Shaung
Township after another crowd of at least 5,000 gathered in front of the
office of Burma's largest opposition party, the National League for
Democracy, in west Shwegonedine Street.
11:47 a.m
Rumors have spread that Burmese actor Kyaw Thu, who was donating 'Swan' to
protesting monks, has been arrested by the police at the eastern gate of
Shwedagon pagoda.
11:19 a.m
Led by Kyaw Thu, a group of Burmese artists including famous comedian and
critic Zargana, well known writer Min Lu and a few movie directors helped
veteran Burmese politician U Win Naing in offering 'Swan' to protesting
monks, eyewitnesses said.
10:33 a.m
Famous Burmese movie star, Kyaw Thu and his group helped self-styled
nationalist, U Win Naing, in distributing food packets to protesting monks
at Shwedagon pagoda.
School authorities of the Bahan high school No (2) after announcing the
closure of the school, sent back students at 9:30 a.m.
10:15 a.m
With monks continuing their protests, authorities in Rangoon have
closed-down some of the middle and high schools in the city.
9:40 a.m
Will the junta resort to brutal crackdown?
There is overt concern on whether the junta will come down heavily on monks,
who are demonstrating peacefully. The rare protest in military-ruled Burma,
which has gained momentum, coincides with the United Nations' busy schedule
of convening its general assembly.
The junta wanted to use teargas to disperse the protesters but due to
incessant rain in Rangoon teargas shells have been rendered ineffective. In
a ludicrous move the junta is looking for a huge quantity of liquid insect
killer spray, to quell demonstrations. Reports suggest that the Rangoon
Municipal Corporation has ordered for a huge quantity of insect killer
spray.
- News inside Burma
Protests across Burma
-
September 24, 2007
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
(Indian Standard time)
6:20 p.m
In support to the ongoing protests in Rangoon and parts of Burma, New Delhi
based Burmese democracy activists have launched a sit-in protest calling on
India to do more on Burma and boycott the two-day visit of Indian Minister
of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Murli Deora, to Burma.
Members of National League for Democracy – Liberated Area/ western division,
and Kuki Student Democratic Front and Zomi Student and Youth, began the
sit-in protest on September 22.
Secretary of the NLD – LA (western Division) Aung Kyaw Naing, who is leading
the protest said, "We are demonstrating our support to the ongoing protests
led by monks in Burma. And in the meantime, we denounce the junta's acts and
we will continue our protest indefinitely."
The protest, which began with six activists, has been joined by three more
activists making it a total of ten activists. They continued the sit-in
protest for the third day.
6:00 p.m
Pakokku Update, Interview with a local resident on the situation of the
protest in Pakhokku
"The monks marched as usual and the nuns joined them half way. There were
over 1,500 monks and 70 to 80 nuns along with the people. Today's
demonstration was disciplined and controlled by leading monks. They held
small Sasana flags and placards. They marched to Thihoshin Pagoda."
"The people said we don't want terrorists and prayed for health of all. The
monks distributed small Sasana flags to the people. The people held these
small flags and joined the march. There are a lot of onlookers too. Today is
a record breaking day. Even some aged abbots joined the demonstration today.
Some couldn't wear footwear according to their concerned Vinaya. The
procession's route as from west of the town to the east."
"The monks didn't want any violence. It's wonderful. The monks controlled
the crowd from the rear too. They didn't accept even clasping of hands by
onlookers. The people had to sit when they ordered them to do so with their
clasped hands. Tin Ko from Swanah Shin took photographs of the
demonstration. The monks stopped him from beaten up by the demonstrators and
onlookers. Otherwise he would certainly have died. The monks do not want any
violence and looting. Moreover, the monks were marching in procession from
each monastery so that no bogus monks could join them in the procession. The
monks know each other well."
