Peaceful Protest in Burma Met with Violence

While national media broadcasting was reporting endlessly on the custody battle of a fallen celebrity, peaceful protesters on the streets of Burma battled for life. Heinous acts of violence echoed through the streets and citizens were forced into their homes. Those inside homes were ordered to not even look out their windows, or be imprisoned. Military officials rushed to the streets to contain the protestors. Beatings, unjust arrests, and brutal deaths were the repercussions for unrecognized freedoms of speech and protest. For several days, pictures and tapes of the violence were unfounded. Many witnesses eerily disappeared and citizens silenced. Then, as a few found their way to safety and freedom, the American press obtained proof of the inhumane treatment of the Burmese demonstrators.

Officially, the Union of Myanmar, Burma is the largest country in Southeast Asia. The population of Burma is one of diversity. Primarily made up of Buddhist and Burma's, the area also includes Christians, Catholics, Baptist, and Muslims. The ethnic make-up also includes, Shan, Karen, Rakhine, Chinese, Indian, and others. The morality rate of Burma, greatly affected in recent years by Aids, is a falling population.

Senior General Than Swhe is the Prime Minister of Burma. The country, run by a military regime, has been the center of protest through out Burma history. In recent years, national media have taken notice of the demonstrations. This attention has served to bring a better sense of understanding for issues in Burma, opening some doors of compromise. However, among hopes of compromise, there has been increased series of violence and prosecution. Non-Buddhist citizens have made up the largest number of demonstrators in human rights protest. Meanwhile, monks have contributed to the largest numbers of peaceful demonstrations for freedom in Burma.

One group referred to as the Federal Movement, has been protesting since the early 50's. These demonstrators and human rights activist are fighting for governmental equality. Many in the group have gone underground during periods of unrest, continuing to fight the military regime. Human rights activist in the United States has documented human rights violations against the non-Buddhist groups and monks. However, the Burmese government, aside form stalling tactics, has not complied with any promises of negotiation or policies. Aside from the non-Buddhist and monks, other groups have also demonstrated in Burma for the rights of the impoverished, both governmentally and ethically.

The voices of Burmese have begun to reach out in various ways. An online blog, dedicated to the voices of oppressed women, documents the human rights struggles and violations of Burma. The Woman of Color Blog, contains a post by a woman calling herself Militantly Disabled Ms CRiP Chick. A recent post on her blog, dated September 9, 2007 reads,"...suddenly riot police and soldiers drove the truck around the corner and start firing shots at the crowd...I was shot twice".
"I would like the embassy and media to know the actions of this army. We are just ordinary citizen going to work and they just shot at us for no reason.
Imagine what they would do to the protesters!" In the first days of October 2007, the world was able to see what would happen to protestors

Beginning in the end of September 2007, protestors and monks began protesting in the streets of Burma. The increase in fuel cost, which doubled in August 2007, was the inciting reason for the protest. The groups felt, that in an impoverished country, the rise in fuel was an attack on the rights of the Burmese. The tens of thousands of protestors were protesting against the military regime, Junta. On Wednesday September 26, 2007, Junta began attacking the protestors who were lead by thousands of monks. Unable to enter the country, journalist had to rely on witness accounts from Burma, for reports on the peaceful protest and violence. On September 29, 2007, United Nations envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, arrived in Burma. On that day, the Junta was reported to have beaten one hundred protestors and arrest five. The group had met in the town of Rangoon and once they began clapping, troops attacked. As stories of beatings and possible killing began to leak out of Burma, after Gambari's leave, the government began the steps to cover up the violence they denied. Hundreds of people simply disappeared. Many were jailed and hospitalized. Videos and reports of the protest were confiscated and witnesses punished. Then in the early days of October 2007, videos smuggle out of Burma began to leak to national media outlets. The videos showed the gruesome truth the military was trying to hide. Along with still photographs, the blood trail was impossible to deny. Video has shown the military beating protesters with the backs of rifles, canes, wooden sticks, and their fists. One protester can be seen with six soldiers over him, amidst a brutal attack upon his head, face, and body. Soldiers smiled and laughed while they talked to one another, walking blood drenched faces to a line up of increasing prisoners. While a few of the beaten escaped, many were imprisoned. Reports of ongoing torcher have also begun to leak from the jails. Reports of at least 13 beating and shooting deaths have been verified, however many believe the number will be much higher once investigated. These recent events have only been a part of the violent history in Burma. Reports of military violence against the people have been gaining notice for years. Beatings, murders, false imprisonments, rapes, and intimidation have been a long standing practice of the Junta.

The United Nations, representatives of the U.S. and other countries have asked for further investigations. The United State has several bans on Burma to date. One ban is on all exports, and two others on new investments and financial services. President George Bush has announced the United States will tighten economic sanctions against the government of Burma. Further sanctions may now be placed on the Junta.

Witnesses in Burma have posted various quotes on internet sites and blogs. Many depict the unnamable violence, and fear based terrorism on their people. Messages have been sent thought the internet, the United States Media, and by letter and message to allies and friend outside of the area.

"It seems that the military has shown its power. The protests have been wiped out easily. The momentum and the determination of the people is winding down. The soldiers show no mercy against the people."Samson, Rangoon

"He says the army have been using loudspeakers to pass on the message that if anyone is seen running into a house for sanctuary, they are going to demolish the building. They are also warning people not to look out of their windows." Neil, UK

"People seem to be determined to continue, despite the bullets, beatings and killings. I hear right now that shooting is still going on near our office. Anonymous international resident, Rangoon

Despite the violence and turmoil in Burma, as late as October 5, 2007, monks imprisoned were still protesting by refusing food. Many have vowed to return to the streets. Protestors and activist refuse to step down from their demonstrations. They intend to continue their state of events until the Burma government officials are forced to recognize the rights of the people. Humanitarian efforts for the impoverished people of Burma are being blocked by the military regime. Internet access has undergone repeated suspension. The government continues to deny any wrongdoing and the humanitarians, democratic societies, and activist of the world are beginning to take notice. They have begun to fight for the rights of the Burmese.

If you want to get involved with the humanitarian movement for Burma, several options have begun this month. Starting October 4, 2007 bloggers are being asked not to post on their site, but to place a banner with the words "FREE BURMA", underlined. After October 4, 2007, bloggers are being asked to keep, or begin to add, the banner at the top of every post. On October 6, 2007 Burma Campaign Uk, will host a international day of action in London from noon on. The website Avaaz.org will post a petition holding the government of Burma accountable for further bloodshed. You may also contact Amnesty International or other human rights organizations for more information on how you may help the people of Burma.