1. 2011 Burma Freedom Calendar
Release to Public
1 January 2011
January 2011
1 January (BC 153), New Year’s Day, the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar.
1 January (2000), death in custody at Tharawaddy prison, Ko Nyunt Zaw, All Burma Federation of Students
Union (ABFSU / Ba Ka Tha), All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF / Ma Ka Da Ta),
Henzada, Irrawaddy.
4 January (1948, 4:20 AM sharp), Independence Day, Independence from United Kingdom which had
colonized Burma since 1885. The popular sentiment to part with the British was so strong at the time
that Burma opted not to join the British Commonwealth, unlike India or Pakistan.
Three Flags:
4 January 1948: By U Nu, the first Prime Minister of Burma under the provisions of the 1947
Constitution of the Union of Burma; the independent flag has a red field with a blue rectangle
in the left corner with 5 small stars surrounding one large star.
3 February 1974: By Gen Ne win, dictator, the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the
Union of Burma; the second flag has a red field with a blue rectangle in the left corner
bearing a cog wheel and a rice plant encircled by 14 stars.
21 October 2010: By Gen Than Shwe, dictator-king, the military-sponsored 2008 Constitution of the
Republic of the Union of Myanmar; the third flag has horizontal stripes of yellow, green and
red with a big white star in the middle.
5 January, Karen New Year (according to lunar calendar Pyatho Waxing Day 1 of year 2750).
6 January (1995), death in custody at Insein prison, U Kin Sein, Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP), Prome,
Pegu.
8 January (1991), death in custody at Insein prison, Insein Hospital, U Sein Win (a) Yangyi Aung (1937-
91), University Student Union 1959-60, Thongwa Township, Rangoon.
10 January (1928), Date of Birth (DOB), Penang Sayadaw U Pannya Vamsa, Spiritual Director, Chairman
and Co-founder of International Burmese Monks Organisation, Penang, Malaysia, native of Sin Koo
Ywa, Wakema Township, Irrawaddy, left Burma since 11 December 1957 until the present time.
10 January (1948), Kachin National Day. At the end of World War II, Burma sought Independence from
Great Britain and Kachin leaders took solemn responsibility in partaking in this historic movement.
In 1946 General Aung San came to Kachin homeland to discuss the united effort to achieve
Independence from Great Britain. The Kachin leaders were persuaded only on condition that the
Kachins would be given the same rights of equality with the Burmans and that the exercise of self-
determination be granted to the Kachins in their internal affairs. Kachin, which comprises of six
different ethnic groups, including Jinghpaw, Lisu, Rawang, Zaiwa, Laovo and Lashi, gained
statehood on 10 January 1948 by commemorated with the famous and traditional Manau celebration
at Shatapru ground.
10 January (1973), Lahu Revolution Day.
11 January (2006), death in custody at Putao prison, U Khin Maung Lwin (a) Nay Min Aung, Green Stars
Youth Front, Democracy Party and Patriotic Youth Organisation, Kungyangon, Rangoon.
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2. 12 January (1963), Palaung Revolution Day.
14 January, Naga New Year (according to lunar calendar Pyatho Waxing Day 10). Annually Naga festival
is held from Jan. 11 to 17.
14 January (1910), DOB, Sayagyi U Thu Kha (a) Thein Maung (Born: 14 January 1910 – Died: 7
December 2005), native of Kyaiklat, six-time Burmese Academy Award winning film director,
writer, song writer, script writer and film actor, U Thu Kha Library in Kyaiklat, Irrawaddy. Thu Kha
was profoundly respected for his altruistic attitude and works. He was the founder and president of
the Rangoon Division Free Funeral Service Society, which volunteers its funeral services to any
family regardless of race, religion or social standing.
15 January, Karenni State Day.
18 January (1991), death in custody at Insein prison, U Tin Maung Win (1941-91), MP 1990, National
League for Democracy (NLD) Khayan Township Constituency (2), Rangoon, post-WWII Old
Student Leaders Organisation.
19 January (1910), DOB, Ludu U Hla (a) Kyipwa Yay U Hla (19 January 1910 – 7 August 1982), native of
Pazun Myaung village near Nyaunglebin, Mandalayan by marriage, husband of, veteran journalist,
publisher, chronicler, folklorist and social reformer, Kyipwa Yay (Progress) magazine, Thuriya (Sun)
newspaper, Ludu (The People) Journal, Ludu Daily newspaper, political prisoner 1953-56 jailed by
AFPFL under U Nu, imprisoned for the fifth time in 1978, Dobama Asiayone, Progress for Youth
Club, Asha Lu Nge (Asia Youth), one of the founder of AFPFL, Writers Association of Upper
Burma, UNESCO award for literature (1958). Wife: Ludhu Daw Ahmar (1915-2008); sons: Soe Win
(1941-67, killed during the CPB purges in the jungle of the Pegu Yoma range of mountains), Po
Than Joung (b. 1945, spokesperson of Communist Party of Burma), Nyein Chan (b. 1952, writer Nyi
Pu Lay of short stories and travelogues); daughters: Than Yin Mar (b. 1943, rtd. professor of
medicine, writer Dr Mya Myitzu), Tin Win (b. 1947, in charge of Kyipwa Yay Press). One morning
in 1948, soon after Burma gained her independence from the British, the Kyipwa Yay Press in
Mandalay was dynamited to rubble by government troops who were angry that the Ludu couple
appeared to be sympathetic to the Communists. The entire family, including two pregnant women,
was thrown out into the street, lined up and was about to be gunned down when a number of monks
and locals successfully intervened to save their lives. He opposed the British colonial rule and
successive military dictatorships and paid dearly for his fights for truth and human rights.
20 January (1898), DOB, U Abdul Razak (20 January 1898 – 19 July 1947), National Hero, Martyr, teacher,
native of Meiktila, Mandalay, MP 1945 AFPFL Mandalay, Minister of Education and National
Planning in Aung San’s Cabinet, chairman of the Burma Muslim Congress, headmaster of Mandalay
National High School, the Muslim of Burma.
20 January (1926), DOB, Gen Saw Bo Mya (20 January 1926 – 24 December 2006), Karen National
Liberation Army, Karen National Union, DAB, NDF, NCUB.
22 January (1909, Friday), DOB, U Thant (22 January 1909 – 25 November 1974), native of Pantanaw,
former UN Secretary General (1961-71), military regime critic “Governments, systems, ideologies
come and go, but it is humanity which remains.”
22 January (2009), death in custody at Insein prison, Ven. U Arnanda (1948-2009), Thitsa Tharaphu
monastery, North Okkalapa, Rangoon.
24 January (2000), Ratchaburi Provincial Hospital Siege without harming any patients, Thailand. God’s
Army and Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors: Myint Thein, Hla Myint, Naung Khan, Kyaw
Kyaw, Maung Htoo, Mohammad, Toe Toe, Myint Oo, Nyunt Shwe, and Saw Nya Twa, were
executed after surrendering by the Thai military. They demanded that doctors treat their wounded
and Thailand end its backing of the Burmese government attacks.
27 January (1947), Aung San-Atlee Agreement, Bo Aung San began negotiating with the British labour
Prime Minister Clement Atlee and successfully concluded the Aung San-Atlee Agreement,
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3. promising full independence for Burma within one year. “I hope for the best but prepared for the
worst,” said he.