4:08 p.m
Protest in Moulmein, Mon State capital, Interview with a local resident
"Protesters arrived on our side at about 3 p.m. (local time). They marched
for three hours on the eastern side. There are monks and civilians together
numbering over 1000. There are a lot of civilians joining the protest."
4:07 p.m
Over 100,000 people protest in Mogok
Over 1000 monks and 100,000 people are staging a protest in Mogok today.
They are holding placards reading 'Falling commodity prices – our cause',
SPDC must apologize to monks' and 'No suppression against people by people'.
They went around the town reciting the Metta Sutra.
"Almost all the people from Mogok joined today's demonstration. The youths
are escorting the monks by a human chain running along side the procession.
The men are in two by two rows in the front and the women are in a three by
three row in the rear of the procession", a local woman resident told
Mizzima.
"We started from Mogok Phaungdawoo pagoda and marched along Mogok Main
Street and proceeded to the cinema hall. I think we will go to a place two
to three miles from here and come back later," a demonstrator told Mizzima.
3:22 p.m
Monks, civilians jointly protest in Sittwe
At least 5000 monks, 500 nuns and tens of thousand of civilians today
jointly held protest march in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State.
An interview with a local resident who witnessed the procession
"About 30 Sayadaws (abbots) first marched to Sayadaw U Ottama park. The
Sayadaws carried pictures of Maha Myat Hmotehnih and Sayadaw U Ottama. And
they all gathered below the statue of U Ottama and marched around the statue
nine times."
"At that time, about 5000 monks and about 50,000 people were marching in the
town. And they came to where the Sayadaws are standing in U Ottama park. The
monks held banners of – 'Release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi', 'Tripartite
dialogue', 'UN intervenes in Burma's affair'."
"And from there the Sayadaws marched and were followed by 5000 monks and 500
nuns. And then they were followed by the Human Rights Defenders by Promoters
(HRDP) They even held aloft the UN flag and were followed the 50,000 people.
Now all of them are heading towards State Peace and Development council
office. So far there are no disturbances and no restrictions."
"Rakhine Students and youths, mainly students from the Sittwe University,
today released a declaration. The group in their statement pledged that they
will continue the strike until they achieve their demands. They said the
group was formed in Sittwe University."
2:51 p.m
Second day of protest in Myitkyina
About 150 monks protested for the second day today in Myitkyina, the capital
of Kachin State in northern Burma.
The monks from Yuzana monastery began the protest at about 1 p.m. (local
time) and marched along Station road, Wun Thoe Kyaung road, Zegyi road and
Aung San road to Suhtaungpyih pagoda.
The monks rested for sometime and began marching along the High school No
(1) road, hospital road and to Yangyi Aung ward and headed to Myoh Oo
monastery.
3:18 p.m
Protest in Sinphyukyun
"About 150 monks from Maha Thutita Yama and MahaWizaya Yama monasteries and
over 1,000 people staged protests in Sinphyukyun today at 12:30 p.m. The
monks recited prayers at Sutaungpye pagoda and marched from Kyaukse Pagoda
to Mahayani pagoda. The demonstration ended at about 2 p.m. There was no
harassment today", a local resident told Mizzima.
3:05 p.m
Protest starts from Natmauk monastery
Over 255 monks from 10 monasteries in Natmauk, 9 from the Natmauk and one
from the Natmauk suburb, assembled at Tamarbin monastery today. They started
marching by holding Sasana flags and with three monks holding three alms
bowls upside down. Over 300 people followed. The march started at 6:30 a.m.
and ended at 7:30 a.m. There was no harassment by the authorities. Officials
just took photographs of the demonstration,." a protester told Mizzima.
"We staged a protest today with the approval of the Township Sangha
Organization. Former Chairman of the organization U Nyan Thaw Bartha (88)
and current Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary led the demonstration. The
senior abbot said that all our Sanghas should be united. All must do
whatever has to be done and not be discarded to the dustbin of history. We
must refrain from retaliation when the people from the other side
retaliate."
