Myanmar Opposition Leader Greets Protesting Monks

Photo: AFP

YANGON, Myanmar- In continuing anti-government protests today, Buddhist monks passed the home of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's opposition leader and head of the National League for Democracy party.  Suu Kyi has been detained for 11 of the past 18 years, consistently held in her home since 2003.  She came out to the gate as the monks passed; although she did not speak, she prayed with the monks, unable to hold in her tears.

Public protests began after the military government doubled fuel prices earlier this month.  Once the monks joined the group, the protests began to focus on the overall oppression of the military government and the decades-long battle for democracy. 

Aware that using force against the monks would cause a public outrage, the military has so far compromised with protesters.  The road passing Suu Kyi's home has been blocked off since Monday, however the government let the protesters pass by, then closing the road again.  The visit was a symbolic move for the monks, and according to BBC correspondent Jonathan Head, the longer the demonstrations are allowed to continue, the weaker the government looks to the public.

The current ruling junta came to power in 1988 by suppressing a pro-democracy rally seeking to end the then-current military rule that had started in 1962.  The National League for Democracy party won the general elections in 1990 however the military did not allow them to take power and dissolved the election results.

There have also been protests in the towns of Chauk, Shwebo, Mongwa, Taung Dwin Gyi and Ye Nan Chaung.  The number of monks in Yangon has reached around 2,000 and over 1,000 sympathizers are marching with them.  In a statement from All Burma Monks Alliance Saturday they said, "we pronounce the evil military despotism, which is impoverishing and pauperizing our people of all walks including the clergy, as the common enemy of all our citizens."

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Suu Kyi greets Burma protesters - 22 September 2007

Yahoo! News (AP) - Monks allowed past Suu Kyi's house - 22 September 2007

Rueters Canada - Myanmar monks march past Suu Kyi's home - 22 September 2007

Impunity Watch - Monks Free Myanmar Officials - 9 September 2007