27 January (1961), DOB, Ko Zarganar (meaning “Tweezer”) (a) Ko Thura, Burma’s best-known comedian,
movie/video director, dentist graduated 1985 (17 batch), patriot, political prisoner 1988-89, 1990-94
Insein prison and 45+14 minus 24-year imprisonment (2008) Insein / Myitkyina prisons for
attempting to deliver aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis, 8-8-88 uprising, Saffron Revolution 2007,
2008 Cyclone Nargis Humanitarian, Lillian Hellman and Dashiel Award 1991, Human Right prize
Canadian PEN 2008, Freedom to Create Imprisoned Artist prize (2008, Canada), Reporters Without
Borders award (2008 Cyber-dissident category), Human Right prize British PEN / Pinter (2009).
Wife: Lwin Mar Oo, USA; son: Myat Kaung, USA; daughter: Nge Oo Mon, USA; father: Nan
Nyunt Swe (1923-2010); mother: Kyi Oo (1925-2009); sister-in-law: Ma Nyein. Health condition:
hypertension, hepatitis and bad kidneys. He had been barred indefinitely from performing and
making a living as a comedian 1994 and an artist 14 May 2006, passport denied June 2006. Cat-and-
Mouse Game: There are always under-the-table jokes and behind-the-curtain humor, 2006. We
artists get money from the people. The people cry, we cry. The people laugh, we laugh. The people
hate, we hate. We must stand in front of the people. We must sacrifice for the people. Theme: All
enemies must be my friends, 2007.
28 January (2004), death in custody at Toungoo prison, Toungoo Hospital, U Sein Tin (a) Shein Tin, Anti-
Fascist People Freedom League (AFPFL), Burma Communist Party (BCP), People’s Progressive
Party, Rangoon.
29 January (1999), death soon after release from Mandalay Ohbo prison, Ven. U Yewata (a) Yawada,
General Secretary of Thangha Thamaggi, Mandalay.
31 January (1947), Karen Revolutionary Day, Saw Ba U Gyi laid down four basic principles: (1)
Surrender is out of the question, (2) We shall retain our arms, (3) Recognition of Karen State must
be complete, and (4) We shall decide our own political destiny.
February 2011
2 February (1913), DOB, U Ohn Maung, (2 February 1913 – 19 July 1947, Martyrs’ Day), native of Minbu,
Magwe, National Hero, Martyr, Eastern Mandalay wun dauk 1939, cabinet secretary of Bogyoke
Aung San.
3 February, Chinese New Year (according to lunar calendar 4709, Year of the Rabbit).
3 February, Lahu New Year (according to lunar calendar, usually coincides with the Chinese New Year).
5 February (1911), DOB, U Law Yone (a) Edward Michael “Ed” Law-Yone (5 February 1911 ̶ 27 June
1980), native of Myitkyina, Kachin, author, founder and notable publisher of the Rangoon Nation,
the leading English Language daily in post-war Burma, Editor of Guardian Newspaper, Chief Editor
of The Working People’s Daily, political prisoner 1962-67, revolutionary politician, EC member of
Union of Burma Boy Scouts, chairman and executive committee of the Old Peterites Association,
Parliamentary Democracy Party, Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative
Communication Arts 1959, die in Maryland, USA. Author Wendy Law-Yone is his daughter in UK
and actress Jocelyn Seagrave is his granddaughter. In his Times obituary in 1980, the year of his
death: “He was the first independent newspaper editor of free, postwar Burma, and also, to date, the
last.”
5 February (1947), Founding Day of Karen National Union (KNU).
5 February (1952), DOB, Sayar Nyi Pu Lay (a) Nyein Chan (a) Bo Nyo, son of Ludu U Hla and Ludu Daw
Ahmar, native of Mandalay, well-known short story writer, artist, photographer, political prisoner
1978, 10-year imprisonment (1990) Insein / Thayet prisons.
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4. 5 February (1961), Kachin Revolutionary Day. We would like to urge our comrades to: raise your
revolutionary spirit, as a new generation revolution progresses; strengthen your political stand, as the
revolution advances; solidarity under one political goal of restoring the rights to the Kachin people
to determine their own political destiny; cooperate with and extend a helping hand to the Kachin by
various means; maintain coordination with fellow ethnic nationalities and political forces; struggle
on relentlessly until victory is achieved. The revolution and struggle of the Kachin people shall be
definitely triumph. 2006
7 February (1947), Shan National Day. The date 7th February 1947 is a defining moment for us in the
record of our history as a modern nation. On that day, Shan princes and the people’s representatives
of the Shan States demonstrated their newfound unity to declare it a “national day” which were
followed by the resolutions of “Shan National Anthem”, “Shan National Flag” and the formation
of “Shan State Council” on the 11th and 15th of February, 1947 respectively. These had been done
without reference to the British colonial overlords, who claimed protector ship over the Federated
Shan States since 1886-87 (one year after the fall of the Burman kingdom and the Alaungpaya or
Konbaung dynasty). The formation of the Shan State Council by Shan leaders autonomously of the
British represents a declaration by the Shan that they are a sovereign, free nation. This bold action
constitutes a Shan declaration of independence from foreign rule, and the date, 7th February 1947,
marks the entry of the Shan people onto the world’s historical stage as a modern nation. The people
of Shan States and leaders decided in this very year later at Panglong, on the 12th of February, to
join with U Aung San and the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League and leaders of other
nationalities, to live together under one flag as co-independent and equal nations. This marks the
birth of a nation-state now known as “Union of Burma”.
9 February (1953), DOB, Ma Taw (a) Taw Myo Myint (9 February 1953 – 14 March 2005), native of
Maymyo, human rights activist, 8-8-88 uprising, Free Burma Movement, engaged in civil
disobedience at a UNOCAL facility. During the Los Angeles City Council Human Rights Award
(2005) she said, “I am honored and happy to receive this award. This award is given not only for me
but also for the people of Burma. They are not free yet. I promise to fight for human rights and
democracy in Burma till I die.”, California, USA. She was one of the royal descendents of King
Mindon, Burma’s last Yadanabon Dynasty and the patron of Burma Compatriots. Survivors include
her husband Khin Maung Shwe and daughter Htet Htet.
9 February (1972), Akha Revolution Day.
10 February (1909), DOB, Sayagyi Minthuwun (a) U Wun (10 February 1909 – 15 August 2004), native of
Kungyangon, Mon, Mon-Burmese scholar, prominent romantic poet, writer, political dissident, MP
1990, NLD, his poems were removed from the basic high schools’ curriculum.
10 February (1939), seventeen persons (including seven monks) taking part in peaceful demonstrations in
Mandalay were shot and killed by ethnic soldiers under British command. Thirteen were seriously
wounded.
10 February (1998), death in custody at Tavoy prison, Naw Thin Su, Mergui/Tavoy United Front,
Thayetchaung, Tenasserim.
11 February (1948), Karen National Day. National Slogans of the Karen People: (1) Give us the Karen
State at once, (2) Show “Karen one Kyat, Burmese one Kyat” at once, (3) We don’t want communal
clashes, and (4) We don’t want civil war.