Natmauk is the birthplace of Bogyoke Aung San, the father of detained
opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. And Depinkayar monastery is the biggest
monastery in Natmauk and Minister U Aung Thein is the chief layman of this
monastery. The biggest number of monks in today's demonstration is from this
monastery too.
2:14 p.m
Situation in Monywa, Interview with a local resident
"At Shwezigone pagoda members of the NLD offered cold drinks and medicines
to the monks. There are at least 2000 monks. The monks from smaller
monasteries also came. They all met near the new market. And there are a lot
of civilians as well. They shouted slogans like 'Release Daw San Suu Kyi and
all political prisoners – our cause', 'Lower commodity prices – our cause',
near the new market. But in other places they did not shout slogans. They
entered into the pagoda and now they have return back to their monasteries.
And there were no disturbances. The monks came from many monasteries like
Zawtikah, Phone Soe, Paypin and Yankin. There are also groups of 70 or 100
monks marching separately but they all met and joined forces near the new
market."
2:05 p.m
Security tightened despite lack of protest in Shan state
In general the situation in Shan State is quiet but security has been
tightened in Lashio town, a local resident said.
"At the moment everything is quiet in Shan state. But in Lashio, security
has been stepped up, particularly in front of the City hall in Lashio.
Reports said that anti-government pamphlets were spread at some basic and
middle schools so; school authorities have restricted parents and wards from
entering the school compound even to give lunch packs to their children. But
schools have not been close-down yet. Everybody is curious about what might
happen," he added.
2:13 p.m
Protest in Yesagyo
"Monks from Aungmyethayar Thahtay monastery have begun demonstrations. The
total strength is about 250 monks from four to five monasteries, namely
Aungmyethayar Thahtay, Myo Ma East and West, Nagayone and Mosoyane. They
first marched to the football ground in the south, then to West Kan Point
monastery, then Bogyoke Aung San Street towards the north and finally
re-entered the town," a local resident told Mizzima.
"People joined the monks from Aungmyethayar monastery. The monks lined up in
rows of two and the monk in the front row held the Sasana flag and recited
Sutra while marching along the streets," he added.
1:56 p.m
Protest in Aung Lan, Magwe division
Interview of a local resident, who saw the procession
"About 200 monks from Tharawaddy monastery marched here today. The public
followed them and helped the monks. There was no attempt at disruptions by
the authorities. They held the religious flag in front, in the middle and at
the end of the column. About 500 people followed the monks and from the
wayside the people offered water and cold drinks. They also paid obeisance
to the monks. Where ever the monks marched, people came out of their houses
and applauded them. The monks marched along Bogyoke Aung San road and headed
to Makyikone ward. And from there they headed north and currently they are
at Myoma market."
1:19 p.m
Over 700 Monks start protest in Pakokku
Monks in Pokokku where the second largest Sangha (monks) population resides,
are getting ready to start protests today. The monks from all the
monasteries will join in.
"The monks from West, Central and Bawdi Mannaing have left their respective
monasteries. The total strength would be about 700. They have just left and
are now reciting Sutra. They are calling other monks from other monasteries
now. We will know the situation of the people after the monks from four main
1:01 p.m
Protest in Daike Oo
Over 1,000 people joined with monks in today's protest.
"When the demonstrators entered the market, the sellers left their goods and
joined the protesters. So did the sellers behind the market. All the people
joined the demonstration enthusiastically. The Sayadaws (Abbots) told people
to walk silently and the people obeyed the abbots", she added.
About 400 monks stage a protest again in Daike Oo, Pegu division.
"When the monks entered town, the people offered water bottles to both monks
and people. They then proceeded to Aungchantha Street, Ring Road, Yegyaw
Street, market place, Merchant Street, Phaugwin Raod, Khaymarthi monastery
and finally to Yanmyo Aung Pagoda where the monks recited Metta Sutta and
then dispersed", a local resident said to Mizzima.
