Prize winners of 1987/1988 Medical Trainning Course L to R Kaing Soe Myint (A.L.A.) 1st. Prize. Khun Ta Ni Thway (P.N.A.) 2nd Prize. Naw Thoolei Paw (K.N.U.) 3rd. Prize.

Arms/Ammos/Flag of Enemy No.53 Inf. Bn captured at Mu Theh Battle. KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 1

PRESIDENT GENERAL BO MYA'S SPEECH ON THIRTY EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF MARTYRS' DAY

Today, August 12, 1988 is the thirty eighth monopoly of the economy has made all com­ anniversary of Martyrs' Days. On every anni­ modities to become scarce, and encouraged versary of this day, the whole Karen nation the growth of black-market economy. commemorates the death of the martyrs, who Because of denial of the rights of non- had sacrificed their lives for the country and Burmese indigenous nationalities to equality national liberation, by holding a ceremony and self-determination, all are in armed resi­ and reaffirming its resolution to fight on until stance against the BSPP military dictatorship. victory. On this day, we, the whole Karen Now, U Ne Win has to resign from his posi­ people, remember the martyrs with sorrow, tion of power as a result of the fight of the but at the same time we take pride in the fact indigenous nationalities, the students and the that, because of them, we are being recognised people. At present, the international mass as a nation, enjoying the right to self-determi­ media has focussed its attention on Burma nation and having our own army and our own and been giving a wide coverage to the peo­ government. ple's uprisings and the atrocities perpetrated Now, the Karen revolution has entered by the BSPP military government. By this, its 40th year of struggle. Our task is not com­ we have to understand that the demise of our plete yet. We must go on struggling to realize enemy is imminent. Accordingly, we, the revo­ the aims and objectives of the martyrs, which lutionaries, must endeavour with unity and are the liberation of the whole nation from new vigour, under the leadership of Karen oppression and the building of a prosperous National Union, to raise our activities a step society. higher in the military, organizational and administrative fields. The enemy has threatened to annihilate us in a few years' time. If we are united, cou­ For the victory of Karen revolution, we rageous and upright, the enemy shall never must avoid unjust and anti-mass activities, be able to overcome us. Whatever the threat and live among the people to gain their sup­ of the enemy, it has always met defeat, suffer­ port. Stand firmly on the policies and pro­ ing and sustained heavy casualties in battles grams of KNU and work with all your physi­ against us. cal and intellectual power. Follow the leader­ Now adays, the BSPP military dictator­ ship of KNU faithfully and carry out the in­ ship is in deep trouble. It is under attack by structions deligently. We will definitely gain the entire people. There are uprisings in all victory if we work harmoniously in all matters parts of the country. Because of brutal mas­ of the nation, in affairs of government, in sacres of unarmed students, the entire mass of military affairs, and in organizational affairs. students and people is opposing the military Therefore, let us march on to victory with new dictatorship with furious demonstrations. The strength and unity. wrong political system imposed by the BSPP regime has sown disunity, and the wrong eco­ * The just Karen Revolution shall definite­ nomic policies have reduced the country to the ly be victorious ! status of the poorest nation. The people are * Dictatorial chauvinist one-party BSPP not free to engage in livelihood. The state government shall definitely fall! 2 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

RAISE THE STRUGGLE A STAGE HIGHER AND OVERTHROW THE DICTATORIAL ONE-PARTY BSPP GOVERNMENT

People of All Nationalities, Japan, made the situation worse than ever. Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP), What was worst for the BSPP government is led by U Ne Win for 26 years, had to convene the focus of international attention on Burma, an emergency congress on July 23, 1988. The and the international pressure by governments party emergency congress was held when the experts and analysts urging it to terminate its country was facing internal and external crisis facist rule and to make drastic changes. as follows:- Needless to say, the internal and external The BSPP government becomes isolated, crisis, faced by the BSPP dictatorship, are internally, because it has imposed the facist shaking it from the very foundation. rule of one-party dictatorship for a very long The resignation of U Ne Win, who had period. At present, the political forces oppos­ led BSPP for 26 years, from chairmanship of ing it have grown in number and strength, and the party, the rejection of U Ne Win's pro­ become more united. They are stepping up posal for a referendum to decide the future their respective struggles against BSPP. The political system and the elevation of U Sein struggles take the forms of armed resistance, Lwin, who has been responsible for the ruth­ as well as mass movements, and have pervaded less suppressions of popular uprisings of the the whole country. The economy of Burma, in students and the people and attendant blood­ BSPP era, has plunged to the bottom in all sheds, to the top posts of the party and the sectors and reached the lowest point in the state, show that, inspite of the hopeless situa­ whole of post-war period, and has suffered tion they have reached, the BSPP and its lead­ considerable damages. ers are going to cling on to power obdurately, The present internal crisis, BSPP is facing, and remain on the opposite side of the op­ is incomparably greater than the economic cri­ pressed nationalities, the oppressed people and sis of 1966-67 or the general crisis of 1974-75. the political forces representing them. The crisis, the BSPP government, has to The development of more complex rela­ face externally is also serious. It has an exter­ tions in internal politics, the intensification of nal debt of US$4,000 m. In order to get some various internal conflicts in different forms measure of relief from the burden of this debt and the unprecedentedly ruinous state of the the BSPP government applied, at the UN, for economy which is becoming worse, are the the recognition of Burma as the Least Devel­ features the current situation of Burma. oped Country (LDC), in 1987. The LDC sta­ Consequently, the oppressed nationali­ tus was duly accorded. However, the BSPP ties, the oppressed people and all those who government's intention to receive a write-off want to escape from the dark age of BSPP of the total, or more than half of the debt and hell must stand on the basic points, as follows.- to receive new massive aid, did not succeed. (1) It must be clearly seen that, far from Only rescheduling of payment and readjust­ coming over to the side of the oppressed ment of interests were made. people, BSPP and the government will The BSPP government's disappointments continue to oppose them in more facist and problems were, moreover, compounded ways. by the fact that there was no consortium of (2) We must not let ourselves be lulled into industrialised countries, like in 1974-75, to rosy dreams by superficial changes and give massive assistance, and the reduction of must be alert to the evil tricks the BSPP the amounts of aid, to a certain extent, by the government may use to create race or re­ principal donor countries of West Germany and ligious riot which must be opposed. KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 3

(3) In our future struggles, however complex tive of the interest and will of all the the political relations may be and how­ indigenous peoples. ever ruthless the military operations or The Karen National Union (KNU) is suppression by force may be, we must fighting for freedom, equality, democracy, be more united and raise our struggle a social progress, and the formation of a stage higher, under the general political peaceful and prosperous federal union. Now, goals of.- the armed revolution, and mass movements of * The overthrow of the facist rule of dic­ the students and the people, have reached a tatorial one-party BSPP government, vital and decisive stage. Accordingly, we ap­ * The cessation of civil war and the ex- peal to the students and the people, in towns tablishment of internal peace, and cities, to coordinate their struggle of mass * The establishment of a genuine federal movement with KNU's struggle of armed re­ union based on equality and self-deter­ volution, and continue the struggle against mination of all the indigenous nation­ BSPP and the government, with greater mo­ alities, mentum. * The establishment of full democratic * Keep political alertness high! rights for the entire people, * Keep the unity strong! * The formation of a new federal gov­ * Carry on the struggle progressively! ernment which is genuinely representa­ * Overthrow the BSPP totally!