12 February (1938), DOB, Prof. Dr. Kanbawza Win (a) Ba Thann Win, Doctor of Philosophy (Education)
Washington International University 1999, Masters of Arts (International Relations) Rangoon
University 1970, Bachelor of Arts in Honours, Political Science, Rangoon University 1967, former
Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Prime Minister of Burma has served as a Distinguished Visiting
Professor at the Menno Simons College of University of Winnipeg and later as a Senior Research
Fellow at the European Institute of Asian Studies, Brussels is now the incumbent Dean of the
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5. Students of the AEIOU Programme, Chiangmai University Thailand and an Adjunct Professor of the
School of International Studies, Simon Fraser University, of British Columbia, Canada. Currently,
December 2009, attending the Climatic Conference in Copenhagen has written many Articles and
Books.
12 February (1947), Union Day celebrates the signing of the Panglong Agreement and the creation of the
Union of Burma. General Aung San was able to convince some of the Shan Saophas, Kachin
Duwars and the Chin leaders and finally succeeded in concluding an agreement with ethnic
minorities for a unified Burma at the Panglong Conference on February 12, celebrated since as
‘Union Day’. The Karen sent only 4 observers. The Arakanese and the Mons were considered as part
of the Burmese tribe having being subdued since the Burmese kings and were not consulted; the
Karenni was an independent state and not invited. A new democratic and federal constitution was
drafted that safeguarded basic civil liberties and the rights of the citizen.
Panglong Spirit: Liberty, Equality, Autonomy, and Federal Union (LEAF).
There were 23 signatories in all expressing their willingness to work with the ‘interim Burmese
government’ in order to achieve independence speedily, and agreeing in principle the formation of a
‘Union of Burma’. Burman representative: Aung San; Chin representatives: Hlur Hmung, Thawng
Za Khup, Kio Mang; Kachin representatives: Sinwa Nawng, Zau Rip, Dinra Tang, Zau La, Zau
Lawn, Labang Grong; Shan representatives: Tawnpeng, Yawnghwei, North Hsenwi, Laika, Mong
Pawn, Hsamonghkam and representatives of Pawnglawng: Hkun Pung, Tin E, Kya Bu, Sao Yapa
Hpa, Htun Myint, Hkun Saw, Hkun Htee.
Aung San’s assurance on the day, “If Burman receives one Kyat, you will also get one Kyat”, has
often been quoted by ethnic nationalists since. In Aung San’s sincere words, “We will take you
along with us in regaining independence.”
“The cause of the Union, the cause of the national races, and the cause of democracy and human
rights are inseparable,” Aung San Suu Kyi told her supporters. 12 February1998
The United Nationalities Alliance, the umbrella organization of ethnic parties that had won in the
1990 elections, call for the release of all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi and the
Shan leader Khun Htun Oo, an end to the offensives in the ethnic areas and the holding of a tripartite
dialogue between the junta, the National League for Democracy and the ethnic forces. 12 February
2010
13 February (1915, Saturday, Tabaung waxing day 1, 1276), DOB, Bogyoke Aung San (a) Htein Lin (13
February 1915 – 19 July 1947), native of Natmauk, Magwe, national hero, founder of Burma army,
13 February has been commemorated every year as Burmese Children Day.
14 February, Valentine’s Day. Lovers express their feelings to each other. One legend contends that
Valentine was a Catholic priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor
Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he
outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice
of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When
Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death around 270 A.D.
In Burma under oppressive military generals, the Valentine’s Day is celebrated as Burmese Anti
Military Dictator Day started by a schoolgirl since 2010.
14 February (1991), Founding Day of National League for Democracy – Liberated Area (NLD-LA).
14 February (2008), Padoh Mahn Sha (a) Mahn Sha Lar Phan (5 July 1944 – 14 February 2008),
Secretary General of the Karen National Union (KNU), was assassinated by Pauk Sa from the group
of Htain Maung’s Karen Peace Council, commander San Pyone (assassinated on 26 June 2009) from
pro-Burmese junta Democratic Karen Buddhist Army Battalion 7, Soe Myint of the Democratic
Karen Buddhist Army Battalion 999 and the Burmese soldiers with the blessing from the
Government of Thailand.
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6. 16 February (1993), death in custody at Insein prison, U Khin Maung Myint, All Burma Federation
Students Union, Peoples’ Progressive Party, Dedaye, Irrawaddy.
17 February (1863), Founding Day of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva,
Switzerland.
17 February (1937), DOB, Maung Swan Yi (a) Win Pe, famous poet, writer, literary critic, scholar, political
prisoner, National Literary Prize 1964 for his collection of poetry, Poems of Red and Blue.
18 February (1998), death in custody at Insein prison, U Thein Tin (a) Tin Thein Maung (a) Pan-Hta-We
Tin Maung, writer, pharmacist, Rangoon division organizer of NLD South Okkalapa, Rangoon.
19 February (1947), Mon National Day (according to lunar calendar Tabodwe – Maik by Mon – Waning
Day 1), the founding of Hongsawatoi by Sammala and Vimala.
19 February (1996), death in custody at Insein prison, U Tun Sein, Labor Union of United National Unity
Front, Union of Prisoners in 1970s, Kemmendine, Rangoon.
20 February (1948), Chin National Day. It was adopted at the first Chin National Conference held on
February 20, 1948 in Falam town in Chin state. During the conference, Chin leaders agreed to
abolish the use of the chieftainship system of administration and agreed to form a democratic system
of governance.
22 February (1932), DOB, Mr. Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy (22 February 1932 – 25 August 2009),
Senator 1962-2009, Democratic Party, Massachusetts, USA. In a statement made on 11 May 1990
Sen. Edward Kennedy urged the US administration to support economic sanctions against Burma’s
military dictatorship and to take concrete steps to back efforts of international and private voluntary
organizations in aiding Burmese refugees.
27 February (1937), DOB, Sayar Kyi Aung (a) Kyi Lin (27 February 1937 – 27 March 2009), famous poet,
literature critics, native of Ave, Mandalay, political prisoner gagged by Censorship Board, 8-8-88
uprising.
March 2011
1 March (1935), DOB, U Bilal Raschid, son of U Raschid, native of Thayetmyo, an architect, founder and
President of Committee for the Restoration of Democracy in Burma (International), President of the
world-wide Burmese Muslim Association, ambassador-designate of NCGUB to the U.N. and testified
before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in this capacity in 1992, President of the Rotary Club
of Rangoon, Burma (1969-70), Assistant Governor of Rotary District 7610, Virginia, USA.
2 March (1962), The darkest hellhole of military dictatorship terminating democracy and human rights by
Gen. Ne Win (Burma Socialist Program Party, BSPP / Ma Sa La, 4 July 1962) with his henchmen
Gen. Saw Maung, 18 September 1988/ Gen. Than Shwe, 23 April 1992 (State Law and Order
Restoration Council, SLORC / Na Wa Ta / Nyeinpi, 18 September 1988) and Gen. Than Shwe (State
Peace and Development Council, SPDC / Na Ah Pha, 15 November 1997).
Sao Myi Myi Thaik, age seventeen, son of the first president Sao Shwe Thaik (death in custody 21
November 1962), younger brother of Eugene and elder to Harn, first democracy martyr was killed
by Burmese soldiers.
Prime Minister U Nu with his cabinet members and over thirty ethnic leaders had been jailed.
6 March (2008), death in custody suffering from TB at Tharawaddy prison, Ko Win Tin (a) Annul (1978-
2008), high school student, NLD Youth Pegu.