12:36 p.m
Protest begins in Monywa, Sagaing division
In accordance with its declaration the All Burma Buddhist Monks Front will
stage a nation-wide protest Monks in Monywa, Sagaing division today began a
protest march at about 11 a.m (local time).
"The have begun marching now. Monks from Zawtikah and Phone Soe monasteries
joined the march. And monks from Paypin and Yankin monasteries also marched
seperately. We cannot confirm the numbers as yet. So far there is no emmber
of the public joining the protests. All the monks are heading towards
Shwezigone pagoda in the north," a resident of Monywa told Mizzima.
12:03 p.m
Fire fighters stand by in Taungyi
More police personnel have been deployed in Taungyi and fire fighters are on
standby at the police station along with USDA and Swan Arr Shin members.
"We can see police and soldiers swarming all over the place," a local
resident said.
10 a.m
Monks protest in Natmauk, Magwe division
About 250 monks from nine Buddhist monasteries in Natmauk town of Magwe
division today hit the streets. The protest march began at 6:30 a.m. (local
time).
Monks in Natmauk, the birth place of Burma's independence hero Gen. Aung
San, father of detained Burmese democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, carried
religious flags and marched in rows of three. More than 100 people followed
the monks, who marched through the town's Thamarpin, Zeyat and Myomah wards.
During the protest, the abbot of Thamarpin monastery said, "Every one of us
has to fulfill a historic duty that has been passed onto us and we cannot
turn away from our responsibilities."
-
News inside Burma
Over 1, 00,000 people in Rangoon and parts of Burma protest
-
Mungpi
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
September 24, 2007
Over 10,000 Buddhist monks and more than 1, 00,000 civilians today took to
the streets in the largest protest in two decades, in repressive
military-ruled Burma.
The protest, which the monks have been carrying out for a straight week, on
Monday turned out into a major outburst of political dissent with protesters
demanding the immediate release of pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi, who has been detained for 12 of the past 18 years.
Protesters, both monks and civilians, also demanded that the ruling junta to
immediately release all political prisoners and begin a dialogue that could
kick-start national reconciliation in the impoverished country.
Observers said today's protest is obviously the biggest and the number is
likely to increase in the coming days as the protesters have vowed to
continue to go ahead, as the ruling junta showed no signs of responding, in
whatever form, to the protests.
At least hundreds of thousands, monks, nuns and civilians, gathered this
afternoon at Sule pagoda and shouted anti-government slogans with occasional
applauding that reverberated in downtown Rangoon.
Sporadic protests in Rangoon and parts of Burma started following the
government's decision to hike fuel price unannounced in mid-august.
Prominent student leaders, known as 88 generation student groups, including
Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi on August 19 led the first peaceful protests.
Following the march, 15 key student leaders were arrested on August 21.
However, the protests continued and spread to other parts of Burma. The
ruling junta, which has a track record of brutally crushing any movement of
dissent, resorted to deploying thugs and members of its civilian
organization – Union Solidarity and Development Association and Swan Arr
Shin, a para militia group – to crackdown on protesters.
However, the protest took a different turn when junta-backed thugs on
September 5, brutally cracked down on monks, who were peacefully marching
and chanting Metta Sutta (Buddhist word for loving kindness).
Buddhist monks then onwards formed a united front and demanded the
government apologize for its high-handedness on monks. Eventually, with the
junta failing to appease the monks, the clergy began a nation-wide boycott
and overturning of alms bowls against the ruling junta.
The protesting monks, who initially left civilians out of the protests, have
called on all citizens of Burma from all walks of life to join a public
rally.
Monks, however, led today's protest and formed four major groups marching
through the city in different directions. And sources said it is likely to
continue in the coming days.
While there is no visible increase in security in other parts of Rangoon,
the junta has tightened security on the road in front of the residence of
detained Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi oin University Avenue, in
a bid to prevent protesters from coming near the residence.
