------------------------ BurmaNet ------------------------ "Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies" ---------------------------------------------------------- The BurmaNet News: March 27, 1996 - FASCIST RESISTANCE DAY Issue #370 HEADLINES: ========== ABSDF(DNA+MTZ): STATEMENT ON FASCIST RESISTANCE DAY BBC: VOICE OF AMERICA'S BURMESE SERVICE JAMMED AGAIN BBC: CLANDESTINE AND OTHER SELECTED BROADCASTS INDEPENDENT REPORT: PEPSI BOYCOTTED IN MANDALAY ASIAWEEK: BANHARN'S RESCUE MISSION BANGKOK POST: HI-HO THE DERRY-O, A-BURMA WE WILL GO ASIAWEEK: CANCELLATIONS - NO TRAIN TO MANDALAY DVB: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION NEW FRONTIERS: PADAUNG PEOPLE'S TRADITION IN TURMOIL TERRA: SWISS ACTIONS ON BURMA TOURISM GAINING MOMENTUM GN32: MEGA DAMS THREATEN VAST TRACTS OF FOREST THE HINDU: THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABSDF(DNA+MTZ): STATEMENT ON THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF FASCIST RESISTANCE DAY March 27, 1996 from lurie@mozart.inet.co.th March 27 1996 is a remarkable day in Burma as it is the 51ST anniversary of the Fascist Resistance Day when the entire people of Burma began their fight against the Japanese fascists. Notorious Japanese fascism spread to Burma under the firestorm of the Second World War and brutally oppressed the entire people of Burma for a number of years. Under the inhuman oppression of the Japanese Fascists, the people of Burma sacrificed their lives with blood, sweat and tears and lost their homes and a prospective peaceful future that was theirs by right. All national and resistance organisations in Burma hand in hand with the Burma Independence Army(BIA) led by General Aung San organised an umbrella organisation known as the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) in August, 1944. It should also be not forgotten that the original founding date of the Burma Independence Army (BIA) was in fact December 26th 1941. Under the leadership of AFPFL the entire people of Burma started the resistance movement to liberate themselves from the Japanese fascism that was attempting to engulf them on March 27, 1945. So this day was recorded as a great event of historical significance in Burmese history and was called "Fascist Resistance Day". Now, Slorc shamelessly purports that this nation-wide Fascist resistance movement was completely carried out by the Tatmadaw (Burma Army) alone with the aim to grip the spirit of military domination in the country. Under the Ne Win's regime, this historical "Fascist Resistance Day" was forcibly renamed as Tatmadaw Day (Armed Forces Day). Perverting our history in order to diminish the anti-fascist feelings that have always been held by the peoples of Burma, along with their ongoing sacrifices, really does delude the populace into naively assuming that SLORC's military RULE and ROLE (sic) at this juncture is what our country requires and needs. Over a period of 34 years, nearly two generations have had their growth curtailed, and their well-being put at risk. Also, their hopes and dreams shattered by a despotic government. All peaceful movement calling for a move toward democracy and an ending of human rights violations have been sharply put down by the killing of thousands of unarmed demonstrators. Under the oppressive tools of unjust law and regulations, people are embarrassingly and stressfully living with the loss of human dignity, individual security, and justice. Political, economic and educational components have been deteriorating and it leads to the tarnishing of the national dignity. Up to today still, SLORC, military junta, has been still denying the 1990 election results and continuing their sham National Convention as an attempt to keep a ongoing grip on the power of the state. On the other hand the Slorc, by practicing their usual divide and rule policy, have been disregarding the move for national reconciliation, but taking the political profit for its cosmetic ceasefire agreement with the incentive of the border development programs and with their pretention of a desired quest for peace. The Slorc also continues the detention of political prisoners including prominent student leader Min Ko Naing. They have been oppressing the entire population of Burma in the way the fascists had attempted to do so all those years ago. The ABSDF would like to urge the Slorc to: Release Student leader Min Ko Naing and other political prisoners Open dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Abolish the sham National Convention Cancel Unjust laws Now is the time for the whole country, and all resistance organisations of Burma to unitedly fight against the new Fascists, the SLORC, by firmly holding on to the historical heritage of