August 2, 1988 Central Standing Committee Karen National Union

President Gen. Bo Mya addressing 1988 Central Political Trainning Class at clossing function. 4 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT (NDF) STATEMENT ON BSPP EMERGENCY CONGRESS AND CHANGES MADE.

Fighting Students and An analysis of the acts of the congress People of All Nationalities. convened by U Ne Win, and the election of U Sein Lwin by the central committee to the chairmanship of state council and the presi­ The BSPP led by U Ne Win has ruled dency of Burma, shows that the devil-may- the country for 26 years, and 1988 is the year care facist rule of one-party dictatorship will BSPP government has to face the worst eco­ be continued. nomic and political crisis. This is the extraor­ The utterances, made in all seriousness, dinary condition in Burma of BSPP era. by new leaders, U Sein Lwin and U Aye Ko, Due to the extraordinary condition, the that "principles need not be changed, only BSPP had to convene an emergency congress persons need be changed", showed that they on July 23, 1988. Observers both inside and will continue to follow their path of folly to outside of the country regarded this congress the end. This situation will develop into a to be especially interesting in the history of very complex problem of political relation, facist rule of the one party BSPP regime. In and it is certain that the conflicts in the coun­ delivering some important speeches at the con­ try will become vehement. All national groups gress, U Ne Win admitted that he was indirectly engaged in armed struggle and students in un­ responsible for the bloody incidents that broke armed struggle must have a clear view of the out in March and June of 1988, and that the facts as folows.- incidents showed the lack of confidence in the (1) The Military man U Sein Lwin, who had BSPP and the government. U Ne Win had to unhesitatingly massacred students and make the admission because of BSPP's unjust the people ruthlessly when he was in No. and repressive rule, and excessive brutality had 4 position in the power structure of Bur­ the uprising of the students and the people. ma, has been elevated to No. 1 position. U Ne Win went on to say that it was He will become 10 times more ruthless necessary to hold a referendum to decide and rackless in oppressing the students whether the people wanted one-party or multi­ and the people. party system, and to make changes in the (2) BSPP top leaders who are responsible guiding philosophy of BSPP the "Principle of for all the problems continue to retain Correlation of Man and His Environment" their positions of power securely. economic policy and some sections of the (3) Superficial changes made by the BSPP party constitution. He continued to say that and government are tricks intended to though six top party leaders, including him­ deflate the anti-BSPP movements. self, had submitted their resignation, it was (4) Reports of disturbances in Taunggyi and necessary to keep the situation under control. Prome towns during July as Buddhist- Then, in a threatening tone, he warned that Muslim religious riots and Burmese-Indian any uprising by the students and the people race riots are lies fabricated by the BSPP. would be ruthlessly suppressed by the army. They, in actuality, were anti-BSPP riots. Though the congress allowed U Ne Win (5) The successive governments including the and U San Yu to resign from the posts of BSPP, when faced with an internal crisis, chairman and vice-chairman, respectively, resorted to the dirty trick of setting one their party membership was retained. The section of the people against another. congress rejected the proposal for holding a The Karen-Burmese race riots of 1949-50 referendum and the central committee was and the Burmese-Chinese race riots of entrusted to decide the remaining issues. 1967 are the relevant examples. KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 5

If we analyze the errors of the BSPP for all the indigenous peoples in the government, which has ruled the country since country. 1962, we find that the following factors are These are the basic errors committed by the most basic. They are .- U Ne Win and the BSPP. (a) The system of state monopoly of the To correct these errors and bring about economy. effective changes, it is necessary for the stu­ (b) The unlimited escalation of the civil war, dents and the whole people to carry on the instead of solving the national question struggle in concert with the NDF for the total of the indigenous peoples of Burma cor­ over-throw of the BSPP and the government rectly. representing it. Only after the over-throw of (c) The use of 65 percent of financial assis­ the BSPP, we will be able to establish unity, tances, received as foreign aid, for the peace and a prosperous federal union. luxurious living of the BSPP leaders and Accordingly, the students and the people for the escalation of the civil war, instead who are fighting, in various forms, against the of using them for development. BSPP regime, must work in coordination and (d) The establishment of a unitary state dis­ intensify the struggle, with courage and deter­ guised as a federal union, instead of set­ mination. The NDF is engaged in the struggle ting up a genuine federal union based on for the establishment of a genuine federal national equality and self-determination, union based on democratic freedom, national (e) The establishment of one-party dictato­ equality and self-determination. Therefore we rial facist rule, instead of establishing urge all concerned to coordinate mass struggle democratic freedom and social justices with armed struggle for early victory.

August 1st, 1988 Central Presidium National Democratic Front (Headquarters).

Women W/T operators.at K.T.L. Army Sigral Station. 6 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

THE RISE AND FALL OF NE WIN DICTATORSHIP

The Rise walks of life, with occasional out bursts of The one-time postal clerk, General Ne violence in towns and cities. Win, came to power in 1962 by a military Rampant corruption and inefficiency coup against a more or less popularly elected among Ne Win's military men who managed U Nu government. The coup was staged under the economy and the administration, plunged the pretext of protecting the integrity of the the country into economic, social and political union when U Nu had to negotiate with the disorders within a decade. Ne Win's answer to ion-Burmese indigenous nationalities who had the deteriorating situation was the issue of tailed to insist upon the formation of a genuine more and more paper money, more and more federal union. exploitation of the farmers who had been the The first step political charlatan, power- back-bone of Burma's agrarian economy, the mad Ne Win, and his clique did to monopolize use of more and more brutality to crush the power was the abolition of the constitution people's opposition and frequent demonetiza­ and all political parties. The one and only tions. party, the so-called Burma Socialist Programme Foreign Assistance Party (BSPP) was set up. The ideology of the One area Ne Win dictatorship had done party, as most observers have note, was a mix­ fairly well, however, was in the area of acquir­ ture of Buddist philosophy, Burmese chauvin­ ing financial assiatance from foreign govern­ ism, xenophobia and some socialist dogmas. ments. Portraying the problems he and his Dictator Ne Win had hoped it to be a basis for party had created as the consequences of Bri­ rallying the Burmese people by appealing to tish colonialism and alleging all the revolu­ their weaker instincts. tionary movements as smugglers, terrorists, The next step in the monopolization of leftists and narcotic drug runners in his pro­ power was rigid control of the economy. All paganda, Ne Win managed to get from the banks, businesses, factories, mills and culti­ West, and even from the UN, considerable vated lands were placed under state control. amount of financial assistances, year after year. Then military budget was greatly increased for These assistances were used mainly for the the escalation of civil war against the national maintenance of spy net-work against the peo­ movements of the non-Burmese indigenous ple and his regime's effort to crush the nation­ nationalities, with the intention of wiping al movements of the non-Burmese indigenous them out in a few years' time, as the national peoples who have been in armed struggle for movements posed as the only viable opposition the establishment of a genuine federal union to the dictatorship. based on equality, democracy and self-deter­ mination. People's Resistance Robbery of the People The ultra-chauvinistic policy of intense After a quarter century of mismanage­ Burmanization, racial discrimination, the re­ ment and war under Ne Win dictatorship, legation of the non-Burmese nationalities to Burma became so impoverished that the Bur­ third-class citizen status, the occupation of mese government was forced to apply for the their lands and decimation of their population Least Developed Country (LDC) status at the by brute force, and the transformation of Bur­ UN in early 1987. The economy of the coun­ ma into a unitary state, failed to attract the try was in shambles. The majority of the peo­ general population of the Burmese who have ple were living a hand-to-mouth existance. better political sense. Instead of popular sup­ The government's coffer was empty. Ne Win port, Ne Win dictatorship was being increas­ dictatorship was in great difficulty to support ingly resisted by the Burmese people from all the army and maintain the war effort. KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 7

