STUDENT ACTIVISTS COMMEMORATE THE 1988 UPRISING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 001123

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STATE FOR EAP/MLS; PACOM FOR FPA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM ECON PREL BM
SUBJECT: STUDENT ACTIVISTS COMMEMORATE THE 1988 UPRISING


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Classified By: P/E Chief Leslie Hayden for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: Over 500 democracy activists and supporters
gathered in Rangoon on August 8, the 17th anniversary of the
1988 pro-democracy uprising, to commemorate their fallen
comrades in a religious ceremony held at Thaikpan Monastery
in Rangoon. The event, organized by the 88 Generation
Students movement led by Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi, was the
first of its kind held inside Burma. In reaction to the
date's significance, the regime tightened security at Rangoon
high schools, around Shwedagon Pagoda, and on University
Avenue, where ASSK remains under house arrest. Under the
watchful eyes of the regime, Min Ko Naing and his fellow
activists used the anniversary to stage a gathering of the
splintered opposition that rarely works together. We see
this as another step forward in response to those who want to
see a more active opposition movement inside the country.
End summary.


2. (C) On August 8, over 500 democracy activists gathered at
Thaikpan Monastery in Rangoon to commemorate the 17th
anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. The event
was the first of its kind since the 1988 uprising and was
organized by the "88 Generation Students" led by former
political prisoner Min Ko Naing. Many fellow former
prisoners and student activists participated, as did NLD
members from Rangoon, Mandalay, and other cities; leaders of
Chin, Kachin, Shan, and Arakanese ethnic groups; and members
of the Group of Veteran Politicians. Others attending the
event included recently released political prisoners Su Su
Nwe and Aye Myint; noted Burmese economist U Myint; Soe
Myint, who delivers ASSK's food and is one of only two people
to see her everyday; and prominent actor Kyaw Thu, who helps
fund funerals for former political prisoners. Diplomats from
the German, British, South Korean and U.S. embassies attended
the morning ceremonies. While a few NLD leaders attended, one
young NLD member lamented that more of the leadership did not
attend, and expressed the wish that the NLD would organize
similar events.


3. (C) The ceremony was originally to be held at Maggin
Monastery in Rangoon, long known for its support of student
activists and headed by the recently deceased Maggin Sayadaw,
himself a former political prisoner. However, due to regime
pressure on the monastery to disassociate itself from the
students, the students were forced to hold the event at an
alternate site. The head Abbott of Thaikpan Monastery
agreed to host. Nervous that he would be persuaded to change
his mind, a member of the 88 Generation Students group
visited him every day for a week prior to the event to ensure
arrangements. Guests began arriving on August 8 before 8 a.m.
and at precisely 8:08, fourteen monks led a 30-minute
religious ceremony in honor of democracy activists killed
during the 1988 uprising.


4. (C) In anticipation of the anniversary of the
pro-democracy uprising, the regime tightened security around
ASSK's residence, local schools, marketplaces, and bus stops.
University Avenue was closed to cars and pedestrians.
Approximately 25 plainclothes security personnel kept watch
over the 88 Generation Students' ceremony. One of them asked
a student if they would share food from the ceremony with
them as well, and she replied that they would if they had any
left over. She then asked her colleagues save some for the
watchers. Other than taking ample pictures of attendees,
security personnel did not interfere and kept a lower profile
than at NLD events.


4. (C) Notably, Burma's most important religious site,

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Shwedagon Pagoda, was closed to the general public the
morning of the 8th until 12 noon. Burmese authorities claimed
that Thai military chief, Ruangroj Mahasaranon, might visit
the site, so it had been closed as a security precaution.
Others suggested that its closure had more to do with the
8.8.88 anniversary and the regime's fear that 88 Generation
Students would stage a march from the nearby Thaikpan
Monastery to Shwedagon. Emboffs witnessed USDA members,
dressed in their trademark white shirts and green longyis,
stationed around Shwedagon's South Gate denying access to the
general public. While access to Shwedagon Pagoda is normally
restricted when there are VIP guests, the use of USDA members
and the length of time it was closed indicated official
concern about the significant date.


5. (C) COMMENT: Min Ko Naing told us that he and other
student leaders planned this event to give an outlet to those
who want to see a more active opposition movement within
Burma. This includes student activists, supporters of the
students not affiliated with any group, and NLD members
unsatisfied with the cautious "caretaker" approach NLD
leadership has taken while ASSK remains under house arrest.
Significantly, several people who are not directly involved
in political activities and usually wish to remain in the
background chose to attend the ceremony today as well. The
event provided a rare opportunity for members of Burma's
splintered political opposition to come together. It also
showed that Min Ko Naing and other student leaders are
willing to step forward to help revive and unite the
political opposition. End comment.
VILLAROSA