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| - By Anna Malindog | 28.09.2009 |
A week from now…Burmese monks will again challenge the repressive regime in Burma and once again demand from the Burmese military junta the following:
· Public apology for all the atrocities the
junta committed against the monks.
· The release of all
monks who are now in prison.
The Sangha gave the military regime an ultimatum on October 2 to
deliver and grant these demands or the probability of the 2007 Saffron
Revolution re-enactment will likely to take place on October 3 in which the
monks once again will march and dominate the streets of Burma. The question as
to the probability if the junta will indeed grant such demands of the monks is
but a critical and alarming situation that all people who are concern of the
plight of the Burmese people are but excitingly and fearfully would want to see
and know. But knowing the junta, the monks already assumed that these demands
landed on deaf ears as what happened last September 2007 and will remains as
mere calls. If the monks are right, this is just a clear indication that the
junta has remained and probably will remain unyielding to the prospect of
peace, freedom and democracy in Burma.
However, if junta’s shuddering obstinacy in shuddering fears and
instilling atrocities against the monks, against the pro-democracy movement and
against the people of Burma remains, admirable and inspiring hopes on the other
hand for peace, freedom and democracy and the spirit of bravery, steadfastness
and solidarity of the Burmese monks to stand up to the Burmese military regime
remains stronger than ever. The Burmese monks are but united and very much
determined that if the junta will not fulfill their demands, they will once again
occupy and march through the streets of Burma and rally the people calling for
peace and freedom to reign in Burma. The monks are indeed ready to offer their
very lives as sacrifices to remedy the sufferings that whole country and its
people have been facing for more than two (2) decades now. And this seems to
unfold in the coming week(s).
Given such aspirations, in solidarity, it but imperative for the
international community especially the international civil society, governments
and inter-governmental bodies and organizations to have a clear understanding
how it could possibly help and support the movement of the Burmese monks for
peace, freedom and democracy to flourish in Burma. To put this in perspective,
it is significant for everyone to revisit what transpired in 2007 Saffron
Revolution which may not be the first attempt to instill changes in Burma but
probably the most conscious effort of the Sangha to facilitate changes in the
country since time immemorial. And this sacred, most inspiring effort and
deepest desire of the Burmese monks to free its country from the yoke of
atrocities, brutalities, and the bondage of military regime, once again will be
demonstrated this coming October 3 with the same demands and calls made by the
Sangha last September 2007 – The Saffron Revolution. The world will once again
witness the bravery of the Burmese monks in their quest for peace and freedom
for Burma.
Now the question for the international community to consider
seriously is how and in what effective, efficient and potent ways it can
pragmatically support the movement of the monks for peace and freedom for Burma
on October 3 and the days after… a challenging question indeed that needs a
definite action and commitment… rather than mere words and written statements…
Thus far, there is no stopping in the struggle of the monks
towards PEACE, FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY in a very hostile environment of Burma.
PEACE, FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY.. no matter what’s the cost will and
must triumph in Burma!