Anti-Fascist feelings within the spirit of the people, until the achievement of democracy and human rights in Burma has come into being. On this special occasion commemorating Fascists Resistance Day, the ABSDF reiterated that it will continue fighting against any brutal and oppressive form of ruling like fascism which perpetuates harassment, and unjust deeds amongst the people, towards the people, by the people in order to uproot it from the ground of the world. Central Committee ABSDF Please Note: This is the Joint Statement of the ABSDF(DNA) and ABSDF(MTZ) regarding 51ST anniversary of the Fascist Resistance Day. ***************************************************************** BBC: VOICE OF AMERICA'S BURMESE SERVICE JAMMED AGAIN March 21, 1996 (abridged) The Myanmar authorities started jamming the broadcast about three weeks ago and we hear the jamming on two frequencies only and these happen to be the strongest shortwave frequencies. The jamming commences any time between 1130 and 1200 hours UTC and usually goes on until about 1220 UTC. Unfortunately, we cannot observe the mediumwave channel 1575, so we are not sure about that. However, I feel that the Burmese or the Myanmar authorities have only two transmitters for jamming. The opposition station, the Voice of Democratic Burma, who are coming from Norway is unjammed, and so are the Burmese transmissions from the BBC... So the jamming is aimed only at the Voice of America, and we are quite puzzled. But the jamming is quite evident and it's not a stray jammer landing on VOA because both frequencies have the jammer. ********************************************************* BBC: SPECIAL REPORT:CLANDESTINE AND OTHER SELECTED BROADCASTS - BURMA Democratic Voice of Burma (Burmese: Democratic Myanmar a-Than) began broadcasting on 19th July 1992, when it announced that it was operating on behalf of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB). However, it is believed that the station is now run by Burmese student activists accountable to the Norway-Burma Council, but without any formal control by NCGUB. The radio broadcasts from shortwave transmitters in Norway which at other times carry the Radio Norway International and Radio Denmark external services. Thabye Radio, a pro-government radio station, was first reported in November 1995. (The name "Thabye" is a reference to the aromatic leaves of the eugenia tree which, according to Burmese belief, denotes victory). Its programmes appear to be aimed at a Karen audience and reflect the positions of Burma's ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council, which is opposed to the activities of the Karen National Union (KNU). The KNU's own station, Kawthulay Radio, has not been observed for several years. ************************************************** INDEPENDENT REPORT: PEPSI BOYCOTTED IN MANDALAY! March 25, 1996 From: David Wolfberg [BurmaNet Editor's Note: Any confirmations of this would be appreciated.] By way of letter from Burma, an inside source informs us that local people in Mandalay are honoring the worldwide PepsiCo boycott by not purchasing the soft drink there. This apparently includes people who can actually afford the product. ******************************************************** ASIAWEEK: BANHARN'S RESCUE MISSION March 29, 1996 From: brelief@gol.com (Ken and Visakha Kawasaki) In Yangon, the Thai PM lifts a troubled relationship By Matthew Fletcher and Julian Gearing, BANGKOK Banharn Silapa - archa was a man with a mission. Fresh from hosting the inaugural Asia Europe - summit, the Thai prime minister is eager to be seen as a force for better ties across the region. But last week's visit to Yangon -- the first by a Thai premier in 15 years -- had a more immediate purpose. "The primary aim," says head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's economic affairs department Kobsak Chutikul, "was to lay the foundation for future cooperation." Plainly put, Thailand's troubled relationship with Myanmar needed rescuing. That objective could matter to other Asian governments, too. Despite global condemnation of the military junta in Yangon, ASEAN has maintained a policy of "constructive engagement" with the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). And Thailand is taking the lead in ASEAN's plan to include Myanmar as a member before the end of the decade. But for Bangkok, there is more at stake than regionalism in courting SLORC. Thailand is the fourth biggest investor in Myanmar behind France, Britain and Singapore. Thai entrepreneurs have been eyeing lucrative business opportunities there. Cross - border trade is estimated at $400 million annually, with the illegal figures said to be six times higher. Given the cheek - to - jowl