Eyewitnesses said hundreds of riot police were placed behind barbed wire
barricades and two fire engines block each end of the road.
On Sunday, about 400 monks marched towards the lakeside villa of detained
Nobel Peace Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and for about 15 minutes staged a
protest in front of the house.
Eyewitnesses said, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was seen in tears standing behind
the security personnel guarding her at the gates.
Meanwhile, monks and civilians in more than 15 towns and cities across Burma
took to the streets for the nation-wide protests.
While monks in several towns including Mandalay, Pakhokku, Monywa, Daike Oo,
Aunglan, Yezagyo, Sittwe, Mogoke, Myitkyina, Kalaymyo and Kwanchankone
continued their protests, monks in Natmauk, the birth place of Burma's
independence hero Gen Aung San, Moulmein, and Sinphyukyun joined for the
first time.
- News inside Burma
Junta orders Rangoon based journals to denounce ongoing protest
-
Mungpi
Mizzima News ( www.mizzima.com)
September 24, 2007 - The Burmese military junta has issued a new order to
Rangoon based journals and periodicals to publish a declaration denouncing
the ongoing protests led by monks, a Burmese media watch dog in exile said.
The Burma Media Association in a press statement said, the Burmese junta's
director of the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, Major Tint Swe,
during a meeting on Sunday instructed the journals and periodicals to
publish a declaration stating that they are not interested in the ongoing
protest.
"All journals and periodicals were ordered by the Information Ministry to
carry an announcement in which we have to state that we are not a part of
the association and not interested in taking part in the protest", BMA
quoted a journalist, who attended the meeting, as saying.
During the meeting, Tint Swe also told the journalists and editors, whom he
had summoned for the meeting, not to associate with the newly formed
"Association of Journalists and Artists".
The Association of Journalists and Artists, a group formed on September 20,
urged all journalists and editors to support and join the ongoing protests
led by monks on Monday.
Buddhists clergy, which has continued protests in military-ruled Burma for a
straight week, on Sunday called on all citizens of Burma – from all walks of
life – to participate in the protests, turning the clergy's protest into a
nation-wide uprising demanding a change in the country's administrative
structure.
Tint Swe warned the journalists and editors that by joining the ongoing
protests or failing to carry the announcement in their papers would be
deemed members of the illegal association, a tactic junta has long used on
dissidents to arrest them.
"We have no choice but to follow the order because the director explicitly
said that we will be considered as members of an illegal association if we
fail to carry the announcement," an editor of a sports journal said.
Meanwhile, the protests in Rangoon and parts of Burma have taken a new turn
with more than 10,000 monks and over 1,00,000 civilians marching the streets
of Burma's former capital Rangoon.
Protestors today shouted slogans and demanded the release of detained
pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners,
to lower commodity prices and start a dialogue for national reconciliation
in the impoverished southeast Asian nation that has been ruled by military
dictators for more than 45 years.
However, the junta, which has a track record of brutally cracking down on
public dissent, has so far remained silent with only a few security
personnel posted on the street in front of the detained Nobel Peace Laureate
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's lakeside villa on University Avenue.
-
Commentary
Dialogue or down with the junta?
- Ko Ko Thett
September 24, 2007
Burma is now at a critical juncture. The courage of the monks who have
openly challenged and defied the military regime has been inspiring and
infectious. In Rangoon, they were joined by Buddhist nuns and thousands of
people on the seventh day of their protest on Sunday.
As the mass social movement spearheaded by the sangha has been spreading
like wildfire all over the country, the hope that they might well spread to
all sectors of the society just like in 1988 has become commonplace. The
Burmese artists and medical professionals inside Burma have already declared
their support of the monks' protest while more and more people are coming
out of their shells to walk with the monks.
Some of the monks have declared to democratic Burmese media that they will
not stop their protest 'until the government collapses.' One of the leaders
of the '88 Generation Students' who has been in hiding voiced a similar
sentiment when he said 'we will continue our struggle until the junta is
overthrown.'
