Silent protests planned in Burma for 8888 uprising anniversary

DVB (August 7,2003)

In the memory of 8888 uprising which happened 15 years ago, political activists inside Burma are planning to stage nationwide, peaceful and silent protests on this Friday. (8th August, 2003)

To carry out the plan, ethnic national leaders, some NLD members and some Burmese held a meeting at an undisclosed location in upper Burma.

According to a civilian who had attended the meeting, Burmese people inside and outside the country “will be wearing clean white clothing for the top (‘eingyi’ )and dark black on lower part (lonyi) to signify the 8888 uprising” and to express their anti-military dictatorship feeling.

“As we have perfectly expressed our feelings to the whole country and to the whole world, we don’t need to do it by shouting anymore,” said the civilian. “Those who want to say something will write on paper and express their feelings. If you wear the black and white uniform, you will be with us in this event.”

In addition, he implored the UN and all democratic nations, Buddhist monks and Burmese soldiers with a sense of fairness to understand the predicament and troubles, and give the people in Burma protections in advance.