BurmaNet News March 27, 1996 #370

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The BurmaNet News: March 27, 1996 - FASCIST RESISTANCE DAY
Issue #370

HEADLINES:
==========
ABSDF(DNA+MTZ):  STATEMENT ON FASCIST RESISTANCE DAY
BBC: VOICE OF AMERICA'S BURMESE SERVICE JAMMED AGAIN
BBC: CLANDESTINE AND OTHER SELECTED BROADCASTS
INDEPENDENT REPORT: PEPSI BOYCOTTED IN MANDALAY
ASIAWEEK: BANHARN'S RESCUE MISSION
BANGKOK POST: HI-HO THE DERRY-O, A-BURMA WE WILL GO
ASIAWEEK: CANCELLATIONS - NO TRAIN TO MANDALAY
DVB: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION
NEW FRONTIERS: PADAUNG PEOPLE'S TRADITION IN TURMOIL
TERRA: SWISS ACTIONS ON BURMA TOURISM GAINING MOMENTUM
GN32: MEGA DAMS THREATEN VAST TRACTS OF FOREST
THE HINDU: THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABSDF(DNA+MTZ):  STATEMENT ON THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF 
FASCIST RESISTANCE DAY
March 27, 1996
from lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

March 27 1996 is a remarkable day in Burma as it is the 51ST anniversary of
the Fascist Resistance Day when the entire people of Burma began their fight
against the Japanese fascists.

Notorious Japanese fascism spread to Burma under the firestorm of the Second
World War and brutally oppressed the entire people of Burma for a number of
years. Under the inhuman oppression of the Japanese Fascists, the people of
Burma sacrificed their lives  with blood, sweat and tears and lost their homes
and a prospective peaceful future that was theirs by right.

All national and resistance organisations in Burma hand in hand with the Burma
Independence Army(BIA) led by General Aung San organised an umbrella
organisation known as the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) in
August, 1944. It should also be not forgotten that the original founding date
of the Burma Independence Army (BIA) was in fact December 26th 1941. Under the
leadership of AFPFL the entire people of Burma started the resistance movement
to liberate themselves from the Japanese fascism that was attempting to engulf
them on March 27, 1945. So this day was recorded as a great event of historical 
significance in Burmese history and was called "Fascist Resistance Day".

Now, Slorc shamelessly purports that this nation-wide Fascist resistance
movement was completely carried out by the Tatmadaw (Burma Army) alone with
the aim to grip the spirit of military domination in the country. Under the Ne
Win's regime, this historical "Fascist Resistance Day" was forcibly renamed as
Tatmadaw Day (Armed Forces Day).  Perverting our history in order to diminish
the anti-fascist feelings that have always been held by the peoples of Burma,
along with their ongoing sacrifices, really does delude the populace into naively 
assuming that SLORC's military RULE and ROLE (sic)  at this juncture is what 
our country requires and needs.

Over a period of 34 years, nearly two generations have had their growth
curtailed, and their well-being put at risk. Also, their hopes and dreams
shattered by a despotic government. All peaceful movement calling for a 
move toward democracy and an ending of human rights violations have 
been sharply put down by the killing of thousands of unarmed demonstrators. 

Under the oppressive tools of unjust law and regulations, people are 
embarrassingly and stressfully living with the loss of human dignity, individual 
security, and justice. Political, economic and educational components have been 
deteriorating and it leads to the tarnishing of the national  dignity.

Up to today still, SLORC, military junta, has been still denying the 1990
election results and continuing their sham National Convention as an attempt
to keep a ongoing grip on the power of the state.  On the other hand the
Slorc, by practicing their usual divide and rule policy, have been disregarding 
the move for national reconciliation, but taking the political profit for its cosmetic 
ceasefire agreement with the incentive of the border development programs and 
with their pretention of a desired quest for peace. The Slorc also continues the 
detention of political prisoners including prominent student leader Min Ko Naing. 
They have been oppressing the entire population of Burma in the way the fascists 
had attempted to do so all those years ago.