A veteran politician has appealed to moderate elements within the military
to side with the people. There are also those who favour a more reasoned
approach, moderation and national reconciliation through dialogue.
What would be the reaction of the military regime is but anyone's guess.
Perhaps the military's tolerance so far is 'strategic' as they are still
trying to identify the leaders of the sangha movement.
Perhaps what may be called 'globalization of Burma politics (what is
happening in Burma now is on video-sharing websites on the worldwide web
minutes later)' is restraining the military's militant tendencies.
Perhaps the regime's Chinese mentors are telling the generals to hold their
horses as they are aware that any bloodshed in Burma will be consequential
for China's image as the Olympic host next year.
The best one could hope for may be a peaceful transition resulting from a
change of heart within the military ranks as it happened in the Philippine's
people power movement in 1986.
Given the existence of armed cease fire groups and the regional military
commanders who control their commands like warlords in Afghanistan, the
worst can also result from a military split: a war of all against all and a
return to the situation of 1948 civil war.
A repeat of more recent history that of 1988 should not be overruled.
Thousands of innocent people will be dying in the streets if the military's
very existence is threatened or if its strategic tolerance is stretched to
the limit and if it decides to unleash its violent forces.
Setting both wishful thinking and nightmarish scenarios aside, the Burmese
opposition should stick to the popular demand for national reconciliation
and to convince the junta to concede to a dialogue to that end. The military
regime should be convinced that the dialogue will be still on the table even
if the table is turned.
Now it is time for Burmese political leaders and activists inside and
outside Burma to immediately forge a coherent approach for the Burma
problem, instead of adopting the current wait-and-see or hail-to-the-chief
attitudes.
They should appeal to the Burmese people to be more reasoned and vigilant.
They should urge the people to unanimously strive for national
reconciliation. It is also important for the Burmese democratic media not to
fuel 'hate politics,' political activities stemming from the hatred of a
person or an institution, since it will inevitably lead to a clash with the
military regime.
We should also remember that, unlike in 1988, the military now has as
hostages hundreds of political prisoners, and leaders of 88 Generation
Students, not to mention Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Since most of our uncontested leaders are kept behind bars, the Burmese
people do need a coherent and consistent leadership which can guide them
harmlessly towards substantive objectives. In the lack of such leadership,
the current movement may become yet another event to be commemorated
annually among the Burmese in exile.
-
Editorial
Burma's Golden Revolution
- Mizzima News ( www.mizzima.com)
September 24, 2004 - The Burmese military junta, habituated to years of
repressive rule, is today in the eye of a storm. The Sanghas have taken on
the Tatmadaw. In a dramatic form of peaceful protest, Buddhist monks with
upturned begging bowls have literally flooded the streets of Burma turning
them into a crimson sea. The generals in their wildest dreams could not have
imagined that the shock increase in oil prices would let loose a movement so
momentous.
What started as sporadic protests spearheaded by 88 generation students seem
to be engulfing the Burmese polity. Hordes of people have joined the
protests. Anyone outside the regime's penumbra is for the protests. May be
many of them too. Students, monks, activists, politicians, and more have
reacted. The pent up feelings of a populace under the heels of the army has
found a vent. In the ultimate analysis the demand is for change. That's what
the people of Burma desire.
Used to putting down dissent with a heavy hand the junta thought nothing of
arresting some monks who were protesting in Pakhokku in central Burma. Its
goons owing allegiance to the Junta such as Union Solidarity Development
Association and Swan Arrshin allegedly beat up a few monks after arrest.
Rumours spread like wildfire that the monk beaten on the head with a baton
had died.
It was as if the spark was waiting to be ignited. Monks sworn to the path of
Ahimsa went on the rampage. The monks deftly turned the tables on the junta.
Officials who forcibly entered the monastery in Pakhokku including those
from the Department of Religious Affairs were detained and four of their
vehicles set ablaze. The junta had to eat humble pie and release the
arrested monks in exchange of the detained officials.