closeness, relations can easily sour. In the past few years, SLORC's successful drives against rebel insurgents have led to problems along the border. Myanmar has accused the Thais of helping ethnic and other rebel groups, including opium warlord Khun Sa. For its part, Bangkok says SLORC backed a breakaway faction of the Karen National Liberation Army, which launched raids into Thailand. Banharn's predecessor, Chuan Leekpai, froze formal relations with Yangon. Last year ties hit a low as Yangon closed border checkposts, cracked down on Thai fishermen, and moved to boycott Thai goods. Fishing disputes have sometimes turned violent. Since last August two Burmese and six Thais have been killed in two major clashes at sea. A Burmese trader's death at the hands of Thai police in the southern town of Ranong just days before Banharn's visit underscored the potential for cross-border turbulence. Last week, the Thai premier moved to reverse the spiral by signing accords to promote trade and better resolve frontier disputes. SLORC had agreed to reopen border checkpoints. Thailand also is to extend loans for a new international airport at Mandalay. Relations were getting back on track. "Don't expect too much in the way of results," says international - relations lecturer Chayachoke Chulasiriwongs of Thailand's Chulalongkorn University. "Myanmar's relationship with China has strengthened. Whatever they want, they get from China." But Banharn, himself heading for Beijing March 24, at least had begun to swing Myanmar's attention back to Thailand. **************************************************** BANGKOK POST: HI-HO THE DERRY-O, A-BURMA WE WILL GO March 24, 1996 PRIME Minister Banharn's trip to Burma on 17-18 was hailed by his Government as another startling success on the international stage but Siam Post thought other wise. There is a chance, said the daily, that the jaunt to Rangoon could jeopardise national interests. Mr Banharn was proud to declare himself to be the first Thai prime minister in 16 years to visit Burma, but Siam Post said that as he took off to the capital to the west he was oblivious to regard for the people down below. The paper suggested that he might, perhaps, have been ignorant of the fact that by visiting the dictatorial regime which shunned the results of a general election it lost, he was behaving in a manner unacceptable in a democratic society. As far as the Prime Minister was concerned, he might be wondering why his predecessors could have been so short-sighted to have failed to jump at the opportunity to strengthen ties what he calls constructive engagement with the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Mr Banharn might well convince himself the trip was a success, said Siam Post, but he should take a closer look at who is he dealing with. Siam Post said that what was foremost in the mind of Mr Banharn was to persuade the generals in Rangoon to open border checkpoints they ordered shut following a number of tussles with Thailand. But all those problems seemed to have been -swept under the carpet as Mr Banharn arrived at Mingladon Airport to a very impressive reception with a 19-gun salute. And there was more, said Siam Post. Under a baking sun, it said, thousands of people, young and not so young, were "volunteered" to line his triumphant route into Rangoon and wave flags for a man some said they had never heard of. The greetings out of the way, all that was left to discuss was what the Slorc wanted from Thailand, said Siam Post, and they were quick to point out that they might be inclined to open a few more border checkpoints if they get things their way. Border checkpoints are a touchy issue in relations with the Slorc, which has used the killing of Burmese crewmen by Thais as a pretext to order them closed. And this time Mr Banharn and his pals might have been worried about an incident in Ranong, opposite Victoria Point, where four policemen have been charged with robbing and murdering a trader who happened to be the brother-in-law of the governor of the Burmese island of Koh Song. INPRINT: views of Thai political magazines (abridged) If Mr Banharn thought his worries about the Andaman Sea were over, he was very wrong, said Siam Post. The Slorc refused to discuss fishing concessions in Burmese waters. And as though to underline the fact that change is a foreign concept to the Slorc, they told Thai reporters to ignore Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy, which won the election the generals preferred to forget. But it was not all hard-nosed business talk in Rangoon because Mr Banharn brought the family along too, according to Daily News. Mr Banharn, accompanied by Khunying Jaemsai and daughter Kanjana, made the most of the trip by