The ABSDF would like to urge the Slorc to:

Release Student leader Min Ko Naing and other political prisoners
Open dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
Abolish the sham National Convention
Cancel Unjust laws

Now is the time for the whole country,  and all resistance organisations of
Burma to unitedly fight against the new Fascists, the SLORC, by firmly holding
on to the historical heritage of Anti-Fascist feelings within the spirit of
the people, until the achievement of  democracy and human rights in Burma has
come into being.

On this special occasion commemorating Fascists Resistance Day, the ABSDF
reiterated that it will continue fighting against any brutal and  oppressive
form of ruling like fascism which perpetuates harassment, and  unjust deeds
amongst the people, towards the people, by the people in order to uproot it
from the ground of the world.

Central Committee
ABSDF

Please Note: This is the Joint Statement of the ABSDF(DNA) and ABSDF(MTZ)
regarding 51ST anniversary of the Fascist Resistance Day.

*****************************************************************

BBC: VOICE OF AMERICA'S BURMESE SERVICE JAMMED AGAIN
March 21, 1996 (abridged)

The Myanmar authorities started jamming the broadcast about three
weeks ago and we hear the jamming on two frequencies only and these
happen to be the strongest shortwave frequencies. 

The jamming commences any time between 1130 and 1200 hours UTC and
usually goes on until about 1220 UTC. Unfortunately, we cannot observe
the mediumwave channel 1575, so we are not sure about that. However, I
feel that the Burmese or the Myanmar authorities have only two
transmitters for jamming. 

The opposition station, the Voice of Democratic Burma, who are coming from 
Norway is unjammed, and so are the Burmese transmissions from the BBC... 

So the jamming is aimed only at the Voice of America, and we are
quite puzzled. But the jamming is quite evident and it's not a stray
jammer landing on VOA because both frequencies have the jammer. 

*********************************************************

BBC: SPECIAL REPORT:CLANDESTINE AND OTHER SELECTED
BROADCASTS - BURMA

Democratic Voice of Burma (Burmese: Democratic Myanmar a-Than)
began broadcasting on 19th July 1992, when it announced that it was
operating on behalf of the National Coalition Government of the Union of
Burma (NCGUB). However, it is believed that the station is now run by
Burmese student activists accountable to the Norway-Burma Council, but
without any formal control by NCGUB. 

The radio broadcasts from shortwave transmitters in Norway which at
other times carry the Radio Norway International and Radio Denmark
external services. 

Thabye Radio, a pro-government radio station, was first reported in
November 1995. (The name "Thabye" is a reference to the aromatic leaves
of the eugenia tree which, according to Burmese belief, denotes victory). 

Its programmes appear to be aimed at a Karen audience and reflect the
positions of Burma's ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council,
which is opposed to the activities of the Karen National Union (KNU). 

The KNU's own station, Kawthulay Radio, has not been observed for
several years. 

**************************************************

INDEPENDENT REPORT: PEPSI BOYCOTTED IN MANDALAY!
March 25, 1996

[BurmaNet Editor's Note: Any confirmations of this would be appreciated.]

By way of letter from Burma, an inside source informs us that local people
in Mandalay are honoring the worldwide PepsiCo boycott by not purchasing the
soft drink there.  This apparently includes people who can actually afford
the product.

********************************************************

ASIAWEEK: BANHARN'S RESCUE MISSION
March 29, 1996

In Yangon, the Thai PM lifts a troubled relationship

By Matthew Fletcher and Julian Gearing, BANGKOK

Banharn Silapa - archa was a man with a mission. Fresh from
hosting the inaugural Asia Europe -  summit, the Thai prime
minister is eager to be seen as a force for better ties across the
region. But last week's visit to Yangon -- the first by a Thai
premier in 15 years -- had a more immediate purpose. "The
primary aim," says head of the Thai Foreign Ministry's
economic affairs department Kobsak Chutikul, "was to lay the
foundation for future cooperation." Plainly put, Thailand's
troubled relationship with Myanmar needed rescuing.

That objective could matter to other Asian governments, too.
Despite global condemnation of the military junta in Yangon,
ASEAN has maintained a policy of "constructive engagement"
with the ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council
(SLORC). And Thailand is taking the lead in ASEAN's plan to
include Myanmar as a member before the end of the decade.