The Buddhist Monks Alliance demanded an apology from the regime. With the
junta not obliging the monks took to the streets more vehemently. The
several thousand disciplined Buddhist monks marched on the streets of
several cities including Rangoon and Mandalay , praying for peace and
freedom from evil and untold suffering. In another move which the junta did
not anticipate, it called for a religious boycott (Thabeikmhaut) of the
junta and anyone on its side.
The snowballing events have now become inexorably interlaced with the
movement for democracy. The rarest of rare sight of detained democracy icon
and Noble Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in the compound of her house by
the marching monks on September 22 has lent a different dimension to the
protests.
The fountainhead of the democracy movement in Burma came out to the compound
and paid her obeisance to the monks bringing tears to her eyes and the
monks. The emotional contact may weigh heavily on a junta struggling to
control the growing monk's movement which has demanded freedom for Suu Kyi
and all other political prisoners, a political dialogue with the opposition
and an end to economic hardship in beleaguered Burma.
Caught totally unawares at the turn of events, the junta is floundering.
While there are rumours of a massive crackdown, any attempt at it will
invite the wrath of the populace, a majority of whom are Buddhists.
For the first time the monks alliance has called on Burmese people to
'banish the common enemy, the evil despots from Burmese soil forever.' If
this does not send a chill down the collective spines of the military brass
then nothing will.
The monks have done what they had to do. To be precise, they have done more
than is expected of men in robes. They have opened the flood gates. Now it
is for the people of Burma to carry the movement forward seeking to send
where the military belongs – the barracks.
The current movement is definitely not a religious affair but it is rooted
to the political system. The ruling military generals should also note that
the protesting monks, students and activists and their supporters are
calling for a political dialogue and national reconciliation, not a change
of regime. This should pave the way for a peaceful political and economic
transition in the country, unless the ruling generals chose to do something
else. News of military movements in the cities, especially in Rangoon, has
been trickling in. Using force will put Burma on a retrograde mode for at
least the next 20 years.
The country needs a political solution to be negotiated across the table.
Killings will not solve the natural-resource rich country's dilemma. Without
solving the political and economic malaise Burma will be doomed
notwithstanding the dictatorship. At this juncture there is an option for
the regime for a "safe-exit" leaving behind its dark and bloody years.
It is now for the international community, especially Burma's neighbours to
realize that they are in a way responsible for the situation in Burma. They
need to intervene in Burma immediately and pressure the regime to talk to
the opposition and ethnic nationalities for a peaceful transition to
democracy. The people of Burma have once again spoken out. The message is
that they want peace, democracy and development that their counterparts in
many South East Asian countries are enjoying. They have spoken out loud and
clear.
It is still not too late for the United Nations, Russia China and India to
act to stave off a disastrous situation. There is immediate need for the
world body and these countries, which have influence on the generals, to
act.
- Commentary
"Yellow Revolution" in Burma
- By Nathan Maung
September 24, 2007
The revolution has started in Burma after 19 years. The
general population, including artists, actors, social workers, students,
workers, different religious groups have joined the monks' sixth day
protests on the streets of Burma's capital Rangoon on Sunday, September 23,
2007. The protests have gained momentum demanding political reform by the
military regime --- the Chinese-backed tyranny in South East Asia' poorest
country.
In Rangoon, the afternoon of September 23 was a serious challenge to the
Burma's repressive regime during the 15 minutes meeting of the world's most
prominent political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi and more than 2,000 protesting
monks in front of her University Avenue villa. The fifth day of peaceful
marching of Buddhist monks gained the highest momentum with the appearance
of the detained Nobel Peace prize winner. Some eyewitnesses described the
brief meeting between the two powerful forces and told the media that she
was in good health and high spirits, but there were tears in her eyes.