going to the Shwedagon Pagoda in central Rangoon. When asked what he prayed for, the Prime Minister disclosed his wishes, saying he prayed for his health and a long life, perhaps 90 years. As for Khunying Jaemsai, she said she prayed that the press would be nicer to her husband. Siam Post, Daily News ****************************************************** ASIAWEEK: CANCELLATIONS -NO TRAIN TO MANDALAY March 29, 1996 From: brelief@gol.com (Ken and Visakha Kawasaki) When Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at Yangon's railway station to catch the train tor Mandalay last week, she was in for a rude shock. A sign on her carriage declared it was out of order. The wagon was subsequently uncoupled and authorities refused to allow Suu Kyi and aides to board the overbooked train as standing passengers. "If trains are performing like this," she remarked, "it's questionable whether the Visit Myanmar Year (1996) will be successful." As the train disappeared, so did more of the Nobel Peace Prize winner's already limited freedom. When Suu Kyi was released "unconditionally" from house arrest last July, it was unclear how much political freedom she would have. The ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) made clear that it would be up to her to test the limits. Suu Kyi was going to Mandalay to attend the trial of two entertainers, who were arrested for staging satirical skits at her home on Jan. 4, Myanmar's Independence Day. Two members of Suu Kyi's National League tor Democracy (NLD) were also on trial for organizing the function. The four were sentenced to 10 years in jail by the Mandalay court on March 18. More trouble was to follow. Saw Hlaing, an NLD member who had traveled to Mandalay for the trial, was involved in a minor traffic accident with a trishaw. This normally would be settled on the spot. Saw Hlaing was hauled off to a closed court and given a 5 - year sentence. In recent months, authorities have cracked down on NLD supporters distributing tapes of Suu Kyi's speeches. Win Htein, an aide of Suu Kyi's, is bemused by SLORC'S tactics: "If the government is so confident, why are they afraid of Aung San Suu Kyi going to Mandalay?" ************************************************* DVB: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION March 25, 1996 From: "dvb@sn.no" Dear friends, The Democratic Voice of Burma(DVB) would like to thank all of you who have posted information on Burma on Internet(BurmaNet) or sending directly to us. Your contribution would go a long way towards broadcasting variety of credible and reliable information to the people inside Burma. We may not able to participate in all the discussion that on BurmaNet, but we have always been closely monitoring all the posts from BurmaNet users. Though we are really grateful for the news, articles and reports that you have posted , we feel regret about the fact that we were not able to thank you individually. To take this opportunity, we would like to thank all of you and give you a few examples of news items from BurmaNet we have used in our broadcast. <> Ken and Visakha of Burma Relief Centre in Japan who have just finished 9 days meditation at the Burmese Pagoda in Kyushu are now gearing up for a demonstration against Mitsubishi on coming Wednesday. Since boycott campaigns against Mitsubishi products have already begun in Japan, Ken and Visakha believe that Burmese people inside the country should also stop buying all Mitsubishi products. Burmese expatriates around the world are organising Pepsi boycott. They said people inside Burma also need to boycott Pepsi products such as Mountain Dew, Mirinda, and 7 - Up. They added that every time you buys Pepsi, you should keep in mind that you are supporting the SLORC. Don't lend a helping hand to Pepsi King's Tun Thein, his SLORC cronies, and Pepsico. Burma Relief Centre in Japan urges people inside Burma, not to drink Pepsi but to drink traditional Burmese tea <> As Burma's elected leaders have asked foreign companies doing business in Burma to stay out of the country, the Portland citizens from the United States, the four city council members, and the city's mayor urge to end businesses engaged in Burma. The Burma Action Committee said, "This letter is a great first step for the city to take and is a clear warning to businesses that stay in Burma of the problem they will face if they don't pull out. They said "this city does not want to deal with businesses that have blood on their hands." As the Portland city council are deeply concerned with the situation in Burma and Portland citizens have asked us to end contracting business to companies trading with Burma, the city mayor and the four city council members stated in their statement that "we feel