As usual, the government resorted to their comrades in March, turned into a general demonetization in September 1987, touching uprising. Apart from the major cities like off violent demonstrations led by the students Mandalay, Moulmein and Bassein, the distur­ The demonetization deprive the people of 80 % bances spread to Pegu, Taunggyi and Prome, of their hard-earned money. Though the peo­ towns which had rarely been involved in dem­ ple were much embittered, most remained onstrations, in the past. This time, Ne Win's silent for fear of truncheons, machine-guns military and security forces had to kill more and torture camps which Ne Win dictatorship than 400 demonstrators before the situation employed without hesitation to keep the peo­ could be brought under control in the third ple in complete subjugation. week of July. The Fall International Attention and Pressure Shaken by the scale of the people's up­ The protest made by the National Demo­ rising, dictator Ne Win convened a special cratic Front (NDF) at the UN in connection congress of the BSPP on July 23. Ne Win with Burma's application for LDC status, began his opening speech by deploring the reports made by investigative reporters like bloody incidents. He then surprised his listen­ Andrew Drummond of the Observer, Martin ers by asking to resign from his post as chair­ Smith of the BBC and Ron Martz of the At­ man of the BSPP, giving as reasons that he lanta Constitution, the Amnesty International assumed himself to be directly or indirectly reports of extra-judicial executions of the non- responsible for the bloodshed and had ad­ Burmese indigenous peoples by Burmese sol­ vanced in age. diers, and the BBC and Australian TV stories "Every time I asked to resign in the past, of the Karens of Burma who have been fighting my close comrades and advisors prevented me for freedom, and democracy for nearly 40 years, to do so," he said. "Now I appeal to you to have brought international focus on Burma allow me to resign from the post of chairman, and pressure on Ne Win dictatorship for as well as from menbership of the party, and changes in recent months. retire from politics altogether," he added. Encouraged by international attention, Five other top leaders of the BSPP sub­ the students, with a long tradition of protest mitted their resignations in sympathy. Among and militancy, turned a tea-shop brawl in the five were vice chairman of the BSPP-cum- Rangoon into anti-Ne Win dictatorship dem­ president of the Socialist Republic of the Union onstrations in March this year. Joined by the of Burma (SRUB) San Yu, general secretary public, the demonstrations turned into a gen­ of BSPP-cum-vice-president of SRUB Aye Ko eral uprising of the people and spread to other and Joint general secretary of BSPP Sein Lwin. parts of the country. Like before, Ne Win In the same speech, Ne Win went on to and his henchmen brought out the security propose for the holding of a referendum to police and the army, and brutally crushed the decide whether the people wanted a multi-par­ uprising. ty system. A change to a more liberal econo­ According to reliable sources, not less mic system was also proposed. The congress than 200 demonstrators were killed and many accepted the resignations of Ne Win and San hundreds were wounded, detained and tor­ Yu, but rejected those of the others and the tured. A number of girls among the detainees proposal for referendum. The proposal for a were reportedly raped by the security police, change in the economic system was accepted. resulting in the pregnancy of nine girls and the Observers were of the opinion that, true suicide of three. to character, Ne Win was attempting to make Again in June, student demonstrations in a graceful exit and save his name in history by Rangoon demanding punishment of the offi­ taking a minor blame, and leaving all the ma­ cials responsible for the brutal massacre of jor blames and the crisis to his comrades in 8 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17 crime. A puzzling note, however, was intro­ for balanced judgement and foresight. His duced by Ne Win warning, in a threatening had been always a voice of reason and caution tone, the future demonstrators that they would at the BSPP meetings where good sense, sound greatly suffer, adding, "when the military judgement and logic were rarely the order. shoot, they shoot to hit. They won't shoot A man who has never had any formal into the air to frighten." This made some to education, Sein Lwin is known to have a mini­ suspect that the whole thing was just a piece mum of culture and no knowledge of civilized of theatre intended to calm the rebellions pop­ politics. Power-crazed and ruthless to the ex­ ulace and Ne Win would go on pulling the treme, he broaches no opposition in any form. reins of power from behind the curtain. This The dismissal of U Maung Maung Kha by him certainly is inconsistent with his earlier utter­ was seen by the people as the beginning of his ances of the desire to turn his back on politics attempt to remove all rivals in the BSPP. forever. The principal henchman of Ne Win, Sein Harsher critics were of the opinion that Lwin has been known as the "butcher" among Ne Win would be pardoned by the people only the students and the people. Right from the if he abolished the BSPP and returned the beginning up to the waning days of Ne Win sovereign power to the people by introducing dictatorship in March and June of this year, a multi-party system and full democratic free­ he was entrusted with all the dirty jobs of sup­ dom. In addition, he and his comrades would pressing the disturbances. He performed all have to return all the wealth they had stolen these jobs with alacrity and the thoroughness from the country to the people, and submit of a mafia don in the liquidation of opposition. themselve to the people's judgement uncondi­ Needless to say, the elevation of Sein tionally. Lwin triggered violent demonstrations all over the country. Ruthless suppression, according to reliable information reaching here, killed Succesion by the Henchman nearly 1,000 demonstrators in the 17 days that The disappointment and shock the peo­ Sein Lwin was in power. Finally, he resigned ple experienced when the proposal for referen­ from presidency of SRUB, party chairmanship dum was rejected were much milder in compa­ and the parliament on August 12, 1988. Dem­ rison to the disappointment and shock they onstrations petered out following the resigna­ experienced when they heard the news of the tion and the announcement that an emergency election of Sein Lwin, by the central committee congress of BSPP would be held on August of the BSPP on July 26, to the post of BSPP 19, 1988. chairmanship. The next day, the parliament Whatever the congress decides, if the elected him to the post of chairman of the State restitution of democratic rights and freedom is Council and, thus, to the post of the presiden­ not complete and if the national question of cy of SURB. the non-Burmese indigenous peoples is not Sein Lwin's first official act as chairman addressed to the satisfaction of all concerned, of the State Council was the dismissal of there will never be peace and no possibility for prime minister U Maung Maung Kha, the most unity and reconstruction of the economy of educated person of the lot, with a reputation the country. KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 9

