Many in Rangoon Wear Black on 8.8.88 Anniversary

Many Rangoon residents donned black clothing to mark Friday’s 20th anniversary of 1988 uprising, and noticeably more police and plainclothes security personnel were seen on city streets.

Members of Burma’s opposition National League for Democracy held a commemorative rally in Yenangyaung Township, Magwe Division, and food offerings were made at eight of the city’s monasteries to mark the occasion. Offerings were also made at monasteries in Rangoon.

Activists shout a slogan in front of China Embassy in Bangkok on August 8 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1988 uprising. Around Asia, activists were planning to mark the anniversary with demonstrations at embassies of both Burma and China, a key ally of Burma. The protest also coincides with the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing. (Photo: AP)

Although security was tightened in Rangoon and other centers, no arrests were reported on Friday. The previous day, however, the authorities arrested Myo Teza, a leader of the All Burma Federation of Students’ Unions, and two of his colleagues.

Students at Rangoon University reported tightened security at the campus, where entry was restricted to two gates. University staff had reportedly been warned not to tolerate any political activity by their students.

In a statement marking the anniversary, the 88 Generation Students Group urged the Burmese military government to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi and ethic leaders and to begin talks with Suu Kyi. The statement repeated the group’s rejection of the regime’s plan to hold a general election in 2010.

In several cities around the world, including in such Asia countries as Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea, anti-regime protesters held anniversary demonstrations in front of Burmese and Chinese embassies.