Mizzima

A youth protest group recently organized a demonstration to mark the 16th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution uprising in 2007.

The Saffron Revolution running from August through to October 2007 was a significant pro-democracy movement in Myanmar, led by Buddhist monks, which called for political and economic reforms.

It is commendable that the youth protest group commemorated this historic event and expressed their desire for democratic change in Myanmar.

According to a young activist interviewed by Mizzima, the purpose of the demonstration was to ensure that the public does not forget the sacrifices made during the Saffron Revolution. The activist expressed the importance of remembering the bloodshed and the brutal crackdown that resulted in the monks' robes scattered on the road. 

“The main purpose of the protest is to remind the public that the monks bravely boycotted the army and to ensure that people do not forget the atrocities committed by the military government against both the monks and the peaceful protesters. The aim is to raise awareness, seek justice, and bring about change in Myanmar,” a young activist said.

The activists decided not to disclose the specific date and location of the protest this year to protect themselves from being identified by the Military Council, which is using CCTV footage to track down protesters.

Back in 2007, the Than Shwe regime halted the supplement of fuel without any further notice making the price go up to 66 percent. Monks from Pakkokku, Magway region started demanding by demonstrating peacefully the regime to reduce the rocket-high prices. On 18 September 2007, a riot sparked after the security forces brutally cracked down on the boycotts monks and arbitrarily arrested them led the countrywide protests and thousands of monks and citizens participated in it. 

A Saffron Revolution was born after the army crackdown on the protest countrywide and detained and killed the peaceful protesters on 26 September.