But for Bangkok, there is more at stake than regionalism in
courting SLORC. Thailand is the fourth biggest investor in
Myanmar behind France, Britain and Singapore. Thai
entrepreneurs have been eyeing lucrative business opportunities there. 
Cross - border trade is estimated at $400 million annually, with the 
illegal figures said to be six times higher.  

Given the cheek - to - jowl closeness, relations can easily sour. 
In the past few years, SLORC's successful drives against rebel
insurgents have led to problems along the border.  Myanmar
has accused the Thais of helping ethnic and other rebel groups,
including opium warlord Khun Sa. For its part, Bangkok says
SLORC backed a breakaway faction of the Karen National
Liberation Army, which launched raids into Thailand. Banharn's 
predecessor, Chuan Leekpai, froze formal relations with Yangon.

Last year ties hit a low as Yangon closed border checkposts,
cracked down on Thai fishermen, and moved to boycott Thai
goods. Fishing disputes have sometimes turned violent. Since
last August two Burmese and six Thais have been killed in two
major clashes at sea. A Burmese trader's death at the hands of
Thai police in the southern town of Ranong just days before
Banharn's visit underscored the potential for cross-border turbulence.

Last week, the Thai premier moved to reverse the spiral by
signing accords to promote trade and better resolve frontier
disputes. SLORC had agreed to reopen border checkpoints.
Thailand also is to extend loans for a new international airport
at Mandalay. Relations were getting back on track. "Don't
expect too much in the way of results," says international -
relations lecturer Chayachoke Chulasiriwongs of Thailand's
Chulalongkorn University. "Myanmar's relationship with
China has strengthened. Whatever they want, they get from
China." But Banharn, himself heading for Beijing March 24,
at least had begun to swing Myanmar's attention back to Thailand.

****************************************************

BANGKOK POST: HI-HO THE DERRY-O, A-BURMA WE WILL GO
March 24, 1996

PRIME Minister Banharn's trip to Burma on 17-18 was hailed by his
Government as another startling success on the international
stage but Siam Post thought other wise. There is a chance, said
the daily, that the jaunt to Rangoon could jeopardise national
interests. Mr Banharn was proud to declare himself to be the
first Thai prime minister in 16 years to visit Burma, but Siam
Post said that as he took off to the capital to the west he was
oblivious to regard for the people down below.

The paper suggested that he might, perhaps, have been ignorant of
the fact that by visiting the dictatorial regime which shunned
the results of a general election it lost, he was behaving in a
manner unacceptable in a democratic society.

As far as the Prime Minister was concerned, he might be wondering
why his predecessors could have been so short-sighted to have
failed to jump at the opportunity to strengthen ties what he
calls constructive engagement  with the State Law and Order
Restoration Council.

Mr Banharn might well convince himself the trip was a success,
said Siam Post, but he should take a closer look at who is he dealing with.

Siam Post said that what was foremost in the mind of Mr Banharn
was to persuade the generals in Rangoon to open border
checkpoints they ordered shut following a number of tussles with
Thailand. But all those problems seemed to have been -swept under
the carpet as Mr Banharn arrived at Mingladon Airport to a very
impressive reception with a 19-gun salute.

And there was more, said Siam Post. Under a baking sun, it said,
thousands of people, young and not so young, were "volunteered"
to line his triumphant route into Rangoon and wave flags for a
man some said they had never heard of.

The greetings out of the way, all that was left to discuss was
what the Slorc wanted from Thailand, said Siam Post, and they
were quick to point out that they might be inclined to open a few
more border checkpoints if they get things their way. Border
checkpoints are a touchy issue in relations with the Slorc, which
has used the killing of Burmese crewmen by Thais as a pretext to
order them closed. And this time Mr Banharn and his pals might
have been worried about an incident in Ranong, opposite Victoria
Point, where four policemen have been charged with robbing and
murdering a trader who happened to be the brother-in-law of the
governor of the Burmese island of Koh Song.