ANGUISH OF BRITAIN'S FORGOTTEN ALLIES

When Burma allied itself with Japan allies, to the mercy of the Burmese. As many during World War II in the hope of gaining as 200,000 people may have died in parts of independence from the British, one sector of Burma where the Karen live, now closed to the population remained loyal to the Crown — the West. Villages where tourists are forbid­ the Karen hill people. They have suffered for den 'for their own safety' have been burnt it ever since. Andrew Drummond reports down and the population moved into stock­ from the Burma-Thai border, where the Karen aded villages or camps controlled by the Bur­ are now fighting for their survival. ma Socialist Program Party. SQUATING ON THE BAMBOO Prior to independence in 1948, the Karen PORCH OF HER NEW BAMBOO HOME in were protected from the Burmese by British a refugee camp in Thailand, Naw Mu, 28 re­ rule and had their own lands under British lates almost impassively what happened when administration. When the Burmese turned the Burmese army called on her home. against the British during World War II, the 'They took my father, cut off his ears Karen remained loyal. (Viscount Slim, Com­ and stabbed him all over his body. They took mander of the British forces in Burma, des­ him away and paraded him around two other cribed them as 'no fair-weather friends'.) villages as an example of what will happen to During the war the Karen formed the back­ people helping the rebels. Then they tied him bone of Orde Wingate's Chindits and sent to a tree and lit a fire underneath him. His 10,000 men to the aid of Britain when Japan torture lasted a whole day before he turned to invaded Burma. During the occupation many my mother and said, "I can't bear it any more." parachuted back into the country with Force Then he collapsed into the flames. There was 136, an SOE (Special Operations Executive) nothing we could do. My father knew no unit, to cause disruption behind enemy lines. rebels.' It is this relationship with the British which Naw Mu fled Burma with her three child­ brought about postwar retribution and the ren, walking through the jungle for a month.. civil war. She is a Karen, a hill-tribe woman of Burma's Now, at a place called Manerplaw, in a largest ethnic minority, one of 20,000 people state called Kawthoolei that the Karen have set who recently have sought the safety of Thai­ up on the Thai-Burma border, it is as though land to escape pogroms initiated by Burma's World War II has never ended. military dictator, General Ne Win, against Manerplaw is the headquarters of the people — mainly Karen — suspected of rebel Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), a activity. 10,000-strong group who have been battling When The Observer first reported on the Burmese since 1949. Their leader is General atrocities carried out against Burma's minori­ Bo Mya, a bulldog character and ex-Force 136 ties last year, the Burma Socialist Program guerrilla. His wooden home faces a parade Party (BSPP) in Rangoon described the report ground in a camp laid out in British Army 'capitalist propaganda' and 'lies' by the Karen fashion. From here he directs his troops, who who were fuelled by a 'yearning for their face the Burmese along a 500-mile front. In mother country' - Britain. Now, eight months places along the front line the opposing sides later, a report by Amnesty International has are only 150 yards apart, well dug in. During confirmed The Observer's findings of the the rainy season, but for the heat and the widespread execution and torture of Karen mosquitoes carrying cerebral malaria, it could civilians be the Somme. Tonight, 'Burma's Forgotten War', in Bo Mya cannot hide his bitterness. 'You the BBC1 'Everyman' slot, tells how Britain British. Why did you forget us? Why did you left the Karen, one of her staunchest wartime hand us over to our traditional enemy,' he says, 10 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17 referring to the independence negotiations in Burma's currency. The aim was to bankrupt 1948 in which the Karen were given nothing. the black marketeers. But it only served to He screws up his face in disbelief at the mem­ impoverish the poor still further. ory of Princess Anne's visit to Burma last year, At the moment, the Karen are hard-pressed and at the thought of the friendship between militarily. Burmese offensives have pushed General Ne Win and Princess Alexandra, a their army right up against the Thai border at frequent visitor to Burma's capital, Rangoon. several fortified positions. At Kaw Moo Rah, (General Ne Win, one of the 'Thirty Com­ 40 miles north of the That town of Mae Sot, rades' who received military training in Japan we have to keep our heads down as Burmese after the outbreak of World War II, returning automatic fire from positions 200 yards in to Burma to lead Burmese forces against the front rakes the Karen 101 Battalion lines. At British, took control of Burma in a military Wangkha, headquarters of the karen 7th Bri­ coup in 1962. An operation instigated by him, gade, we have to take to the bunkers as the 'The Four Cuts'- We cut off the rebels from Burmese lob 81mm mortars on to our positions. the villages. We cut off the people from their The situation is the same at Phalu, headquar­ country. We cut off their supplies and food. ters of the Karen 6th Brigade, but the enemy We cut off their heads'- is currently decimating mortar fire falls at least 400 yards short from the Karen and other ethnic minorities in Bur­ an enemy position nearly two miles away. ma.) General Bo Mya says, 'Our people are Back at Manerplaw, Karen women soldiers being executed indiscriminately, our women are being trained to face the next Burmese raped and families put in camps, yet Britain offensive, expected next month before the has turned a blind eye. They pretend they rainy season. The karen are mainly Buddhist never knew us. What a short memory you and animist, though the leadership is Chris­ people have.' tian, converted by American missionaries who Situated near the junction of the Salween penetrated the area 150 years ago. The sexes and Moei Rivers, the scene of bitter fighting are kept apart. Karen soldiers are forbidden to during World War II, Manerplaw is the ad­ marry before the age of 35. The penalty for ministrative centre of this unrecognised state pre-marital sex is 10 years in jail in Manerplaw. of Kawthoolei. The Ministry of Education Most girls have joined up, unpaid except for runs the schools and the Health Service runs 30 litres of rice a month and /2 at New Year, the hospitals. The Ministry of Finance looks because their villages have already been burnt after an economy based on timber, antimony down by the Burmese. and taxes levied on cross-border trade with Many of the families who have recently Thailand. Karen living under the protection fled Burma are in Mae Po Tah camp across of the KNLA enjoy a better standard of living the River Moei in Thailand. Since Thailand than many in Rangoon. will not give them refugee status, these people The border trade is the key to the Karen's do not officially exist. As a result, none of survival. Burma, with its closed-door policy the international agencies, such as the United to outsiders, has a stagnant economy. Ninety Nations High Commission for Refugees or the per cent of its export earnings go to service Red Cross, can get involved. foreign debts. The people are reluctant to sell Shwe Hie Kwin ('Beautiful Gold') tells their wares to the government stores. As a re­ what happened when the Burmese forces entered sult, gems, cattle, artwork, cloth and jade are her village, Wa Tho Kla, in the Thaton district transported by foot to the Thai border. Coming of Eastern Burma. 'They took a farmer, Saw the other way, from Thailand, are TV sets, Wi, and told him to bring them guns. He said radios and electrical goods, destined for the he had no guns and knew no rebels. They did elite of Rangoon. As much as 80 per cent of not believe him, so they started cutting open trade is black market-based. Last year the his body with their machetes. They poured BSPP under Ne Win abolished 90 per cent of salt into his wounds. When he did not die KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 11

after a couple of hours they clubbed him to tried for treason,' says the Major, who para­ death.' chuted into Burma with Force 136. Now 68, The stories are similar in two other camps he has been fighting with the resistance for 39 on the Thai border, Sho Klo and Huey Ka years: 'We will never stop fighting until we win. Loke. That could be another 39 years. I don't hate The Karen, in turn, are accused by the the British for what they did. We know that it Burmese of blowing up civilan trains and com­ is the politicians, not the people that we knew, mitting atrocities. They deny this, but there is who are responsible.' a curious paucity of Burmese prisoners. We find only two. A staff officer says, 'When our Last week's Amnesty report details inju­ troops see what the Burmese have done, it is dicial executions, torture, rape and other atro­ difficult to curb their enthusiasm.' cities committed against the Karen. The report In the war office at Manerplaw is Major names Burma army units and calls for an in­ Aaron Po Yin, DSM. He won his medal try­ quiry. The Burmese government response was: ing to save the lives of two British officers 'The authorities of the Socialist Republic of during a Japanese attack. He was severely the Union of Burma categorically reject these wounded at the time and used to receive a war groundless allegations. No execution could disability pension from Britain. 'If I go to take place in Burma without proper judicial Rangoon to collect my pension now I'll be process.'