7 March (1990), death in custody at Insein prison, Bo Set Yaung (a) U Khin Maung, Burma Communist
Party (BCP), Bahan, Rangoon.
8 March (1975), International Woman’s Day. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic,
political and social achievements of women.
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7. 8 March (1991), death in custody at Insein prison, U Nyo Win (1930-91), All Burma Federation Students
Union 1954-60, University Student Union, Student United Front, Post-War and Independence Era
Old Students Association, Peoples’ Progressive Party, League of Democratic Alliances, Shwekyin,
Pegu.
10 March (1966), DOB, Ko Mya Aye, , political prisoner 65-year imprisonment (2008) Insein / Maubin /
Loikaw prisons, 8-8-88uprising, Saffron Revolution 2007, 88 Generation Students Group, Mingalar
Taung Nyunt, Rangoon. Daughter: Waihnin Pwint Thon (Burma Campaign UK). No freedom of
expression: If our desire is not allowed to be expressed anywhere, how could we believe the junta’s
claim of looking forward to building a democratic nation, October 2006.
12 March (1927), DOB, Thura Tin Oo, native of Bassein, Retd. Gen., BC 3651, Chief of Staff and minister
of defense (1974-76), monk, political prisoner 1976-80 Insein prison, 1989-95 Insein prison, Kale
prison 30 May 2003 - February 2004 + extended yearly on 13 February under house arrest, released
on 13 February 2010, Vice Chairman of NLD, Committee Representing People’s Parliament, 8-8-88
uprising. When Ne Win dismissed Tin Oo in March 1976, students took to the streets shouting
“Long Live Tin Oo” in demonstrations against the junta and Ne Win. Tin Oo was imprisoned for his
alleged involvement in an abortive coup attempt in July 1976. Wife: Dr Tin Moe Wai; son: Thant
Zin Oo (Japan). Patriotism: I love the army, but I love the people more than the army (1989). When
he was released on 13 February 2010, he told reporters, “I will continue to work for democracy.” We
strongly urge that the appropriate measures to be taken by European Commission to make clear that
it is not acting in concert with those who are disseminating pro-junta propaganda, 15 September
2010. We want to trust the army and the army to trust us, 15 October 2010.
12 March (1930), DOB, U Win Tin (Hanthawaddy), renowned journalist, writer, political prisoner 3-year
imprisonment (1989) + extended 11-year (1992) + extended 7-year (1996) Insein prison, released
2008, vice-president of the Association of Burmese Writers, Central Executive Council NLD, advisor
to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, UNESCO / Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize (2001, France),
World Association of Newspapers’ Golden Pen of Freedom award (2001), Journalist of the Year by
Reporters Sans Frontiers (France, 2006), Gyobingauk, Pegu. Justice: The junta fears U Win Tin
because he is incorruptible. Win Tin initiated a Suu-Hlut-Twayt policy: “Suu” referred to Suu Kyi
and all political prisoners are released, “Hlut” for Hluttaw convened and “Twayt” as face to face
dialogue. Always following the four principles of the NLD’s Shwegondaing Declaration in April
2009; before the 2010 election we demand the military regime to recognize the 1990 election results,
release all political prisoners, open dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi, and review the 2008
constitution, January 2010. Western countries should persuade veto power holders like China and
Russia to take practical actions on Burma through the United Nations Security Council, such as
weapons sanctions and strong diplomatic pressure, Win Tin said, 28 April 2010. A leader from
Burma’s pro-democracy opposition is calling on US President Barack Obama to raise the issue of a
United Nations commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity committed by Burma’s military
junta with regional representatives thus far unsupportive of the measure, 23 September 2010.
Referring to Ban’s repeated statements of “concern” regarding the situation in Burma, Win Tin
asked “if he forgets to include in his report the army’s attacks on Burma’s ethnic nationalities and
peasants in rural areas, is Ban Ki-moon really concerned?” 29 October 2010.
13 March (1988), martyrs Phone Maw, Soe Naing, Win Aung, Tin Maung Oo, Than Shwe, and Maung
Maung Soe, Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT) students, triggered the 8-8-88 uprising. March
13 has been commemorated every year as Burma’s Human Rights Day.
13 March (1997), death in custody at Insein prison, Rangoon General Hospital, Rev. Saw Hla Chit,
Christian priest, Bogale, Irrawaddy.
15 March (1975), deaths of Communist leaders Thakin Zin and Thakin Chit.
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8. 15 March (1996), death in custody at Thayet prison, Ven. U Arsara (1961-1996), monk, political prisoner
10-year imprisonment (1991), 8-8-88 uprising, 1990 Overturning of Alms Bowl religious boycott,
Young Monks Union, Thayetaw Monastery, Lanmadaw, Rangoon.
16 March (1927), DOB, Sir Daniel Patrick Monihan (16 March 1927 – 26 March 2003), Senator,
Democratic Party, New York, USA, a consistent champion of the Burmese, Moynihan Amendment:
Toughened economic sanctions.
16 March (1988), Red Bridge Remembrance Day. The white bridge was splattered with students’ blood.
The security police and soldiers under Maj Sein Htwa, who raped girls in detention, killed and
drowned about 200-300 students. The wounded bodies were cremated day and night at Kyandaw
cemetery and some were fed to a crocodile farm in Thingangyun.
17 March (2006), beaten to death on the street by fascist members of Rangoon Kemmendine Township
police, reserve fire brigade and Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA / Kyant
Phoot), Ko Thet Naing Oo (a) Pya Laung, All Burma Students Democratic Front.
18 March (1988, Friday), Bloody Friday. Thousands of students marched down to Sule Pagoda in central
Rangoon were arrested or killed by the Lon Htein – commander Sein Lwin – and army units – the
22, 66 and 77 LIDs. Schools and universities were closed down.
19 March, Pa-O National Day (according to lunar calendar Tabaung Full Moon Day).
20 March (1988), Chin National Revolution Day, Founding Day of Chin National Front (CNF). The CNF
dedicated to securing the self-determination of the Chin people, to restore democracy, and to
establish Federal Union of Burma.
20 March (2009), death of Sayamagyi Kyi Oo (a) Thakinmagyi Hla Kyi, (23 June 1925 - 20 March 2009),
native of Bilin, Mon, mother of the Zarganar, highly respected writer, veteran politician, Yankin,
Rangoon. She had not given up her beliefs. She could not tolerate injustice. She stands for the
Burmese people.
21 March (1909, Sunday), DOB, Sayagyi Maung Htin (a) Htin Hpatt, journalist-writer of national fame,
native of Labutta, Irrawaddy. One of the everlasting Burmese books will be his “Nga Ba” in Burma.
Featured in Oktha journal No 3 published in December 1990, his article “Democracy” clearly
reflects the Burmese way of democracy or the wishes of the majority.
21 March (1960), International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Police opened fire and
killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid “pass
laws.”
21 March (1999), World Poetry Day. The purpose of the day is to promote the reading, writing, publishing
and teaching of poetry throughout the world and, as the UNESCO session declaring the day says, to
“give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movements.”
21 March (2008), Kyaw Zin Naing (1982-2008) set himself on fire at Burma’s most revered Buddhist
Shwedagon Pagoda to protest military rule and died on 17 April 2008 from burns of more than 60
per cent of his body.
