Protests to Mark Burma’s 8888 Nationwide Uprising

Originally appeared in Chinland Guardian

August 8, 2011

People from Burma living in foreign countries today organise a demonstration rally to mark the anniversary of what has been also known as the ‘People Power Uprising’ against the military regime on 8 August 1988.

During the nationwide ‘8888 Uprising’, more than 3,000 peaceful demonstrators were shot to death and thousands detained by the military dictatorship of Burma.

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said: “Today marks the anniversary of the August 1988 student uprising in Burma and is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices which continue to be made by those who have long strived for peace in Burma.”

“Sadly, 23 years on, their struggle for democracy continues. The renewed fighting in ethnic areas is the direct result of the exclusion of certain groups from having a say in their own future.”

William Hague also stressed that only a genuine process of reconciliation with all ethnic and political groups can bring Burma the stability that its people so rightly deserve, adding: “We remain firmly behind Aung San Suu Kyi’s goal for a free and democratic Burma.”

India-based Burmese democracy activists stage a mass protest rally in Delhi to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the popular 8888 uprising and to demand the release of all political prisoners in Burma.

In London, a demonstration is organised in front of the German Embassy by Burma Campaign UK to call on Germany to stop blocking the European Union supporting the establishment of a UN Burma inquiry.

Another protest, organised by Burma Democratic Concern, is programmed to take place in front of the Burmese Embassy in London today.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi told the reporters in Rangoon after attending the ceremony marking Burma’s 1988 uprising that the result of the 1990 election cannot be forgotten and that the people’s aspirations can never be eliminated.

Hundreds of thousands of monks, young children, university students, housewives and doctors took to the streets during the 8888 uprising, which was started by students in Rangoon.

The 1988 mass protests put an end to Ne Win’s military era of ‘Burmese Way to Socialism’ but not to the military rule in the country.

Tags: 1988 Uprising, 8888 Anniversary, Commission of Inquiry, Germany, India, United Kingdom

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Protests to Mark Burma’s 8888 Nationwide Uprising

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