Teaching staff of 1988 Central Political Trainning Course. 12 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

READING THE STARS

Burma's new strongman, Sein Lwin, 64, set for Aug. 8. Said a Western diplomat in has, among other attributes, a reputation for Rangoon bluntly . "We have not seen the end being an accomplished astrologer. According of the current upheaval in Burma. It can to a story widely told among Burmese, Sein come only with Sein Lwin's removal." Lwin's son recounted at a gathering in Japan Like more than half of the new cabinet, some years ago how his star-gazing father had including new Prime Minister Tun Tin, Sein predicted. "One day I will become president, Lwin is a part of the clique of army officers and after that I will be assassinated." Last who served together in the 4th Burma Rifles week the story circulating in Rangoon claimed regiment, recruited by Ne Win in 1945. They that Sein Lwin was victim of an assassination have been the nation's governing elite since Ne attempt by his private secretary on July 29, Win staged his coup in 1962, over throwing two days after he was named president of Bur­ the civilian government of U Nu. Sein Lwin is ma by the People's Assembly. Supposedly, typical of many of the veterans of that period the secretary shot Sein Lwin in the arm, in­ who entered the army semi-literate and learned juring him only slightly, then turned the gun what they could while advancing through the on himself. Whether or not the story would ranks. Students and intellectuals delight in ever be confirmed was less important to some sneering at Sein Lwin's mere four years of Burmese than the fact that it was out. For in education. According to one joke making the Burmese belief, fate can be appeased if an rounds last week, a schoolboy laments that he event similar to the one predicted occurs, or is no longer has a chance of becoming president. staged, or is even rumoured. Why not? "Because I'm already in the seventh Yet even if the heavens were mollified by grade." yedaya chaydeh, there was no shortage of Tensions in the capital were clear. As earthly predictions that Burma's ruthless new they do every year, thousands of people gath­ boss faced dangerous times ahead. Sein Lwin, ered at the Shwedagon Pagoda and other tem­ whose name in Burmese means "Dazzling Dia­ ples on July 28 to celebrate the beginning of mond," is more commonly, if discreetly, called Buddhist Lent. But this time, a day after Sein "the Beast" or "the Butcher" for his harsh Lwin became president, the crowds of pilgrims treatment of demonstrators. Many describe were so huge that the trustees were obliged to him as "the most hated man in Burma." Last limit the numbers making the ascent. Students week, however, his hold on power seemed were on hand delivering anti-Sein Lwin speeches complete. His elevation to the presidency fol­ and distributing leaflets. A commotion oc­ lowed his selection as chairman of the Burma curred when the authorities tried to arrest four Socialist Program Party, the country's only students. The students yelled "pickpocket!" legal party, to replace outgoing strongman Ne and the pilgrims beat up the police, freeing the Win. It was the first time since 1981 that both students. There were other signs of unrest. positions had been held by one man. His ac­ One person was reported killed and five in­ cession also seemed to dash hopes that Ne jured in a riot in Myede. The town is 70 km Win's retirement after 26 years would usher in north of Prome, scene of racially sparked dis- a kind of "Burmese Spring." A former army turbanced in late July. brigadier-general and a close ally of his prede­ A day after the pagoda scene, Sein Lwin cessor, Sein Lwin was in charge of the dreaded cracked down on his most prominent oppo­ lon-htain, or riot police, who killed scores of nents. Arrested was retired Brig.- Gen. Aung students during demonstrations in March and Gyi, 70, and at least nine of his associates. June. Student groups last week vowed to or­ Unconfirmed report said as many as nineteen ganise new protests, including a general strike may have been picked up. Aung Gyi, another KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 ; 13

veteran of the 4th Burma Rifle fell out with At the same meeting, Ne Win ordered Ne Win in 1963 over the socialist direction of the release of all detainees, the lifting of a cur­ the revolution union. Of late, he has galva­ few imposed after widespread rioting June 21 nised a series widely circulated open letters and the convening of the extraordinary party excoriating the government for economic mis­ congress. That afternoon, an angry Ne Win management and brutality against protesters. delivered a severe tonguelashing to Home His latest missive, dated July 19, criticises Sein Minister Min Gaung for detaining students Lwin for allowing all manner of persecution, with out charge beyond the constitutional shootings, rape and killings. limit. At one point Ne Win became so agi­ tated that he slapped the home minister right The other nine confirmed detainees in­ and left. Later he called on the carpet Ba cluded Aung Gyi's nephew, Zaw Win, and a Maw, head of the special investigative com­ group of retired army and navy officers, mission. mostly in their 60s and 70s, who are known to Up to then, Ne Win seems to have been share his liberal economic views. Also arrested in full control of events. But there is evidence was respected journalist Sein Win, Rangoon that the extraordinary session did not go en­ correspondent for the American news agency tirely according to script. The congress was Associated Press. All were suspected of help­ originally scheduled to last for two days. In­ ing distribute Aung Gyi's letters. Three days stead, it was extended to a third. Some of the later, diplomats said, pre-Independence era delegates were already on their way home freedom fighters Tha Ya and Yan Nyang were when they got word that there would be an added to the list, accused of involvement with extra day's work. Ne Win was not there, al­ pamphlets calling for Sein Lwin's overthrow. though he had been expected to stay for the full session. A small house was even built for Aung Gyi figured heavily in the genesis his comfort at the congress venue, Kyaikkasan of events that led to Ne Win tendering his re­ Grounds, formerly the race course. But after signation at an extraordinary party congress delivering his half hour opening speech in which July 23. On July 7, sources say, the chairman the resignation section was read for him by held a meeting with President San Yu, Tin party official Htwe Han - Ne Win unaccount­ Aung Hein, chairman of the Council of Peo­ ably left the hall, climbed into a Fiat and was ple's Justices, Myint Maung, chairman of the dirven off. Council of People's Attorneys, and Dr. Maung Some speculate that he was incensed over Maung, Ne Win's personal lawyer and now the reluctance of delegates to accept his pro­ chief attorney. On the table were four of posal to hold a special referendum later this Aung Gyi's letters, one from 1977, the other year on instituting a multi-party system. Most three concerning the disturbances in March analysts believe the rank-and-file did not want and June. Ne Win asked the group to tell him to give up prized perks. The referendum was everything they knew about the riots. Tin rejected at the third day's session, which also Aung Hein, who lives in the West Gyogon dis­ accepted the resignations of Ne Win and San trict of Rangoon where the March troubles Yu while retaining four other officials, includ­ began, gave a detailed account. He noted that ing Sein Lwin. Key speaker at the session, he had offered to testify before a special in­ which lasted well into the night : Sein Lwin. vestigative commisson, but was ignored. The There was also a major diversion on the chairman asked the group whether Tin Aung replacement for San Yu as president at the Hein's description jibed with what Aung Gyi's party central committee meeting July 26, Dr. letters said. They agreed it did. Then Ne Win Maung Maung, a close confidant of Ne Win's, asked enigmatically. "Do you think I dare not had been slated for election, sources say. But do it?" Nobody was sure what he meant by when the People's Assembly met the next day the question, according to one participant. to formalise the choice, Sein Lwin got the job. 14 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