23 March (1876), DOB, Thakin Kodaw Hmaing (23 March 1876 – 23 July 1964), native of Wa-le village,
Shwetaung Township, Prome, prominent writer, poet, nationalist, military regime critic, father of
Burma’s peace movement, Dobama Asiayone 1934, All Burma Students Union 1936. Wife: Ma
Shin. He showed no mercy to those who were mere political opportunists, 1925. He inspired a whole
generation of Burmese nationalists in the fight for independence, fostering immense pride in their
own history, language and culture, and more importantly urging them to take direct action such as
strikes by students and workers, 1927. By 1941 his reputation as a leading nationalist earned him a
place on the colonial authorities’ Burma List, regarded as an enemy of the state. After independence
in 1948 the country immediately plunged into a widespread civil war which caused great sorrow to
him, and he spent the rest of his life trying to bring internal peace to the land. In 1952 he was elected
Chairman of the World Peace Congress (Burma) and won the Stalin Peace Prize in 1954. He was
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9. awarded an honorary doctorate in 1960 by the University of Hamburg, West Germany. Since he was
on the list of the censorship board, his works were banned from being published by the oppressive
military junta. May a myriad good things with vigour have a chance; may the peacock have its call
and dance.
23 March (1976), 1976 Hmaing Rarpyi uprising (a) Hmaing Centenary uprising, Students uprising
commemorating the centenary of the birth of Thakin Kodaw Hmaing. Over 230 students were jailed
long term imprisonment and expelled permanently from schools.
23 March (2000), Founding Day of Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma). Bo Kyi
founded the AAPP with other former political prisoner colleagues on 23 March 2000, the 11th
anniversary of the arrest of 1988 student leader Min Ko Naing. The AAPP is an independent, non-
profit organization that monitors the situation regarding political prisoners in Burma, including
human rights violations, persecution and intimidation to both current and former political prisoners
and their families.
23 March (2006), death in custody at Tharawaddy prison, U Ko Oo, secretary of NLD, Thayet Township.
24 March (1982), World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is designed to build public awareness that tuberculosis
today remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of about 1.6 million people each
year, mostly in the third world.
27 March (1945), Resistance Day, marking the start of Burmese resistance to occupying Japanese army and
today we are still struggling to get out from under oppressive military dictatorship and achieve
democracy.
27 March (2009), death of Sayagyi Kyi Aung (a) kyi Lin (1937-2009), famous poet, literature critics, native
of Ave, Mandalay, political prisoner gagged by Censorship Board, 8-8-88 uprising.
28 March (1948), People’s Democratic Revolution Day of Burmese Communists. The Communist Party
of Burma (CPB) went underground.
29 March (2010), NLD’s Decision to not register with the Election Commission. Burma’s largest
political party, National League for Democracy (NLD) this afternoon decided not to register with the
Election Commission for its continued existence in view of the unjust and unfair election laws
recently promulgated by the military junta, chief spokesman of the NLD U Nyan Win told newsmen.
The election laws prohibit parties from having members who are currently in detention, so a decision
to register would have forced Suu Kyi out of the party. This resolution was adopted unanimously by
the Central Committee meeting of the party, which took place at the head office of the NLD in
Rangoon this afternoon. The meeting was attended by 113 central committee members from all over
Burma headed by Central Executive Committee members, except Chairman Aung Shwe, Secretary
U Lwin and CEC member Lun Tin. The meeting also adopted another resolution, which called on
the Burma military junta to release all political prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi, Min Ko
Naing, Zarganar, and Khun Htun Oo immediately. This decision of the NLD, not to register with the
Election Commission for its continued existence will have devastating effect on the upcoming
general elections to be held by the military regime. In explaining about the decision of the NLD not
to register with the Election Commission, U Nyan Win said: We have adopted this historic decision
not for the continued existence of our party but for the continued pursuit of political goal of the
party. Vice-President of the NLD U Tin Oo, who chaired the today’s central committee meeting,
also briefed the newsmen saying that the NLD itself would not abolish its own party. The NLD will
continue to work peacefully towards the democratic goal with the strength of the entire people and
ethnic national races even though the NLD may not be a political party anymore. Now military
government can do as they like. They can arrest all of us and do whatever they like. We are ready for
all kinds of persecution and intimidation, U Tin Oo declared.
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10. Vice-President of the party U Tin Oo dubbed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as Burma’s Gandhi, who he
said had steadfastly given her whole life for the people of Burma achieving basic human rights and
democratic rights.
U Win Tin, member of the Central Executive Committee and co-founder of the NLD, stated: “Still,
the NLD will not disappear. We will be among the people, with the people. We will continue to fight
for democracy, human rights and equality among all ethnic nationalities, by peaceful means.” “We
will work in public politics and social politics even without party registration,” said Win Tin.
Senior members of the NLD said they will continue to work for the Burmese people through
humanitarian projects to support families of political prisoners, HIV/AIDS patients and Nargis
victims.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said about the right to vote: “People have the right either to vote or not to
vote.”
Before the meeting, representatives from the several states – Magwe, Pegu and Karen – as well as
NLD youth leaders declared that they will against registration, claiming that they can still struggle
for democratic rights without a political party.
Condemning the oppressive military ruler of Burma, Dictator-King Sr-Gen Than Shwe, for his
flawed electoral laws, the international community has declared not to recognize the result of the
2010 sham election since the Junta has insisted that it would go ahead with its own guidelines for the
general election.
Mr. Do Thawnga, Member of Parliament 1990 NLD Kalemyo-Tahan, Chin and NLD Central
Committee Member, passed away on 29 March 2010, the day NLD party decided not to enter
Burma’s sham 2010 election. On his death bed, he wrote an opinion sending to NLD central, not to
enter election.
31 March (1928), DOB, Dr. Salai Tun Than, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, U.S.A, leader of Civil
Disobedience Movement, retired professor, former rector of Yezin Agriculture Institute in
Pyinmana, solo protester in front of the Rangoon City Hall (2001), political prisoner 2001-02, Burma
Independence Army, Chin Defense Organization, campaign trail – U.S.A., Japan, Korea, and
Thailand, Senior General Than Shwe cancelled his Burmese passport, 9 June 2006. Doing thing
without thinking is passing time. Thinking without action is daydreaming. Action with appropriate
thought is a mission, 25 February 2006. Determination: Sacrifice myself in order to bring this
horrible system of military dictatorship to an end.
31 March (1974), DOB, Ko Myo Yan Naung Thein, B.Arch. from Rangoon Institute of Technology,
political prisoner 1997-2003 Insein prison as the prominent leader of 1996 December Students’
Demonstrations and 2007-09 Insein / Sandoway prisons mental unit for Saffron Revolution 2007. He
is, one of the 88 Generation Students, disable resulting in paralysis down the left side of his body
due to torture in prison by Special Branch and Swan Arr Shin. Father: Mya Thein; mother: Kyi Kyi
Sein. He speaks English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish very fluently, and he plays vital
role in struggle for freedom in Burma. He has been working for democratisation of Burma with full
determination, dedication and devotion. “We sacrificed a lot. I will have to carry on until we get
democracy in Burma. As a student, I didn’t really know about politics. I only knew that the military
government is wrong. So I rebelled and demonstrated against the military government. Their rule is
totally wrong for Burma. Because of that, they arrested and cruelly imprisoned me. After we were
imprisoned, we learned more and more about the injustices carried out by the military government,
and that strengthened my beliefs even more,” he said. 19 September 2009
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11. April 2011
1 April, April Fools Day. Practices include sending someone on a “fool’s errand,” looking for things that
don’t exist; playing pranks; and trying to get people to believe ridiculous things.