INPRINT: views of Thai political magazines  (abridged)

If Mr Banharn thought his worries about the Andaman Sea were
over, he was very wrong, said Siam Post. The Slorc refused to
discuss fishing concessions in Burmese waters. And as though to
underline the fact that change is a foreign concept to the Slorc,
they told Thai reporters to ignore Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader
of the National League for Democracy, which won the election the
generals preferred to forget.

But it was not all hard-nosed business talk in Rangoon because Mr
Banharn brought the family along too, according to Daily News. Mr
Banharn, accompanied by Khunying Jaemsai and daughter Kanjana,
made the most of the trip by going to the Shwedagon Pagoda in
central Rangoon. When asked what he prayed for, the Prime
Minister disclosed his wishes, saying he prayed for his health
and a long life, perhaps 90 years. As for Khunying Jaemsai, she
said she prayed that the press would be nicer to her husband.

Siam Post, Daily News

******************************************************

ASIAWEEK: CANCELLATIONS -NO TRAIN TO MANDALAY
March 29, 1996

When Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at Yangon's railway station
to catch the train tor Mandalay last week, she was in for a rude
shock. A sign on her carriage declared it was out of order. The
wagon was subsequently uncoupled and authorities refused to
allow Suu Kyi and aides to board the overbooked train as
standing passengers. "If trains are performing like this," she
remarked, "it's questionable whether the Visit Myanmar Year
(1996) will be successful."

As the train disappeared, so did more of the Nobel Peace Prize
winner's already limited freedom. When Suu Kyi was released
"unconditionally" from house arrest last July, it was unclear
how much political freedom she would have. The ruling State
Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) made clear that
it would be up to her to test the limits.

Suu Kyi was going to Mandalay to attend the trial of two
entertainers, who were arrested for staging satirical skits at her
home on Jan. 4, Myanmar's Independence Day. Two members
of Suu Kyi's National League tor Democracy (NLD) were also
on trial for organizing the function. The four were sentenced to
10 years in jail by the Mandalay court on March 18.

More trouble was to follow. Saw Hlaing, an NLD member
who had traveled to Mandalay for the trial, was involved in a
minor traffic accident with a trishaw. This normally would be
settled on the spot. Saw Hlaing was hauled off to a closed
court and given a 5 - year sentence.

In recent months, authorities have cracked down on NLD
supporters distributing tapes of Suu Kyi's speeches. Win Htein,
an aide of Suu Kyi's, is bemused by SLORC'S tactics: "If the
government is so confident, why are they afraid of Aung San
Suu Kyi going to Mandalay?" 

*************************************************

DVB: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION
March 25, 1996

Dear friends,

The Democratic Voice of Burma(DVB) would like to thank all of you who have
posted information on Burma on Internet(BurmaNet) or sending  directly to
us.  Your contribution  would go a long way towards broadcasting variety of
credible and reliable  information to the people inside Burma.

We may not able to participate in all the discussion that on BurmaNet, but
we have always been closely monitoring all the posts from BurmaNet users.
Though we are really grateful for the news, articles and reports that you
have posted , we feel regret about the fact that we were not able to thank
you individually.

To take this opportunity, we would like to thank all of you and give you a
few examples of news items from BurmaNet  we have used in our broadcast. 

<<Burma Relief Centre Urges to Boycott Mitsubishi and Pepsi Products in Burma>>

Ken and Visakha of Burma Relief Centre in Japan who have just finished 9
days meditation at the Burmese Pagoda in Kyushu  are now gearing up for a
demonstration against Mitsubishi on coming Wednesday.

Since  boycott campaigns against Mitsubishi products have already begun in
Japan, Ken and Visakha believe that Burmese people inside the country should
also stop buying all Mitsubishi products.  

Burmese expatriates around the world are organising Pepsi boycott. They said
people inside Burma also need to boycott Pepsi products such as Mountain
Dew, Mirinda, and 7 - Up.  They added that every time you buys Pepsi, you
should keep in mind that you are supporting the SLORC.    

Don't lend a helping hand to Pepsi King's Tun Thein, his SLORC cronies, and
Pepsico.  Burma Relief Centre in Japan urges people inside Burma, not to
drink Pepsi but to drink traditional Burmese tea  

<<Portland City Council Warning To Contractors Doing Business With Burma>>

As Burma's elected leaders have asked foreign companies doing business in
Burma to stay out of the country, the Portland citizens from the United
States, the four city council members, and the city's mayor urge to end
businesses engaged in Burma.