Two theories were circulating in Rangoon lence and the deteriorating economy. Japan is last week. One held that everything was plan­ Burma's biggest aid donor, and the move ned by Ne Win. To ensure safety for himself seems to signal a new willingness in Tokyo to and his family, he had handed over full power use aid to achieve political goals. to Sein Lwin, the only colleague he really It remains to be seen just how strong a trusted. By the other theory, Sein Lwin had strongman Sein Lwin will be. Rangoon ana­ subtly seized power in a supreme double-cross, lysts believe Ne Win could still retake power sinking Ne Win's multi-party proposal in the should the situation deteriorate. His following process. in the military is seen as far outweighing Sein As for the referendum, why should such Lwin's. There are also, hints of tension within a long-standing autocrat propose such a liberal the armed forces. Several colonels are said to measure in the first place in history, but Japan have resigned over the recent excesses. More­ may also have played a key role. A Bangkok- over, younger officers who have spent their based executive of a key Japanese trading firm careers in the 40-year battle against ethnic in­ operating in Burma told Asia-week that Tokyo surgents are thought to be chafing at the con­ had put pressure on Ne Win to ease political tinuing dominance of the 4th Burma Rifles. tensions or face aid cuts. The Japanese are Sein Lwin may want to keep close track of his said to be deeply disturbed by the recent vio­ stars.

Skaw Ler Taw, addressing the gathering of K.T.L. Army Day Celebration. KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 15

BURMA: A CHANGE FOR THE WORSE ?

When the new Burmese leader, Sein leader Ne Win has accused Sein Lwin of "turn­ Lwin, was appointed to power, we noticed his ing a blind eye" to "all kinds of human rights name was almost identical to that of the Asso­ violations". It was Aung Gyi who said more ciated Press correspondent in Rangoon, Sein than 200 people have died in the unrest that Win. The usual newsroom jokes made the has plagued Burma since March. rounds that the two men were one and the No one likes to hear criticism. In a de­ same. If there were any doubts, Burma's mocracy, as many a Thai politician can attest, leaders have drawn a neat line marking the one must either bear it or return fire. In Bur­ distinction between the two: one is in Jail and ma, as in other totalitarian societies, critics are the other put him there. routinely suppressed or, like newsman Sein Darkness is falling on Burma once again Win, taken from home at midnight without after a brief, flickering moment of hope. The writ or warning. socialist leadership has signalled the world On the official level, Burma's leaders are that prospects for serious reform are few, and brimming with enthusiasm after the party con­ that a change in command does not necessarily gress at which Ne Win ostensibly called it mean a change in direction. quits, Sein Lwin took control and an agenda To make his point, Sein Lwin has arrested of economic reform was unveiled. One state- a leading opposition figure, Aung Gyi, along owned newspaper said "people's needs will be with respected newsman Sein Win and other fulfilled once the reforms are implemented. critics of the government. Rangoon saw no Among the proposals are relaxing the govern­ need to announce the detentions, but the US ment's monopoly on industry and encouraging State Department, quoting diplomats in Burma, foreign trade and investment. If this really said as many as two dozen dissidents were comes to pass, Burma's neighbours may be in rounded up. The AP office here in Bangkok a better position to press for greater democracy received the following telex from Sein Win's and genuine change. family. "Daddy has been taken away. He Events of the past week, however, make won't be available to answer your queries." it difficult to feel that Burma is in store for Sein Win's crime? Burmese authorities any degree of restructuring. Sein Lwin has haven't bothered to say. Perhaps they didn't made it plain that, unlike some other socialist like the tone of his despatches, though there leaders, he is not a man one can do business was nothing biased or seditious about them. with. It is too early to throw in the towel on Maybe they felt that the prize-winning former Sein Lwin, but his debut as head of state has publisher of The Guardian English-language been less than auspicious. newspaper was a potential troublemaker. He If the Burmese are serious about opening was jailed for three years in the 1960s in con­ their doors—and their economy — to the rest nection with his journalistic activities. of the world, they must allay concerns that the A more foreboding sign is the jailing of political climate will grow ever more volatile. Aung Gyi, whose letters have given voice to Releasing political dissidents would be a cor­ the Burmese. The one-time ally of former rect start. 16 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

A NEW ERA IN BURMA

Gen Ne Win has retired as chairman of Of course, the choice is up to the Bur­ the Burma Socialist Programme Party, bring­ mese people. However, we believe it is neces­ ing an end to an era in his country which led sary to establish a free market economy and to near economic collapse and social unrest. democracy for the stability and development Ne Win may continue to exercise political in­ of Burma. Ne Win proposed holding a refer­ fluence. However, the party congress, which endum to decide whether the people wanted accepted his resignation, has decided upon an a multiparty or single-party system. Unfor­ open economy in response to the errors of the tunately the party congress rejected his pro­ past. posal. Burma suffered all the disadvantages of Japan, which extends large amounts of a closed-type, controlled economy. Burmese aid to Burma, should hold close dialogue with socialism had failed. One reason why Bur­ Burma . mese socialism became rigid was the exclusion of capable people to advise Ne Win. Capable people now should be brought into the govern­ ment to lead the new generation. Yomiuri Shimbun (Tokyo)

Gen. Hla Htoo.(AG) inspecting guard of Honour (Women Unit) on Martyrs' Day Celebration (12.8.88) KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 17