1 April (1965). Nationalization of Private Schools. Most of the early mission schools since 1860 (such as
La Salle schools) in Burma were nationalized on April 1, 1965 after the order restoration of General
Ne Win. Preschools are opened for children over 2 years of age and they are in extensive care or
public systems. Kindergarten starts from the age of 5 (not younger than 4 Years and 8 months at the
time of schools commencement date 1st of June). Primary (Elementary, Standards K-4), Lower
Secondary (Middle, 5-8) and Upper Secondary (High, 9-10) Schools in Burma are under the
Department of Basic Education. English is taught as a second language from Kindergarten. When
Burma gained independence in 1948, the government sought to create a literate and educated
population, and Burma was believed to be on its way to become the first Asian Tiger in the region.
However, military dictatorship took hold in 1962 and Burma became an isolated and impoverished
nation. All schools were nationalized and education standards began to fall. Through many changes
in education systems under the military regime, the junta uses schools as propaganda machines.
Furthermore, indigenous people have little chance to promote their language and culture given the
supremacy of the Burmese language.
2 April (1925), International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to
call attention to children’s book.
5 April (1988), Captain Myint Oo ordered his soldiers to load their guns and aim at Aung San Suu Kyi who
was walking down the street along with her followers in Danubyu during a campaign tour of the
Irrawaddy.
6 April (1923), DOB, Dr. Than Htun (6 April 1923 – 30 November 2005), highly respected historian,
Ngathaingchaung’s Asian Youth League, Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League, chairman of
Burmese Student Union Ba Ka Tha 1947, professor at History Department, Arts and Science
University, Mandalay, visiting professor at Tokyo University, Tokyo International Christian
University, Osaka University, and Northern Illinois University, a Literate of the 11th Fukuoka Asian
Culture Prizes in the Academic Prize Category (2000). On the generals’ obsession with white
elephants, he commented, “An elephant is an elephant.” Than Tun often criticized the generals for
attempting to rewrite the history of Burma according to the requirements of their propagandas, and
his well-researched books on Burma, had often been banned by the paranoid generals. The
monument, inscribed with remarkable words: Keep doing what you are doing, of the well-known
late Burmese historian Dr. Than Tun was removed from the Taunglaylone Monastery in Amarapura
by an order of the Burmese authorities in 2006.
6 April (1938), DOB, Fu Cin Sian Thang, native of Tiddim, Chin, lawyer, political prisoner at least ten
occasions between 1972 and 2007, MP, Chairman of the Chin Zomi National Congress, Committee
Representing People’s Parliament, United Nationalities Alliance, Chin Ethnic Student Union,
Saffron Revolution 2007.
7 April (1950), World Health Day. It is celebrated to create “awareness of a specific health theme to
highlight a priority area of concern for the World Health Organization.”
9 April (1967), Founding Day of Arakan Liberation Party (ALP).
10 April (2000), Kayan National Day.
11 April (1919), Founding Day of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
12 April (1907), DOB, Sayar Zawgyi (a) U Thein Han (12 April 1907 – 26 September 1990), native of
Phapon, Irrawaddy, renowned writer, famous author and poet, nationalist literary person and vocal
supporter of independence from the British Empire. Always for the people.
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12. 16 April (1991), death in custody at Interrogation Center, Military Intelligence Unit 12, Rangoon, Ko Soe
Htay (1972-91), student.
17 April, Burmese New Year (according to lunar calendar Tagu New Year’s Day of the year 1373), water
festival can wash away evils and sins accumulated in the past and prepare for the future, bringing the
people into a happy new year.
17 April (1945), DOB, Maung Wun Tha (a) Soe Thein, native of Waw, Pegu, highly respected writer,
editor of the Hanthawaddy and Botahtaung daily, MP 1990 NLD Waw, Pegu, political prisoner
1989, 1990-92 and 1996-2001 Insein prison, 7-7-62 student uprising, 8-8-88 uprising. Independence
is something we gained from the British. However, in reality we still have to struggle if we want to
enjoy freedom. I want to remind our people to remember the value of freedom, 4 January 2008.
17 April (1946), DOB, Lashio Thein Aung (a) Jimmy Jack, The LEGEND, nationally recognized Burmese
stereo singer. In 1962 when almost half the nation was on the march “Demonstrations against
Democracy,” I was the only-one student in my hometown Lashio who went home on that day. My
name is Jimmy Patrick Nathan; I was born in Bhamo and raised in Lashio. I left Burma in 1972
spent some time in the mountains and jungles along the Burma-Thai border as a freedom fighter.
Close political ties with Brang Seng, Eugene Htaike, Tin Maung Win, Ye Kyaw Thu and KMT. In
Chicago I promised A Ba U Aye Myint that I would stand and fight for Democracy hand in hand
with the 8-8-88 Student Generation. Freedom Fighter 72, Man without a Country.
21 April (1948), DOB, U Tin Maung Thaw, Secretary of Committee for the Restoration of Democracy in
Burma (International), Co-Chair of U.S. Campaign for Burma, USA.
22 April (1970), International Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the
Earth’s environment. John McConnell first introduced the idea of a global holiday called “Earth
Day” at a UNESCO Conference on the Environment in 1969. The first Earth Day proclamation was
issued by San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto on March 21, 1970. UN Secretary-General U Thant
supported McConnell’s global initiative to celebrate this annual event, and on February 26, 1971, he
signed a proclamation to that effect, saying: May there only be peaceful and cheerful Earth Days to
come for our beautiful Spaceship Earth as it continues to spin and circle in frigid space with its warm
and fragile cargo of animate life.
24 April (1893), DOB, Dedoke U Ba Cho, (24 April 1893 – 19 July 1947, Martyrs’ Day), native of
Myaungmya, Irrawaddy, National Hero, Martyr, teacher at National College, writer, Dedoke Daily
Newspaper, cabinet member of Bogyoke Aung San.
27 April (1949), DOB, Dr. Sai Kham Leik, native of Hsenwi, the most well known songwriter and
composer in Burma. He was once detained as a medical student at the Mandalay Medical Institute
for participating enthusiastically and forming the Shan Literature and Cultural Committee. Be
Patriotic Forever: Without unity and determination the desired goal will never be reached.
29 April (2009), Shwegondaing Declaration. We, the members of the National League for Democracy
(NLD) including the Central Executive Committee, representatives of State and Division
organizational committees, the Members of Parliament—elect still standing with the NLD,
Representatives of the Central Women’s Affairs Committee, representatives of the Youth Affairs
Implementation Committee gathered on the 28th and 29th of April 2009 in the meeting hall of the
Head Quarter of the NLD on West Shwegondaing Street and held discussions on the political and
organizational situations and the analytical report regarding the Constitution with the aim to resolve
all the political impasse in striving to build up the Union of Burma as the democratic state in
accordance with the inspiration of all the people.
The stands of the League are:
(a) Unconditional Release of All the Political Prisoners including U Tin Oo and Daw Aung San
Su Kyi
(b) Review of the Draft Constitution (2008)
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13. A State Constitution based on the democratic principles is required to establish a democratic state.
