Statement: 10th anniversary of the

[bakatha@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Subject: Statement: 10th anniversary of the detention of Min Ko Naing.

Statement upon the 10th anniversary of the detention of Min Ko Naing 

1.  March 23, 1999 marks the 10th anniversary of the detention of Min
KoNaing, chairperson of the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU).
Min Ko Naing was not only a prominent figure during the pro-democracy
struggle in Burma in 1988, but he has also become a symbol of all the
students? struggle for democracy, peace and unity in our country. Min Ko
Naing is a historical student leader, whose leadership will always radiate
throughout the history of the ABFSU and of the student movements of Burma. 

2.  Min Ko Naing was elected chairman of the ABFSU during a conference held
by the students on August 28th, 1988. This was the first time the students
had been able to organise such a rally during 26 years of rule by the
Burmese Socialist Programme Party (BSPP). Throughout 1988, Min Ko Naing
fully undertook the responsibility trusted upon him by the student force,
by taking upon him the leadership of the 1988 student movement and through
several strong attempts to unite the students. He was arrested by military
intelligence on March 23, 1989 and subsequently detained for two years
without any charges, without a legal process and without permission to meet
with his family, before he was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. In 1998,
he was transferred from Insein Prison to Sittwe Prison.

3.  Currently, there are about 2000 students, including Min Ko Naing, under
detention in various prisons of Burma. ABFSU is seriously concerned about
their health situation. Some student leaders have already passed away while
still under custody. The ruling military authorities refuse to release the
students and other political prisoners in Burma. Arrest and torture  of
students also continue unabated.

4.  The current military regime uses the same violent ways of suppression
of the student movements as did former governments under the BSPP and the
SLORC (State Law and Order Restoration Council), without looking into the
deeper causes of Burma?s political troubles. The ABFSU believes that there
can be no solutions to the dissatisfactions of the students unless the
regime also addresses the political problems that are being expressed
through the students? frustrations. 


5.  The ABFSU is seriously concerned about the situation of our chairman
Min Ko Naing while under custody. We condemn the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC) for its continued suppression of the student
movement in Burma. The detention of Min Ko Naing is not only directed
against the students and their movement, but it is also an insult against
the role of the ABFSU in our country?s history.
6.  The ABFSU promises to speed up the struggle of the students under the
leadership of Min Ko Naing, according to the five principles of ABFSU. The
greatness of Min Ko Naing and  the resolution of the student movement led
by the ABFSU can in no way be diminished by the detention of Min Ko Naing.

7.  The ABFSU would like to express our regards and honour those students
who are presently in custody in Burma, including our chairman Min Ko Naing,
on this 10th anniversary of his arrest.  The ABFSU and its leaders have
stood up for the good forces in our country. We vow that we will not betray
the struggle of the students and the traditions of past and present
students movements of Burma.

According to the decision of ABFSU,

Foreign Affairs' Committee.
All Burma Federation of Student Unions.