obliged to consider their concerns, and communicate them to you." Well, these are the examples of some of our news items that we have broadcast . Although we could not give you detail account of how many people are listening to DVB, we have been informed from our sources that the people in Kachin State , Mandalay and Rangoon are listening to DVB almost every day. We are very eager to inform the people of Burma about what people around the world have been doing for the struggle for democracy in Burma. We therefore very much appreciate to receive any information about your activities on Burma. News tips are always welcome. News items and articles from newspapers and magazines from your resident country may also be interesting to the people of Burma.(If it is not in English, we appreciate if you could translate it at least briefly.) If you have just come back from Burma, why not write to us about your experiences, news and stories. You can also request songs for any particular persons or people inside Burma through DVB's Music Request Program on every Monday. For all information, you can either send to BurmaNet or directly to us. We would not accept any anonymous letters or messages. If you do not want your name to be broadcast, please clearly say so. Keep up your good work! Wishing You Happy New Year! (Year 1358) In Solidarity, Democratic Voice of Burma(DVB) Oslo, Norway E-Mail: dvb@sn.no Democratic Voice of Burma(DVB) has one hour air time broadcasting to Burma everyday. It is one of the main sources of information for the people of Burma especially for those inside the country. For more informaton, please write to: DVB, P.O Box 6720, ST.Olavs Plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway. Tel: 47-22-200021, Tel/fax:47-22-362525. ************************************************************* NEW FRONTIERS: PADAUNG PEOPLE'S TRADITION IN TURMOIL March 1996 (produced by TERRA) TERRAPER@KSC.NET.TH) (Source: Bangok Post 13.2.96; The Nation: 3.3.96) WHAT brings so many tourists to Baan Naisoi, Nam Phiang Din and Huai Suea Thao, three settlements on the banks of the Pai River in Mae Hong Son province? The villages have become home of the Padaung people, one tribe of the Karenni, a branch of the Karen. The tribe's original settlements were in the fertile lowlands of the Salween River in Kayah State, Burma. But domestic turmoil drove the Padaung from their homelands into Thailand during the 1980s. The move brought them into contact with the outside world -- and sealed their fate as an exotic tourist attraction as some of the women traditionally elongate their necks with bronze rings. Most tourists are not particularly interested in the long tradition and legends behind the wearing of metal rings. Rather, it is their odd appearance that attracts visitors' attention. In the opinion of many, the village is a human zoo where people come to gawk at and photograph these long necked creatures. Thai authorities and tour companies have been condemned for turning the Padaung villages into colonies and exploiting the women for profit making. About ten years ago, a Thai tour operator came into contact with the Padaung tribe by chance and immediately realized their commercial potential. Then an agreement was reached to have the tribe settled in Mae Hong Son in exchange for its cooperation in allowing tourists to their villages. The Thai government allows them to reside there, but does not permit them to own or cultivate land. It looks as if it was quite a good deal because the Padaung are relatively well off compared to other Thai and hilltribe villages in the area. But they hardly had another choice than to become involved in tourism. Alexandre, a Padaung tribal, who has been working as a tour guide, said it was never their intention to settle down in Thailand. "We are trying to make as much money as possible. When the military government is overthrown and democracy is restored, we will start our lives over in Burma," he said. "Living here is safer. We don't have to run away and hide behind bunkers. We don't have to be afraid of bombs. The SLORC government is so brutal. They force their own people into labour. Everyone suffers under them. We still love our homeland, but we love freedom and democracy more," he added. However, the life of the Padaung has changed drastically. Their villages have been promoted worldwide as tourist destinations and the long - necked women have been made symbols of Mae Hong Son province. Each year, about 10,000 visitors, Thai and foreign, invade the area. They are charged US$10 per person to enter the village and take photographs. The tourists find the inhabitants very friendly and willing. Padaung women immediately stop their activities if they notice a camera