The not yet in force Constitution (2008) of the State Peace and Development Council contains
provisions which are not accord with democratic principles. Therefore the emergence of the
Constitution which is acceptable to all the people including the ethnic nationalities is urgently
required.
(c) Organization
In this Union of Burma where all the ethnic nationalities live together, a unity based on the
principles of equal opportunity and mutual good will must be established. Genuine democracy can
flourish only on such a fertile ground. Furthermore, all the political parties must have the freedom to
organize. Therefore, the offices of the State/Divisional and Township Organization Committees
which were closed and sealed since May 31, 2003, said to be a temporary measure, should be
reopened immediately together with those of the parties of ethnic nationalities.
(c) Recognition of the result of the Multi Party Democracy General Election (1990)
At the present, recognition in some way of the People’s Parliament, which is the outcome of the
1990 election, is urgently needed in accordance with the Section 3 of the People’s Parliament
Election law. Only then the democratic traditions can be maintained. Otherwise the State Peace and
Development would seem to be breaching their own laws and regulations enacted by themselves.
(d) Political Dialogue
The NLD has been constantly striving for finding solution through political dialogue since 1988.
The League accepts that elections are the landmarks to be passed in the journey to democracy. The
NLD will not abandon the struggle for democracy. The League will stand by the people in all
circumstances.
Therefore if the State Peace and Development Council unilaterally hold possible upcoming election
with their own plan and if:
(1) All the political prisoners including the leaders of the NLD were unconditionally released,
(2) The provisions of the (2008) Constitution which are not in accord with the democratic principles
were amended,
(3) All inclusive free and fair general election were held under international supervision,
The National League for Democracy, through this Shwegondaing Declaration, states that,
anticipating for the realization of the benefit of the whole people, it intends to participate in the
elections only after gravely considering as a special case and after studying the coming Party
Registration Act and the Laws relating to the Elections. NLD, Rangoon.
May 2011
1 May (1890), Labour Day (a) May Day (a) World Workers’ Day.
1 May (2001), World Laughter Day (first Sunday of May). Laughter is a positive and powerful emotion
that has all the ingredients required for individuals to change themselves and to change the world in
a peaceful and positive way.
2 May (1957), Founding Day of Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP). The Constitution of the
Union of Burma in 1947 proclaimed that the three Karenni States be amalgamated into a single
constituent state of the union, called Karenni State. It also provided for the possibility of secession
from the Union after 10 years. In August 1948, the Karenni leader U Bee Htu Re was assassinated
by central government militia for his opposition to the inclusion of the Karenni States in the Union
of Burma. An armed uprising swept the state that has continued to the present-day. In 1957, pro-
independence groups already active in the area formed the Karenni National Progressive Party
(KNPP), backed by its own army, the Karenni Army (KA). Apart from a brief ceasefire in 1995, the
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14. KA has been fighting ever since. “We all know that the 2010 Election will not benefit us, so we have
to unite to fight against them,” said Bee Htoo, Chief of Armed Forces, Karenni National Progressive
Party (KNPP), 24 September 2010.
2 May (2006), death in custody at Sandoway prison, Sandoway hospital, U Myint Than, Shan New
Generation Youth, Shan.
2 May (2008), Cyclone Nargis. The military media claimed that 351 death and over 100,000 Internally
Displaced Persons on 4 May 2008. However, the death toll according to UN is 140,000 reported on
an anniversary. A new U.N.-led report says the damage from Burma’s Cyclone Nargis in May is
estimated to be $4 billion. The report released Monday says this includes $1.7 billion in damage to
assets and $2.3 billion from loss of income of the victims. The report, prepared by the U.N., the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Burmese government, is the first comprehensive
assessment of the damage caused by the cyclone in May (AP, 21 July 2008). In a rare appearance,
first lady Laura Bush spoke to the media from the White House briefing room, urging the
government of Burma to accept aid from the United States. No aid response teams are allowed to
enter the country without the government’s permission. “The government of Burma should accept
this team quickly – as well as other offers of international assistance,” she told reporters
(abc.go.com, 5 May 2008). British Ambassador John Sawers called Burma’s refusal to let aid
workers in as the death toll mounts “an appalling crisis” and labeled the government’s actions
“inexplicable and inexcusable’ (CNN, 10 May 2008). In a sign of the tensions between the generals
and the international community, Burma’s U.N. envoy, Kyaw Tint Swe, accused France of sending a
warship to his country. France’s U.N. ambassador said the junta was on the verge of a “crime against
humanity.” French envoy Jean-Maurice Ripert said the ship is operated by the French navy but is
not a warship. It is carrying 1,500 metric tons of food and medicine as well as small boats,
helicopters and field hospital platforms (Reuters, 16 May 2008). French President Nicolas Sarkozy
says Burma’s ruling junta has made a “bad choice” by not letting foreign military ships join the
cyclone aid effort (usatoday.com, 24 May 2008).
3 May (1991), World Press Freedom Day. The United Nations General Assembly declared 3 May to be
World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind
governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and marking the anniversary of the
Declaration of Windhoek, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper
journalists in 1991.
3 May (1992), death in custody at Insein prison, U Soe Win, younger brother of Bo Zeya, People’s
Comrades Party led by Gen Aung San, Mayangon, Rangoon.
3 May (2008), four prisoners Ohn Kyaw (NLD member from Dawpon Township), Thant Zaw (Hlaing
Township), Win Tun Win (Insein Township), and another anonymous prisoner were tortured to
death by Insein prison authorities.
6 May (2009), The World Famous Unjustified Trial of Aung San Suu Kyi. John William Yettaw was
arrested on May 6 for swimming to and entering Aung San Suu Kyi’s lakeside home, where he
stayed for two days. She said that the charges against her were “one-sided.” She accused Burmese
authorities of failing to provide proper security despite the fact that she informed them of a previous
intrusion by Yettaw in November 2008. Aung San Suu Kyi, her two live-in party members Khin
Khin Win and her daughter Win Ma Ma and an American man John William Yettaw appeared the
first time at a special court in Insein Prison compound to hear the charges against them on May 14,
2009 with under section 22 of the State Protection Law. The first day, May 18, of the trial against
them began today at 10:30 am and finished this afternoon at around 2 pm local time. All were
charged under section 22 of the State Protection Act. Four lawyers (Kyi Win, Hla Myo Myint, Nyan
Win and Khin Htay Kywe; one of Daw Suu’s Lawyers Aung Thein has had his licence to practise
Page 14 of 38

15. law revoked by the authorities) represented Aung San Suu Kyi. Khin Htay Kywe, Hla Myo Myint
and Nyan Win also represented National League for Democracy party members Khin Khin Win and
Win Ma Ma. Lawyer Khin Maung Oo represented John William Yettaw. There are two judges in
the case, U Thaung Nyunt from Rangoon Northern District Court and U Nyi Nyi Soe from Rangoon
Western District Court in the presence of district legal advisor Myint Kyaing. Lt. Colonel Police
Special Branch Officer Zaw Min Aung read out the statement of prosecution against Aung San Suu
Kyi, her colleagues and John William Yettaw. Aung San Suu Kyi said, “I have no guilt as I didn’t
commit any crime.” The court initially sentenced Suu Kyi on Tuesday, August 11, to a three-year
prison term with hard labour. But after a five-minute recess, the country’s home minister entered the
courtroom and read aloud a special order from junta chief Sr-Gen Than Shwe. The order said Than
Shwe was cutting the sentence in half to 1 and 1/2 years and that it could be served under house
arrest. A US citizen jailed for swimming to the house of Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu
Kyi was set to fly out of the army-ruled nation Sunday, August 16, with a visiting American senator
who secured his release. John Yettaw was handed over to US embassy officials at Rangoon’s
notorious Insein prison after Democrat Senator Jim Webb persuaded the military junta to spare him
from a sentence of seven years’ hard labour, officials said. On 13 November 2010, Aung San Suu
Kyi, Khin Khin Win and Win Ma Ma were released after the November 7 Elections.