The Burma Action Committee said, "This letter is a great first step for the
city to take and is a clear warning to businesses that stay in Burma of the
problem they will face if they don't pull out.  They said "this city does
not want to deal with businesses that have blood on their hands."

As the Portland city council are deeply concerned with the situation in
Burma and Portland citizens have asked us to end contracting business to
companies trading with Burma, the city mayor and the four city council
members stated in their statement that "we feel obliged to consider their
concerns, and communicate them to you."

Well, these are  the examples of some of our news items that we have
broadcast .  Although we could not give you detail account of how many
people are listening to DVB, we have been informed from our sources that the
people in Kachin State , Mandalay and Rangoon are listening to DVB almost
every day.

We are very eager  to inform the people of Burma about what people around
the world have been doing for the struggle for democracy in Burma.  We
therefore very much appreciate to receive any information about your
activities on Burma.  News tips are always welcome.   News items and
articles from newspapers and magazines from your resident country  may also
be  interesting to the people of Burma.(If it is not in English, we
appreciate if you could translate it at least briefly.) If you have just
come back from Burma, why not write to us about your experiences, news and
stories.  You can also request songs for any particular persons or people
inside Burma through DVB's Music Request Program on every Monday.      

For all  information, you can either send to BurmaNet or  directly to us.
We would not accept any anonymous letters or messages.  If you do not want
your name to be broadcast, please clearly say so. 

Keep up your good work!

Wishing You Happy New Year! (Year 1358)

In Solidarity,

Democratic Voice of Burma(DVB)
Oslo, Norway
E-Mail: dvb@xxxxx
Democratic Voice of Burma(DVB) has one hour air time broadcasting to Burma
everyday. It is one of the main sources of information for the people of Burma 
especially for those inside the country.  For more informaton, please write to:
DVB, P.O Box 6720, ST.Olavs Plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway.  Tel: 47-22-200021,
Tel/fax:47-22-362525.

*************************************************************

NEW FRONTIERS: PADAUNG PEOPLE'S TRADITION IN TURMOIL
March 1996 (produced by TERRA)
TERRAPER@xxxxxxxxxx)

(Source: Bangok Post 13.2.96; The Nation: 3.3.96)

WHAT brings so many tourists to Baan Naisoi, Nam Phiang
Din and Huai Suea Thao, three settlements on the banks of the
Pai River in Mae Hong Son province?  The villages have
become home of the Padaung people, one tribe of the Karenni,
a branch of the Karen.  The tribe's original settlements were in
the fertile lowlands of the Salween River in Kayah State,
Burma.  But domestic turmoil drove the Padaung from their
homelands into Thailand during the 1980s.  The move brought
them into contact with the outside world -- and sealed their fate
as an exotic tourist attraction as some of the women
traditionally elongate their necks with bronze rings.

Most tourists are not particularly interested in the long
tradition and legends behind the wearing of metal rings. 
Rather, it is their odd appearance that attracts visitors'
attention.  In the opinion of many, the village is a human zoo
where people come to gawk at and photograph these long
necked creatures.  Thai authorities and tour companies have
been condemned for turning the Padaung villages into colonies
and exploiting the women for profit making.

About ten years ago, a Thai tour operator came into contact
with the Padaung tribe by chance and immediately realized
their commercial potential.  Then an agreement was reached to
have the tribe settled in Mae Hong Son in exchange for its
cooperation in allowing tourists to their villages.  The Thai
government allows them to reside there, but does not permit
them to own or cultivate land.

It looks as if it was quite a good deal because the Padaung are
relatively well off compared to other Thai and hilltribe villages
in the area.  But they hardly had another choice than to become
involved in tourism.

