Seventh anniversary of Saffron Revolution observed

“Our speech today is aimed to remind the new generations of the Saffron Movement. The government should have listened to the voice of the people. Instead they suppressed monks and demonstrators brutally. The responsible persons ought to apologise and commit their sins now,” said Sayadaw Seinsita, a local monk in Mandalay.

The Saffron Revolution began in early September 2007. Members of the public began protests calling for lower fuel and commodity prices. Later, thousands of Buddhist monks joined the protests, which spread from Yangon to other states and regions. 

In Yangon, the ceremony was held at Dhamapiya Monastery in Yangon’s Thingangyun Township on September 18, drawing about 300 Buddhist, Islamic, Christian and Hindu religious leaders. The event was organised by Buddhist monks who had been participated in the revolution with political groups. 

The ceremony called for full, fundamental democratic rights, free and fair elections, a united effort to end insurgencies, and an end to religious and racial conflict in the country.

Tin Oo, patron of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), Naing Ngwe Thein of Mon National League for Democracy and Min Ko Naing of 88 Generation Peace and Open Society group spoke at the event.

“Myanmar is experiencing a series of problems because there have been no correct problem-solving methods for 50 years. A correct system can be sought through a process of negotiation. We need reconciliation to solve all problems. Everyone needs to know the truth about historical events to ensure unity,” said U Oattara (London Sayadaw).

The organising committee issued a five-point statement. It called for an immediate end to forced evictions at monasteries and putting monks on trial while they were still wearing robes. It also called for reorganising levels of Sangha organisations, including the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee in accord with Theravada Buddhism, and enforcing basic rules and regulations of Sangha organisations with the approval of all monks in the country. The demands are being made without any threat of staging demonstrations, the statement said.

In Mandalay, the ceremony was held at Dhammadipa Monastery, drawing about 200 Buddhist monks and local residents. The attendees observed a 1-minute silence to remember the fallen protestors. They then offered food to monks and made meritorious deeds.