As a political prisoner for 11 of 18 years, she had a chance to pay
obeisance to the monks and receive Buddha's teaching by monks who kicked-off
their nationwide religious boycott "patam nikkujjana kamma" -meaning a
refusal to accept alms from members of the military regime and their
families or to attend religious ceremonies held by them - on the 19th
anniversary of the military coup. The peaceful march gained nationwide
support and was joined by the students and general population who protected
the monks by joining hands in a human chain.
The monks asked people and students to begin a mass demonstration on Monday
(September 24, 2007) to topple the evil-spirited regime who ordered beating
up of and arresting novices and monks early this month in central and
western Burma cities. The army and the security forces are surprisingly
silent at this moment. It may probably be that the regime needs to listen
seriously to the advice of China to handle things peacefully. But Burmese
people with their political awareness and understanding joined the current
movement for the decade long hunger for democracy.
Many people in and out of Burma now believe that the escalating marching
across the country might lead to a regime-change. Based on the bitter
experience of a failed democracy movement in 1988 and current digital
technology in mass communication, the military has been hesitating to crack
down on the uprisings because killings demonstrators will invite the wrath
of the international community and it will probably result in action by the
U.S. and the U.K. governments at the table of the U.N. Security Council.
Ultimately, people, students, and monks have successfully joined the mass
demonstration and called for a dialogue between the regime and pro-democracy
forces for political reform. The revolution has started in Burma.
Monks and the Buddhist religion represent the colour of yellow in Asia where
monks wear yellow robes and monasteries are decorated by gold or yellow as
well as the pagodas and temples. Coincidently, Burmese students' symbol is a
yellow fighting peacock which they used in the colonial period to fight for
independence. The fighting yellow peacock flags were waved in the air during
the 1988 and recent students' strikes. The National League for Democracy,
the election winning party led by Aung San Suu Kyi, used the yellow peacock
in the party flag to honor the student movements in Burma. Again, the party
launched the Yellow-colour campaign back in 1998 to support the forming of
people's parliament which called was by Aung San Suu Kyi. Students, party
members, and supporters wore yellow shirts in August 1988, and former
military intelligence officers campaigned to arrest all activists who wore
yellow shirts. Why is the color so important?
Color symbolism is the most significant movement to generate high spirits
among the general population to reach their goal. Moreover, the colour
revolution also represents non-violent resistance to protest against
authoritarianism in world history. Colour symbolism names given collectively
to a series of nonviolent movements around the world, especially in Central
and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Colour movements are named for
revolutionary waves. The most significant revolutions in the past were
Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004, Rose Revolution in Georgia in 2003,
Tulip Revolution in Kyrgyzstan in 2005, and Velvet Revolution in Chez
Republic in 1989 together with Gentle Revolution in Slovakia. These
countries named their revolutions by colour or flower images for peaceful
resistance. Why not Burma?
The so-called Golden Land (Burma ) is a perfectly good reason for all
Burmese who are in the stage of a revolution to name their resistance as
"Yellow Revolution" which can empower to sweep the evil-spirited regime and
rebuild a democratic nation. The term should be coined by journalists as
other Eastern European countries followed. The media is playing a very
important role for Burma's revolution, and to name a revolution is the right
thing to do for the media. The name should be given at the beginning of the
resistance to guide it the great victory. Under the "Yellow Revolution"
resistance, people need to practice civil disobedience on Monday and should
invite civil servants to join the March and campaign not to attend
government's offices. Private businessmen have to shut down all their
functioning to show political defiance. Monks, students, and NLD members are
important forces for a breakthrough in Burma.
Finally, the "Yellow Revolution" must be regarded as the second independent
struggle by calling for national reconciliation for a meaningful dialogue
between the SPDC and pro-democracy forces led by Nobel Peace Laureate Suu
Kyi.
Nathan Maung is a former journalist in Thailand and currently studying mass
communication at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro for Media
Studies in the United States.
- News in Burmese
Burma's golden revolution
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