Alexandre, a Padaung tribal, who has been working as a tour
guide, said it was never their intention to settle down in
Thailand.  "We are trying to make as much money as possible. 
When the military government is overthrown and democracy is
restored, we will start our lives over in Burma," he said. 
"Living here is safer.  We don't have to run away and hide
behind bunkers.  We don't have to be afraid of bombs.  The
SLORC government is so brutal.  They force their own people
into labour.  Everyone suffers under them.  We still love our
homeland, but we love freedom and democracy more," he
added.

However, the life of the Padaung has changed drastically. 
Their villages have been promoted worldwide as tourist
destinations and the long - necked women have been made
symbols of Mae Hong Son province.  Each year, about 10,000
visitors, Thai and foreign, invade the area.  They are charged
US$10 per person to enter the village and take photographs. 
The tourists find the inhabitants very friendly and willing. 
Padaung women immediately stop their activities if they notice
a camera pointing in their direction, smile and keep the pose
until the picture is taken.

According to Padaung tradition only girls born on a
Wednesday of a full moon are destined to have their necks
fitted with metal rings at an age between five and nine years --
and these are naturally only a few.  But today, apparently all
young women have their necks extended to ensure that there
are enough long necks to satisfy tourists.  The Padaung have
also modified their tradition to allow mixed blood girls to be
initiated.  Consequently, the future of the tradition hangs in a
precarious balance.  Will the Padaung maintain the practice for
its legendary sacredness, or exploit their tribal values just to
perpetuate their tourist attractiveness for commercial gain?

*************************************************

TERRA: SWISS ACTIONS ON BURMA TOURISM GAINING MOMENTUM
March 1996

THE Working Group Tourism & Development in cooperation
with other Swiss non governmental organizations has
published an information kit on Burma in preparation of Visit
Myanmar Year. The documentation includes articles on
general political and economic developments in Burma, SLORC's 
tourism policy, human rights violations, and the particularly miserable 
situation of ethnic groups and women, for example.

The coalition of Swiss NGOs held media conferences in
Zurich on 23 January and in Geneva on 30 January to raise
awareness on the realities in Burma and to introduce their
activities to the public. The NGOs welcomed the statement of
the Swiss Federation of Travel Agencies of October 1995
which recommended that its members should refrain from
expanding travel to Burma and ignore Visit Myanmar Year.
But they pointed out that the debate on Burma issues should be
continued and more efforts be made to keep the public and
potential travellers informed. Both media events were widely
covered in German  and French language newspapers and
radio programmes in Switzerland.

For more information, contact: Working Group Tourism &
Development (AKTE), Missionstr 21, 4003 Basel,
Switzerland, Tel.: 44 - 61 - 261 4742,  Fax 44 - 61 - 261- 4721.

******************************************************

GN32: MEGA DAMS THREATEN VAST TRACTS OF FOREST
AND INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS
March 26, 1996

Dams planned for the Salween River and Thaung Yin River
(Moei) could destroy the remaining rain forests and the ancient
ethnic people's culture along the border of Burma and Thailand.

Flooding and Siltation

The great majority of the flood zone of the planned dams is to
be in Burma, covering part of northern Kawthoolei (Karen
State), splitting Kayah (Karenni) State in two and stretching up
into the Shan State.  The flood waters will also inundate parts of
the Salawin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only part of Thailand that
will go under the waters.

With a high and low water level variation of 57 meters and a
dam wall height of 166 meters, the flood zone for the dam will
be vast.  It is reasonable to assume that over a thousand square
kilometers give or take a hundred depending on the exact
location of the dam, some of the richest riparian and forest land
in Karenni State will be submerged beneath more than 140
metres of water and wilt.  Along with the forests will be
sacrificed as well as the lands, homes and cultivations of the
already or soon to be displaced or annihilated indigenous Karen
and Karenni peoples.  In the flood zone and surrounding hills
live many different tribes, including some whom
anthropologists have hardly any knowledge of at all.

In addition to the hundreds of square kilometers of land
submerged at the high water level under what would be normal
conditions after the dam was built, low lying lands for many
kilometers upstream are likely to be subjected to worsening
periodic flooding as the massive silt load the Salween carries
settles as it comes to the stilled waters.

