RANGOON, Burma (AP) – Subdued religious ceremonies by activists and pro-democracy politicians marked the anniversary Sunday of the 1988 uprising that was brutally crushed by Burma's military. More than 1 million people rose up Aug. 8 that year to protest an entrenched military-backed regime headed by Gen. Ne Win that had wiped out the savings of many by a sudden demonetization of the currency.
An estimated 3,000 people were killed before the demonstrations were crushed in September. Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma's detained pro-democracy leader, rose to prominence during the uprising. "We are holding this religious ceremony in memory of those who had sacrificed their lives during the protest and in honor of those who are in prison for their beliefs and for those who had taken part in the nationwide protests 22 years ago," said Tint Hsan, a former student activist who organized the event.
The ceremony in an eastern suburb was attended by politicians and many activists, including some Buddhist monks recently freed from prison. Rangoon's streets were quiet and residents went about their normal Sunday routines, with some having forgotten the anniversary date. Others gave food to Buddhist monks to mark the protests. More>>
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