[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index ][Thread Index ]

From MIZZIMA News Group (r)



Burma activists pay homage to the Martyrs

July 19, 1999
MIZZIMA News Group

Exiled pro-democracy activists of Burma held meetings and gatherings
this morning to commemorate the 52nd Anniversary of the death of the
independent leaders of their country. About 70 activists, including some
Buddhist monks, gathered at the Community Centre in New Delhi and paid
homage to the fallen martyrs who had fought for the independence of
Burma but were assassinated by a group of political rivals in 1947. The
activists recalled the history of Burma?s struggle for independence and
the role and sacrifice of their leaders during the struggle. They
pledged to continue their struggle for democracy and freedom in the
country. Burma is currently ruled by a military government, namely State
Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and the people are deprived of
fundamental rights under the regime.

Their counterparts in Imphal, capital of Manipur State and Aizawl,
capital of Mizoram State in India, also organized similar gatherings to
pay tribute to the martyrs of their country.

Burma?s national hero Aung San and eight others were assassinated by
machine-gun fire at a cabinet meeting on 19th July 1947, a few months
away from Burma? independence.

Burma achieved independence from the British colonial rule on January 4,
1948. Aung San, who is the father of Burma opposition leader Aung San
Suu Kyi, led the people of Burma in their fight for freedom.