STORM CLOUDS GATHER AS WIND OF CHANGE FADES OVER TROUBLED BURMA by Denis D.Gray of AP

A BRIEF, shining moment for those who Some diplomats already were outlining favoured change in a Burma beset by a quarter prospects of a resource-rich Burma — a "nat­ century of authoritarian rule and economic ural treasure trove" one called it — shedding decline appears to have been shattered by the its selfimposed isolation and contributing sub­ emergence of a leader even more hard-line stantially to the ongoing economic boom in than his predecessor, analysts say. Southeast Asia. Western diplomats, academics and Bur­ But Just three days later, and for reasons mese emigres fear this already troubled South­ still unclear, the 77 year-old chairman was re­ east Asian nation could face civil disorder in placed by Sein Lwin, who also was elected reaction to retired army Gen. Sein Lwin taking president. The referendum was turned down. the reins of power from Ne Win. Only the economic reform package remained, Virtually the only optimistic note sounded but some analysts express scepticism about by some analysts is that the new leaders will how far and how effectively these can be im­ attempt some economic reforms while trying plemented. to keep a lid on the dissent that already has "I don't see any prospect for progress, boiled over into bloody street riots three times but rather for resistance, violence," said Ro­ since last October. bert Nathan, a Washington-based economist John Badgely, a Burma expert at Cornell who follows Burmese developments. "In a University in the United States, described the place where there hadn't been any hope for 68-year-old Sein Lwin as an authoritarian change, expectations were suddenly raised. figure with little education who was responsi­ Now, that's been dashed, down the drain." ble for brutal suppression of antigovernment Leaflets have circulated in Rangoon protests. urging struggle against the new leadership and calling for demonstrations after universities MAIMING reopen next month. Almost all the country's "Where civil disobedience has augured, institutes of higher learning were closed in the Sein Lwin was on the spot and the result was wake of student-led rioting last march in which killing, maiming and prisoners," said Ye Kyaw more than 100 persons were reliable said to Thu, general secretary of the Committee for have been killed. the .Restoration of Democracy in Burma. Although several officials, including ex- "We are very concerned that the students will prime minister Maung Maung Kha, were not be able to hold back their- frustration, sacked for mishandling the protests, the man agony and anguish." who Western diplomats and Burmese hold res­ The short-lived expectations of change ponsible for commanding the dreaded riot were sparked last Saturday when Ne Win, who police, Sein Lwin, emerged officially vin­ had wielded power for 28 years, resigned as dicated. chairman of the Burma Socialist Programme In the very speech calling for a referen­ Party. dum, Ne Win hurled a warning at future dem­ He also called for a referendum that onstrators, saying if the army was called out could have replaced one-party rule with a they would not be spared. "If the army shoots, multiparty system. And a special party con­ it shoots to hit," he said. gress followed with proposals for major eco­ Even official reports indicate an under­ nomic reforms. lying tension in the country: anti-government 18 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17 riots are started over personal slights at snack LOST CONTROL shops. Muslim-Buddhist quarrels escalate into Still others believe an ailing and old Ne general mob violence. Win simply lost control of the situation and But besides such dissatisfaction, seeming gave in to his ambitious, one-time comrade-in­ ly fuelled in part by a plunging economy, arms. Max McGrath, a spokesman for the some analysts also see recent changes having London based Chapter of the Democracy heightened the potential for serious power Committee, said Ne Win sought medical treat­ struggles. Various scenarios are offered. ment in Europe and after spending a week in London last June "practically returned in a Badgley, who spent several months in stretcher". Burma last year and early 1988, said events of None of these scenarios appear to augur the past week have duplicated a past pattern. well for Burma. Ne Win allowing a potential rival to rise only Whatever the changes at the top, the so high before cutting him off, and this time country is still run day-to-day by several hun­ with popular support for the rival's ouster. dred active duty or retired military officers, a The American professor said Ne Win has group that over the past quarter century has opted for support from more reform-minded turned perhaps Southeast Asia's potentially military officers and those who have bene­ richest nation into one with a per capita in­ fitted from the limited economic reforms he come of less than $200 — among the world's instituted last year while Sein Lwin represented lowest. the conservative old guard. With little economic expertise at senior echelons, there is scepticism whether the wide- Others, however, note the close bonds ranging and complex economic reforms pro­ between the two that go back to the early 1940s posed can be pushed through even it there when Sein Lwin joined Ne Win's outfit, the Fourth Burma Rifles, as a private. exists a genuine political will. The economic package includes allowing private foreign in­ Sein Lwin served Ne Win as a personal vestment for the first time since 1962 and aide and later as a commander, when an iron sweeping privatisation of sectors previously fist was required. In 1962, the year Ne Win controlled by the state. seized power via a military coup, Sein Lwin Nations that prop up Burma's debt-ridd- commanded troops that put down a campus den economy with a yearly infusion of $500 protest with a hail of bullets. million recently have shown impatience. The These analysts view recent events as a Japanese are reportedly upset with Burma's well-orchestrated plot by the two in which the shabby economic results and West Germany, secretive Ne Win now will play a behind-the- the No. 2 aid donor, is turning some attention scenes role. to Burma's human rights violations. — AP KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 19 20 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

A LETTER FROM BURMA

Dear Uncle Lermoo, some students with the truck. It was a blood Daddy showed me your letter this morn­ shed. One boy student, aged about 19, 2nd ing. He told me to write to you on the infor­ year in college, his stomach opened and guts mations you requested upon. He told me the came out. This boy's body, they carried up story how you saved his life on 7 July 1962, high and showed it to the people around the when you carried him to safety after he was place and also to Simalaik, Insein and Myenigon hit by the soldiers' bullet at the students dem­ and saying what they have done to them (stu­ onstration. Thank you for that. dents). Then the working people from Insein, I am attaching some newspaper cutting Simalaik and Myenigon and families came out for your kind perusal. What is mentioned is with knives and sticks. Both workers and stu­ not all true but what the students have done is dents combined and destroyed the police sta­ correct. Much more the killings have been tion and killed the 'Lonetain' (Special Police,) effected. about six or seven of them. These are the It started on the 20th & 21st at the main 'Lonetain' that killed a lot of students in March university, referring to the riot of March 1988. 1988. On the same day (21 June 88) the girls The students have requested peacefully to re­ students from St. Philomena, about six girls lease the 141 students, including girls. Some ran into their classroom, when the demonstra­ of the girls were sent home after they have tion was in front of their convent - then, at raped them in the jail. These gave speeches to that moment the 'Lonetain' entered the room, the people outside the main university and and tried to harm the girls, but the girls got thousands of students stating that they were over him and squeezed his neck to kill, but kept in jail and were raped and molested, and immediately another 'Lontain' came over and now they are pregnant. But they will not des­ shot them to death. (This they never publish troy their wombs and bringing their children in the papers). So, you comrades can just to the public and show to this bloody govern­ imagine what is going on. ment. These students have demonstrated for The people are having difficulities with two days and requesting for release, to have rice problem. The poorest rice, Nga Sein, is freedom of study, and call for democracy to Kyats 12 - per 'pyi' (before it was only Ks 1.5) be formed. Next the students published in and the market prices for oil is 75 kyats. English: as Follows, - Ducks, chicken, meat and fishes are having (i) U Aung San is the Martyr of Burma, unreasonable prices. So, please pray for the (ii) Ne Win is the devil or ghost people. (iii) San Yu is the cunning fox, Many mothers are looking for their lost (iv) Ne Win is the killer of students, daughters-praying that they may not be raped, (v) Capt. Ohn Kyaw is the HERO of like others. Burma (who was hanged due to plot Moulmein - College closed against them). Mandalay - College closed, phongyis are On the 21st, the students marched to the joining the students R.I.T, and all High Schools in Kamayut and Akyab - College closed and "unable to Insein out came speeches to bring down the control the students and government. Then, they (students) came over workers to Prome Road, and reached in front of St. Bassein - College closed Philomena & Fatima Church where they dem­ Pegu - College closed, the students onstrated quietly. Then at that moment, the and workers burned down force with Police Special Squard, drove over the party Unit Office, its of­ them and killed some students by running over fice stationaries, destroyed KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 21

the bank, burned most of about the disconnection of their carriages and the government restaurants small confusion took place. But the monks and offices. Some students will find other means to reach Rangoon. What gave their lives for the coun­ is going to happen, remains to be seen, please try. wait to hear - it is going to be the worst. At 22nd - 23rd June 1988. Most of the stu­ present, small commotions are taking place dents were all gathered in Shwedagon Pago­ here and there. da. The leader of the students, Collegian Maung Maung Kyaw was arrested. The stu­ We are now in hell. Please come back dents asked the government to return their and save us. I am now a second year student leader. Up to this date, they (students) are in the same medical school that you and dad­ still on the pagoda. The army has surrounded dy had graduated. I am not sure whether I the pagoda with guns and tanks inorder to will ever graduate if Ne Win, the devil and avoid the commotions. So that is the present murderer, and his 'yes sir' people, are in power. state in Burma. I'll write to you again on further developments. Excuse me for my poor English. English was 24.6.88 The monks from Mandalay came not taught well during our high school years. down with two carriages load, on reaching Toungoo, the party authorities discreetly re­ moved their carriages and left them at Toun­ goo. After some time the monks came to know Mee Mee.