PROTECT OUR RAIN FORESTS

Forests maintain the natural cycles of the air, soil and water
upon which our lives depend.  They regulate our weather, they
help to produce soil from decayed organic matter.  Their roots
and leaf litter form a giant "sponge" from which rivers emerge. 
These sponges clothe pure water watersheds.  When trees are
removed from the hill and heavy rainfall thunders down the
slopes it carries top soil away with it.  The head-waters dry up
with the disappearance of the forest cover and below becomes a
bleached surface of shattered rock fragments.  A desert is created.

The Burmese and ethnic armies are selling off Burma's natural
resources at an alarming rate in order to gain the foreign
exchange needed to purchase new weapons and ammunition for
SLORC's war against its own people.

Although Burma recently had 80% of the world's remaining
teak forests, these forests may soon be eradicated as
deforestation by foreign companies is destroying over 1.2
million acres of trees each year.  The cut trees are transported
into Thailand, Singapore, China where they are processed and
then sold to countries around the world.  This deforestation is
not only destroying the environment of Burma but also
depriving the ethnic minorities who have lived in harmony with
these forests for many generations, the right to survival.

Green November 32 is dedicated to:
1.  preservation of the environment and education about environmental issues
2.  protection of human rights and education about human rights
3.  providing assistance tot he people who have been suffering from disasters 
     caused by environmental destruction and human rights violations in Burma.

For more information and suggestions on how you can help,
contact Green November 32 

Green November 32
P.O. Box 58
Mae Hong Son 58000
Tel/fax: (053) 612-150

***********************************************************

THE HINDU: THE STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY
March 24, 1996
New Delhi
from chan@.unv.ernet.in

NOTE: Though Aung San Suu Kyi's release raise high expectations, the journey 
to democracy has still not begun.

THE Irrawaddy, Burma's famous river, continues to flow quietly. A 
predominantly Buddhist nation, Myanmar, as it is now called, has settled down 
under a military rule that came into force in 1988.

In that memorable year, students and political activists in the country took the 
streets demanding full democracy. The nation-wide protests were quelled and 
the military leaders tightened the screw much to the anguish of a democratic 
world.

Ms Aung San Suu Kyi, daughter of one of Burma's founding leaders and military 
personality himself. Gen. Aung San, arrived from the UK to witness this 
rebellion. Having married a British academic, she had stayed out of Burma for 
some years.

But when she landed in the thick of the pro-democracy struggle, Ms Aung San 
Suu Kyi was inextrictricably pulled into the vortex of this national movement. 
She plunged headlong into it and soon emerged as a national figure around whom 
the people and the main political party, the National League for Democracy, 
rallied.

In 1989, the heat had been turned on and the struggle for democracy was almost 
there at its destination. The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), 
the administrative apex body of the junta, put her under house arrest for 
'transgression of laws'. From than on, Ms. Suu Kyi was confined to her rather 
dilapidated on University Avenue in Yangon (which she prefers to call by its old 
name of Rangoon).

She was expected to serve a six year detention, which ended in mid-July last 
year. The SLORC could have certainly founded an excuse to extend her term, or 
release her before putting her back under house arrest.

But it was a somewhat propitious time for the forces working for the restoration 
of democracy. Myanmar was wanting to gain further recognition in Southeast 
Asia and perhaps planning to join the regional grouping called ASEAN.

Japan, one of the main donors in this region, was holding back from its 
commitments and not letting the private sector implement many project which 
were agreed upon. It brought pressure on the SLORC to release Ms. Suu Kyi 
before aid and investments flowed in more freely from Tokyo.

Since there was no other commitment, the junta saw no reason to detain the 
Nobel laureate. So, on July 11, she was set free and allowed to see and receive 
people.

The Western powers, who had been campaigning for her release and were largely 
instrumental in getting her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, heaved a sigh of relief. 
Some of them expected the military rulers to follow up on her release and initiate 
a process for the restoration of democracy.

Ms. Suu Kyi knew the military leadership better and hastened to explain in an 
interview with this correspondent soon after her release, "I hope it means 
something positive. I am just one person. It is not only a change in situation of 
one person. We want to be in the situation of the 45 million people in this 
country". She told her supporters that her release was only the first, "half-step," 
but more concrete measures were necessary if the SLORC was for the 
restoration of democracy.

