All eyes on Burma as people start dying
The world is watching Burma as security forces kill demonstrators and drag away scores of Buddhist monks in Rangoon while some 10,000 people march in protest of the country’s military dictatorship.
At least five people have been reported dead so far, with hundreds arrested. People are being beaten to death amid some of the most chaotic scenes Southeast Asia has seen for years.
The international community is voicing its outrage.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called the military government an “illegitimate and repressive regime” and hinted that the “age of impunity in neglecting and overriding human rights is over.”
Security forces fired gunshots into the crowds before hauling monks away in the backs of trucks, to who knows what fate.
Demonstrations were triggered August 19 by a fuel-price increase, but the problems are deep-rooted in resentment of the ruling military regime.
The United States and the European Union condemned the attacks and called on the military rulers to open a dialogue with pro-democracy leaders, including detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to a joint statement on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
On Tuesday, President Bush announced new U.S. sanctions against Myanmar, accusing the military dictatorship of imposing “a 19-year reign of fear” that denies basic freedoms of speech, assembly and worship.
(AP)
The protesting monks have said that they are “ready to die”, and the way things are going, many of them may end up dead. They are clearing hospital wards in preparation for mass admissions. It’s unbelievable. There are hundreds of armed soldiers standing up against unarmed monks.
Will anybody step in to actively prevent mass bloodshed? This situation is approaching climax.
Agencies, Nation, Bangkok Post, photo from CBSNews.
September 27th, 2007 at 5:20 am
For as long as China and Russia wave their UN Security Council veto and India does nothing out of self-interest, nobody is going to step into avoid bloodshed. I’ve followed Burma’s plight for years and been frustrated by how little coverage its got previously.
Needless to say, I’ve been blown away by the wall-to-wall coverage on BBC and CNN over the last few days, all thanks to ‘citizen journalists’. It will be both a tragedy and a indictment of the rest of the world if all we do now is watch from our armchairs as the slaughter of innocents unfolds. I’m also worried for Aung San Suu Kyi, now apparently under lock and key in Insein prison.
September 27th, 2007 at 6:28 am
What are you talking about flawed gent? The UN Security Council veto was made because South Africa, Russia and China could not see the international security risk posed by Burma. They (minus SA) voted the same way with Iraq before the 2003 invasion as it happens! Would you have argued against them doing that?
Step in to avoid bloodshed? Wont anyone stop it? Why would they? Everyones waiting for %*&#@ing Richard Gere(sp?) to come and save the day! Won’t stepping in re-ignite the colonial memories which still haunt Burmese people as its been used as propaganda for the last 46 years. Won’t this just be ‘oh the indigenous people can’t do anything for themselves’ again?
Also along these imperialistic lines, it is utter hypocrisy for the international English media to highlight what is going on in Burma with such a superior, smug dialog when it is not able to critique its own people by the same standards? More people were shot and arrested at the LA riots thus far.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:01 am
I was thinking of flying there this weekend as it’s not far but I can’t find a flight. I’d like to see this for myself and speak to the people there, rather than rely on news agencies. We’ll see how this one pans out anyway.
September 27th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Airline Logo Flight: Bangkok Airways flight 701 - Nonstop
Depart: Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) Sat, 29 Sep 12:00noon Conditions
Arrive: Rangoon, Myanmar (RGN) Sat, 29 Sep 12:45pm
Total travel time: 1hr 15min
Airline Logo Flight: Bangkok Airways flight 702 - Nonstop
Depart: Rangoon, Myanmar (RGN) Wed, 03 Oct 1:45pm
Arrive: Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) Wed, 03 Oct 3:30pm
Total travel time: 1hr 15min
SG $344 return + tax
lol, the things I do to live vicariously!
September 27th, 2007 at 7:58 am
And how is Thailand reacting? Well by saying they are worried about a mass exodus of refugees heading into Thailand and also damaged trade ties between the countries.
Monks dying for a small piece of democracy, Thailand laughs, pull 2 fingers up and says “oooh i hope we can still make money, khap!”
Then again i could be too critical, from one dictactorship military regime to the other!
September 27th, 2007 at 8:07 am
Actually the bangkok air site has the same flight for 7870 baht including taxes which is much cheaper than zuji.. anyway - would you be able to get a visa there now with Gordon Brown taking the stance that he is? is mark canning actually there or is he in bkk? you could do a tintin esq story and your flight would be paid for! hahaha ;) ;)
damn, my office is boring.
September 27th, 2007 at 11:16 am
of course an organic move to democracy without outside involvement is desirable, but highly unlikely considering the arsenal of weaponry the Chinese and Russians sold them. russia and china both do business with burma. hmm wonder why they used their veto. many Burmese want outside help. anyway i wasn’t talking invasion per se.. but china and india have great leverage with the regime.
as for the international threat to security posed by Burma, this is well documented - drugs, rampant HIV, refugees especially- although i admit controversial. grasshopper you say ‘more people were shot at the LA riots thus far’ as if you consider these protests in isolation, as if a few monks are the only casualties. ‘thus far’ millions have suffered, half a million on the border of this very country..
September 27th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
I’m sure you’ll get resistance trying to get there at the moment. Interesting thought.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:11 am
i do not consider the protests in isolation. i do consider that the way it is reported is ridiculous. i think people who read the bbc and cnn who care when they are told to care and who are able to afford to be post-materialist are hilarious, yes - this is why i mentioned the LA riots.
September 28th, 2007 at 5:37 am
The UN is useless!