pointing in their direction, smile and keep the pose until the picture is taken. According to Padaung tradition only girls born on a Wednesday of a full moon are destined to have their necks fitted with metal rings at an age between five and nine years -- and these are naturally only a few. But today, apparently all young women have their necks extended to ensure that there are enough long necks to satisfy tourists. The Padaung have also modified their tradition to allow mixed blood girls to be initiated. Consequently, the future of the tradition hangs in a precarious balance. Will the Padaung maintain the practice for its legendary sacredness, or exploit their tribal values just to perpetuate their tourist attractiveness for commercial gain? ************************************************* TERRA: SWISS ACTIONS ON BURMA TOURISM GAINING MOMENTUM March 1996 THE Working Group Tourism & Development in cooperation with other Swiss non governmental organizations has published an information kit on Burma in preparation of Visit Myanmar Year. The documentation includes articles on general political and economic developments in Burma, SLORC's tourism policy, human rights violations, and the particularly miserable situation of ethnic groups and women, for example. The coalition of Swiss NGOs held media conferences in Zurich on 23 January and in Geneva on 30 January to raise awareness on the realities in Burma and to introduce their activities to the public. The NGOs welcomed the statement of the Swiss Federation of Travel Agencies of October 1995 which recommended that its members should refrain from expanding travel to Burma and ignore Visit Myanmar Year. But they pointed out that the debate on Burma issues should be continued and more efforts be made to keep the public and potential travellers informed. Both media events were widely covered in German and French language newspapers and radio programmes in Switzerland. For more information, contact: Working Group Tourism & Development (AKTE), Missionstr 21, 4003 Basel, Switzerland, Tel.: 44 - 61 - 261 4742, Fax 44 - 61 - 261- 4721. ****************************************************** GN32: MEGA DAMS THREATEN VAST TRACTS OF FOREST AND INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS March 26, 1996 From: brelief@gol.com (Ken and Visakha Kawasaki) Dams planned for the Salween River and Thaung Yin River (Moei) could destroy the remaining rain forests and the ancient ethnic people's culture along the border of Burma and Thailand. Flooding and Siltation The great majority of the flood zone of the planned dams is to be in Burma, covering part of northern Kawthoolei (Karen State), splitting Kayah (Karenni) State in two and stretching up into the Shan State. The flood waters will also inundate parts of the Salawin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only part of Thailand that will go under the waters. With a high and low water level variation of 57 meters and a dam wall height of 166 meters, the flood zone for the dam will be vast. It is reasonable to assume that over a thousand square kilometers give or take a hundred depending on the exact location of the dam, some of the richest riparian and forest land in Karenni State will be submerged beneath more than 140 metres of water and wilt. Along with the forests will be sacrificed as well as the lands, homes and cultivations of the already or soon to be displaced or annihilated indigenous Karen and Karenni peoples. In the flood zone and surrounding hills live many different tribes, including some whom anthropologists have hardly any knowledge of at all. In addition to the hundreds of square kilometers of land submerged at the high water level under what would be normal conditions after the dam was built, low lying lands for many kilometers upstream are likely to be subjected to worsening periodic flooding as the massive silt load the Salween carries settles as it comes to the stilled waters. PROTECT OUR RAIN FORESTS Forests maintain the natural cycles of the air, soil and water upon which our lives depend. They regulate our weather, they help to produce soil from decayed organic matter. Their roots and leaf litter form a giant "sponge" from which rivers emerge. These sponges clothe pure water watersheds. When trees are removed from the hill and heavy rainfall thunders down the slopes it carries top soil away with it. The head-waters dry up with the disappearance of the forest cover and below becomes a bleached surface of shattered rock fragments. A desert is created. The Burmese and ethnic armies are selling off Burma's natural resources at an alarming rate in order to gain the foreign exchange needed to purchase new weapons and ammunition for SLORC's war against its own