Troops masses and leaders attending K.T.L. Army Day gathering of Manerplaw. 22 AUGUST. 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

THE DIFFICULTY IN BURMA

We were young university graduates ry considered themselves a breed apart. Their when Ne Win seized power 26 years ago from attitude to their countrymen was totally un­ U Nu's democratically elected government. In caring. our political naivete, we thought the change We wondered what the future held. Tradi­ was for the good. The military had tradition­ tionally, Burmese had never migrated; there ally been respected as the saviours of Burma. had been no need to. But now we felt there How wrong we were. Within a few were no prospects or security in our homeland months, Rangoon University Student Union's for us and, expecially, our children. So we historic building was demolished and political joined the thousands of Burmese scattered activity was banned. Businesses, banks and across the globe. factories were nationalised. People were de­ The third demonetisation last year and tained, sometimes for years, without due pro­ more shortages of commodities, including rice, cess of law. Newspapers came under state have brought further gloom to Burma. There control. The currency was demonetised. Mili­ have been numerous abuses of humanrights. tary personnel were placed in all department Documentation has been difficult because of — the civil service, corporations, law courts, the closed society. The most prominent of shops, banks, ministries even the diplomatic these abuses has been the violent quelling of service. There would be a bohmu $major£ or a funeral arrangements for the late U Thant in bogyi (captain) in every office — and of course December 1974 in Rangoon. The demonstra­ Bohmu was always right. The military, from tions last March were led by students who the bogyokes (generals) all the way down the were not even born when the regime came to rank, received special privileges and facilities. power. We salute these young people. The As we worked in various parts of the March Affair and its martyrs will go country, we experienced first hand the work­ down in history as a significant step in the ings of the regime. Our parents' property was struggle against the dictatorship. confiscated. We were bypassed in promotions We hoped that the recent extraordinary and transfers. Day-to-day routine was full of party congress would pave the way for reform shortages, rations and queues. and even eventually a government of recon­ As years went by, the children of the ciliation and national unity. However, there military were favoured in schools and univer­ has been no compromise. Sein Lwin has been sities and eventually in the competition for elected party chairman. This man could be jobs. A daughter of Ne Win and a son of the called the Butcher of Burma. education minister (Col. Hla Han) scored dis­ There has not been any superpower in­ tinctions in all subjects in their university en­ terference in Burma's internal affairs. It re­ trance examinations. How bright they all mains a one-party state. The regime claims to were! The black market became the main follow a socialist policy, but it was and is a source of consumer items. Burma's natural military dictatorship. We fear there will be resources were plundered and smuggled out to further violent confrontations, and no one can neighbouring countries. predict the outcome. Ne Win's regime will go Saddest of all, the morals of the people down as the blackest segment of Burma's 20th declined. Bribery and pilferage became com­ century history — much, much worse than the mon. Young women prostituted themselves periods of British colonial rule and the Japan­ for a better social life. When old bohmus re­ ese occupation. tired with houses and cars, new bohmus came in to take their places. Members of the milita­ NAME WITHHELD KNU BULLETIN No. 17 AUGUST 1988 23

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A BURMESE NOW IN ANOTHER SOUTH EAST ASEAN COUNTRY

"This year is 'The Year of the Beast' for these come a few professionals who are mem­ us Burmese," he writes. "We are trying to bers of the ruling party. The lower levels are fight back with nothing for the future of Bur­ filled by underpaid and hungry officers who ma. There is no human right, no hope, no have no opportunity to buy goods in the special job, and not enough basic necessities for the stores, unlike the top military officers. So majority as opposed to the government society they have to face the high prices of the black of bohmus, bogyis and gobyokes (majors, market. These are the sons, brothers and captains and generals). Let's start with stu- friends of the people. They are supposed to dents' life. Most ordinary students like us can protect the people — not shoot, kill and rape not go to school in Mazda jeeps and Mazda them. When the army and the people unite 323s like the children of those military govern­ together, then the sun will shine for us." ment people. We go to school on the top of Another Burmese writes: "We fear there overloaded buses. After graduation, the child­ will be summary military trials and execu­ ren of the military get jobs but we don't. So tions. We appeal to the leaders of the world, most of us go into the black market business and especially Burma's neighbours, to use then- and a few lucky graduates become sailors good offices so that there will at least be fair abroad, which is the only promising job. A and open trials." Echoing, perhaps, the theme few super-lucky graduates get jobs in the gov­ of an editorial in our Aug. 5 issue, he con­ ernment's lowest positions with minimum pay cludes: "Why is the world community so ob­ which is not enough to survive, thus leading to livious to the plight of the people of Burma, corruption." the homeland of U Thant of the United Na­ tions? Are you waiting for Ne Win and his He says: "Now, look over the structure thugs to decimate the population before label­ of this military government. Top positions are ling them the Idi Amins and the Pol Pots of filled by big bohmus, bogyis and bogyokes. Burma? Are you waiting for more people to Then come little bohmus and bogyis. After flee, as refugees and boat people ?"

Political Trainning Students honouring their teachers with garlands and gifts. 24 AUGUST 1988 KNU BULLETIN No. 17

STOP PRESS peasants, business-men, intellectual, service Dr Maung Maung, a non-party lawyer, personnels (Army included) have now joined was elected Party Chairman by the central the demonstrations against BSPP regime. In committee of the BSPP on August 19th morn­ the latest demonstrations tens and hundred ing and then elected as President of SRUB by thousands took part demanding the ouster of the Peoples' Assembly in the afternoon. one party-rule. The BSPP flags were hoisted The students and monks rejected all the at half mast, upside down. The days of BSPP decisions of the BSPP regime and demanded regime are numbered. the ouster of the ruling party despite the elec­ tion of a civilian, as President and Party lead­ AN APOLOGY. er, calling an end to one-party rule. We very much regret the long silence, The anti-government demonstrations and delay in the publishing of this issue of the continue on and is now gaining strength and KNU Bulletin, due to un-avoidable circum­ momentum day by day. Peoples from all stances. Efforts will be made for the regular walks of life and profession, students, workers publication of the same in future.

Laying of wreaths on Martyrs Day Celebration at Manerplaw. Guard of Honour on Martyrs Day at Manerplaw Women's Unit (far right)

Sgt Dah Doh Moo (now 2nd Lt and Commander of K.T.L. Women's Army Unit. A recruit of K.T.L. Women's Army Unit.

President Gen. Bo Mya giving address on Martyrs Day Celebration.