>From the beginning, she kept asking the junta for a dialogue with all sections of 
opinion. A round table as it were for national reconciliation.

To understand her style and personality, a bit of her past and grooming may be 
useful. Only a while before her release, Ms. Suu Kyi turned 50. She was born in 
the exciting phase when many countries in this part of the world became free and 
independent, with their people breathing the Second World War.

She saw the birth of Burma too, besides its neighbour, India. After her father's 
death, her mother was posted as Ambassador to India. So Ms. Suu Kyi spent 
many years in New Delhi in the 1960s, and India and Mahathma Gandhi were a 
strong influence on her.

Ms. Suu Kyi said she had never envisaged a political role for herself, nor 
intended to jump into politics so suddenly. It was a spur of the moment 
decision and she could not resist the Burmese clamour for freedom and 
democracy _ two countries two cardinal principles she was wedded to.

It happened suddenly. She was in Rangoon to find out what was happening and 
felt drawn in to the struggle. She joined the pro-democracy forces and the 
leadership qualities in her, as also the principle of non-violence came to the fore.

>From the word go, Ms. Suu Kyi, once into the movement, kept harping on the 
compelling need to keep it non-violent. Otherwise, it could turn into an extremist 
force, with students on the streets. Hew appeal and inner peace, founded a ready 
echo and relevance among the Buddhist Burmese. She moulded the 
pro-democracy forces to become a real threat to the military leadership, even 
after some merciless killing down of the youth on the streets of the country.

Realising the potential of her leadership, the SLORC opted to put leaders of the 
movement and crush the students uprising in 1989.

Unfortunately, the generals did not understand or read the situation right. A 
year later, in 1990, they decided to hold a democratic election in the country. 
Under house arrest, Ms Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy, swept 
the polls. They won 392 out of the 485 seats in the central assembly or 
Parliament.

The junta therefore decided to bush aside the verdict, continue to detain all 
leaders and tighten its military hold on the country. Universities and school 
remained for quite some tome and human life almost came a standstill.

Then began the isolation of Myanmar and the West became highly critical of the 
SLORC and its drive against human rights and fundamental values. When Ms. 
Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, it was a triumph for her 
spirit, courage and determination to persist with the struggle for democracy.

But in the meanwhile, the military rulers understood that alienating the people 
was counter-productive. So they got to work on rehabilitation and reconstruction. 
They gradually started approaching neighbouring countries for help to revive the 
economy and enable the people to eke a living.

Meanwhile, Ms Suu Kyi spent her years in detention, cut off from the world 
and people. The radio and books were her only company and helped keep her 
inner strength, she said on release.

The histories of democracy, the struggle for independence and the lives of leader 
like Gandhiji and Nelson Mandela, Ms. Suu Kyi, explained, were the main 
reading diet during detention. They strengthened her resolve to continue with the 
struggle and more important, keep it on non-violent.

Now, nine months after her release, the junta continues to rule and has managed 
to secure some major investments from Japan, China and Southeast Asia. But 
these are primarily in the service sectors. Myanmar has now sought membership 
of the ASEAN, and has been given Observer status in the prestigious grouping.

The SLORC set up a National Convention of over 700 people to draft a new 
constitution for Myanmar. It wants to provide a constitutional role for the 
armed forces in the poetical system, and if possible disqualify Ms. Suu Kyi 
from assuming any leadership role. It is using or twisting a provision in the 1948 
constitution, which puts restrictions on foreign nationals, or agents. She is now 
being dubbed a 'foreigner' because she is married to a Briton.

There are no signs of a dialogue. The National League for Democracy has quit 
the National Convention and is preparing for a greater struggle to restore 
democracy. Ms. Suu Kyi remains calm, patient, hopeful and committed to her 
people and to non-violence. It may take time, she admits, but she is confident 
that military rulers cannot hold back democracy from the people. She is quietly 
working on a plan to educate the people and spread awareness. All she expects 
from the rest of the world id moral support and pressure on the junta,. She 
wants foreign investors to think twice if they are doing the right thing for the 
Burmese and what good their investments bring to the people.

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