people. Although Burma recently had 80% of the world's remaining teak forests, these forests may soon be eradicated as deforestation by foreign companies is destroying over 1.2 million acres of trees each year. The cut trees are transported into Thailand, Singapore, China where they are processed and then sold to countries around the world. This deforestation is not only destroying the environment of Burma but also depriving the ethnic minorities who have lived in harmony with these forests for many generations, the right to survival. Green November 32 is dedicated to: 1. preservation of the environment and education about environmental issues 2. protection of human rights and education about human rights 3. providing assistance tot he people who have been suffering from disasters caused by environmental destruction and human rights violations in Burma. For more information and suggestions on how you can help, contact Green November 32 Green November 32 P.O. Box 58 Mae Hong Son 58000 Tel/fax: (053) 612-150 *********************************************************** THE HINDU: THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY March 24, 1996 New Delhi from chan@.unv.ernet.in NOTE: Though Aung San Suu Kyi's release raise high expectations, the journey to democracy has still not begun. THE Irrawaddy, Burma's famous river, continues to flow quietly. A predominantly Buddhist nation, Myanmar, as it is now called, has settled down under a military rule that came into force in 1988. In that memorable year, students and political activists in the country took the streets demanding full democracy. The nation-wide protests were quelled and the military leaders tightened the screw much to the anguish of a democratic world. Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of one of Burma's founding leaders and military personality himself. Gen. Aung San, arrived from the UK to witness this rebellion. Having married a British academic, she had stayed out of Burma for some years. But when she landed in the thick of the pro-democracy struggle, Ms Aung San Suu Kyi was inextrictricably pulled into the vortex of this national movement. She plunged headlong into it and soon emerged as a national figure around whom the people and the main political party, the National League for Democracy, rallied. In 1989, the heat had been turned on and the struggle for democracy was almost there at its destination. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), the administrative apex body of the junta, put her under house arrest for 'transgression of laws'. From than on, Ms. Suu Kyi was confined to her rather dilapidated on University Avenue in Yangon (which she prefers to call by its old name of Rangoon). She was expected to serve a six year detention, which ended in mid-July last year. The SLORC could have certainly founded an excuse to extend her term, or release her before putting her back under house arrest. But it was a somewhat propitious time for the forces working for the restoration of democracy. Myanmar was wanting to gain further recognition in Southeast Asia and perhaps planning to join the regional grouping called ASEAN. Japan, one of the main donors in this region, was holding back from its commitments and not letting the private sector implement many project which were agreed upon. It brought pressure on the SLORC to release Ms. Suu Kyi before aid and investments flowed in more freely from Tokyo. Since there was no other commitment, the junta saw no reason to detain the Nobel laureate. So, on July 11, she was set free and allowed to see and receive people. The Western powers, who had been campaigning for her release and were largely instrumental in getting her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, heaved a sigh of relief. Some of them expected the military rulers to follow up on her release and initiate a process for the restoration of democracy. Ms. Suu Kyi knew the military leadership better and hastened to explain in an interview with this correspondent soon after her release, "I hope it means something positive. I am just one person. It is not only a change in situation of one person. We want to be in the situation of the 45 million people in this country". She told her supporters that her release was only the first, "half-step," but more concrete measures were necessary if the SLORC was for the restoration of democracy. >From the beginning, she kept asking the junta for a dialogue with all sections of opinion. A round table as it were for national reconciliation. To understand her style and personality, a bit of her past and grooming may be useful. Only a while before her release, Ms. Suu Kyi turned 50. She was born in the exciting phase when many countries in this part of the world became free and independent, with their people breathing the Second World War. She saw the birth of Burma too, besides its neighbour, India. After her father's death, her mother was posted as Ambassador to India. So Ms. Suu Kyi spent many years in New Delhi in the 1960s, and India and Mahathma Gandhi were a strong influence on her. Ms. Suu Kyi said she had never envisaged a political role for herself, nor intended to jump into politics so suddenly. It was a spur of the moment decision and she could not resist the Burmese clamour for freedom and democracy _ two countries two cardinal principles she was wedded to. It happened suddenly. She was in Rangoon to find out what was happening and felt drawn in to the struggle. She joined the pro-democracy forces and the leadership qualities in her, as also the principle of non-violence came to the fore. >From the word go, Ms. Suu Kyi, once into the movement, kept harping on the compelling need to keep it non-violent. Otherwise, it could turn into an extremist force, with students on the streets. Hew appeal and inner peace, founded a ready echo and relevance among the Buddhist Burmese. She moulded the pro-democracy forces to become a real threat to the military leadership, even after some merciless killing down of the youth on the streets of the country. Realising the potential of her leadership, the SLORC opted to put leaders of the movement and crush the students uprising in 1989. Unfortunately, the generals did not understand or read the situation right. A year later, in 1990, they decided to hold a democratic election in the country. Under house arrest, Ms Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy, swept the polls. They won 392 out of the 485 seats in the central assembly or Parliament. The junta therefore decided to bush aside the verdict, continue to detain all leaders and tighten its military hold on the country. Universities and school remained for quite some tome and human life almost came a standstill. Then began the isolation of Myanmar and the West became highly critical of the SLORC and its drive against human rights and fundamental values. When Ms. Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, it was a triumph for her spirit, courage and determination to persist with the struggle for democracy. But in the meanwhile, the military rulers understood that alienating the people was counter-productive. So they got to work on rehabilitation and reconstruction. They gradually started approaching neighbouring countries for help to revive the economy and enable the people to eke a living. Meanwhile, Ms Suu Kyi spent her years in detention, cut off from the world and people. The radio and books were her only company and helped keep her inner strength, she said on release. The histories of democracy, the struggle for independence and the lives of leader like Gandhiji and Nelson Mandela, Ms. Suu Kyi, explained, were the main reading diet during detention. They strengthened her resolve to continue with the struggle and more important, keep it on non-violent. Now, nine months after her release, the junta continues to rule and has managed to secure some major investments from Japan, China and Southeast Asia. But these are primarily in the service sectors. Myanmar has now sought membership of the ASEAN, and has been given Observer status in the prestigious grouping. The SLORC set up a National Convention of over 700 people to draft a new constitution for Myanmar. It wants to provide a constitutional role for the armed forces in the poetical system, and if possible disqualify Ms. Suu Kyi from assuming any leadership role. It is using or twisting a provision in the 1948 constitution, which puts restrictions on foreign nationals, or agents. She is now being dubbed a 'foreigner' because she is married to a Briton. There are no signs of a dialogue. The National League for Democracy has quit the National Convention and is preparing for a greater struggle to restore democracy. Ms. Suu Kyi remains calm, patient, hopeful and committed to her people and to non-violence. It may take time, she admits, but she is confident that military rulers cannot hold back democracy from the people. She is quietly working on a plan to educate the people and spread awareness. All she expects from the rest of the world id moral support and pressure on the junta,. She wants foreign investors to think twice if they are doing the right thing for the Burmese and what good their investments bring to the people. ---------------------------------------------------------- BURMANET SUBJECT-MATTER RESOURCE LIST BurmaNet regularly receives enquiries on a number of different topics related to Burma. 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