7 May (2005), death in custody at No. 1 Interrogation Center, Ko Aung Hlaing Win, NLD Youth, Tagu
Seik Village, Einme Township, Irrawaddy.
8 May, Mother’s Day (second Sunday of May) is a day of honouring mothers.
10 May (1906), Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) was established by students of Rangoon
College: U Ba Pe, U / Sir Maung Gyi, and U Ba Yin.
10 May (1919), DOB, Dagon Taryar, renowned writer and poet, political prisoner 1962-66, gagged by
Censorship Board, National Literary Award 2000, Aungban, Shan State. Peace movement: No
enemy, only friend; no hatred, only love. Politics is making friends who are enemies.
10 May (1976), Founding Day of National Democratic Front (NDF), the non-Burman ethnic armed
opposition groups. Current member organizations of NDF: Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), Chin
National Front (CNF), Karen National Union (KNU), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU), New Mon
State Party (NMSP), Pa-O People’s Liberation Organization (PPLO), Palaung State Liberation Front
(PSLF) and Wa National Organization (WNO).
The NDF firmly believes that
1. All ethnic nationals must enjoy political equality, regardless of the size of their populations,
advancement and backwardness, in order to establish genuine national unity;
2. A state should be established for the Burman ethnic national in order to ensure the equality
principle of ethnic nationals in Burma and self-determination right;
3. Ethnic conflicts originating from political causes could only be resolved by political means and
not by military means, which has been the course successive Burmese regimes have been
pursuing; and
4. The military regime attempting to resolve the conflict only by the military means should be
overcome and for that the democratic forces must be organized for united struggle against the
military regime.
12 May (2009), death in custody at Myingyan prison, Salai Hla Moe (1960-2009), carpenter, political
prisoner 11-year imprisonment (2003) Myingyan prison, organizer NLD Tupe Township, Chin.
13 May (1998), death in custody at Tharawaddy prison, U Aung Kyaw Moe (a) Moe Aung (1960-98),
United National Democracy Party, Kamayut, Rangoon.
15 May (1964). The first time demonetization of 50 and 100 kyat notes had ruined tens of thousands of
people. For the second time, on 3 November 1985, the 25, 50, and 100 kyat notes were demonetized
without warning. On 6 September 1987, hundreds of students from Rangoon Universities – RIT and
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16. RASU – went on brief demonstration marches across the university campus around Rangoon
protesting the government’s action to demonetize kyats 25, 35, 75 banknotes without compensation
for the third time on 5 September 1987.
16 May (2010). A 15-year-old boy Tin Min Naing was shot and killed and his body hidden under a bridge
by a Burmese soldier Private Moe Win associated with Private San Ko Ko and Second Lieutenant
Kyaw Moe Khaing from the Light Infantry Battalion 586 based at Pyontaza railway station in Pegu
after refusing to join the army. Lawyer Aye Myint, who heads the Guiding Star legal advocacy
group which works on child soldiers cases in Burma, said that the incident was a byproduct of army
policy that soldiers fulfill recruitment quotas. “I have had some experience with such cases but never
one as gruesome as this. The worst cases that I encountered before were soldiers taking some lost
children to a deserted place and beating them up to make them join the military,” he said. “This case
is too inhumane. The salary earned by soldiers is not enough to cover their needs so they desperately
look for children to recruit for food and financial rewards. The practice is now starting to look like
kidnapping or robbery.” A UN report released last week slammed Burma’s “persistent” use of child
soldiers, and named a number of armed ethnic groups as fellow guilty parties. The Burmese army
has also been known to use children as minesweepers, forced to walk in front of troop patrols to
shield them from the blast of landmines. A Human Rights Watch Report in 2002 said that as many
as 70,000 children under 18 could be in the Burmese army.
17 May (1937), DOB, U Moe Thu (a) Maung Moe Thu (a) Sein Myint, writer, editor, movie director,
political prisoner 1996-2000 Insein prison, vice-chairman of Ta Ka Tha, co- founder of NLD,
Kyauktada Rangoon. He has been gagged by Censorship Board.
19 May (2010), death in custody at Myingyan prison, Ko Kyaw Soe (a) Kyaw Kyaw Soe (a) Jeffrey (1961 –
19 May 2010), Catholic, political prisoner 10-year imprisonment (2008) Insein / Myingyan prisons,
Human Rights Defenders and Promoters, Taunggyi, Shan. He is the 144th political prisoner died in
prison since 1988. Ko Kyaw Soe has left behind a wife, May Han Ei, and a 7 year-old daughter.
Murderers: Dictator-King Sr-Gen Than Shwe, chief of Military Affairs Security Lt-Gen Ye Myint,
Minister of Home Affairs Maj-Gen Maung Oo, Minister of Industry (1) and native of Myingan
Col/U Aung Thaung, Director General of Prisons Department Zaw Win, Myingyan prison warden
and prison doctor.
20 May (1990), death in custody at Maubin prison, Ko Kyaw Myo Thant (a) Japan Gyi, history student
during 8-8-88 uprising, Democratic Party for New Society (DPNS), Bogale, Irrawaddy.
21 May (1958), Shan Revolution Day. A charismatic young Shan from Yunnan, Saw Yanda, set up camp
in the jungle near Mong Ton, between the Salween River and the Thai border. Saw Yanda
announced the foundation of the ‘Noom Suk Harn’ (“Noom Serk Harn Terk-ao Lodliao Gawnkhaw”
- Brave Young Warriors for Independence) on 21st May 1958, along with 30 Shan comrades. The
Noom Suk Harn had their own flag: an 8 pointed star above a crossed sword and spear. The rationale
for the Noom Suk Harn was a patriotic armed group who would seek the removal of all foreign
soldiers from Shan States: Burma army, CPB and KMT. These brave idealists wanted to bring peace
to Shan States and stop the bloodshed of three warring armies marching over Shan States from one
battle to another. Armed resistance will continue as long as any government tries to enslave and
terrorise the people of Shan State in the way the SPDC are now doing. When the day comes that the
people of Shan State have peace and self-determination, armed insurgency will stop.
21 May (1989), All Burma Federation of Students Union Conference in Mandalay, 2 days, the biggest
conference and all student leaders from around the country attended.
25 May (1757). Fall of Hongsawatoi Mon Kingdom to Burmans (according to the Mon lunar calendar
Kason Waning Day 8 of the year 1120), Over 70,000 Mon people were killed by the Burmese King
Alaungpaya (a) U Aung Zeya of Konbaung Dynasty.
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17. 25 May (1907), DOB, U Nu (a) Thakin Nu (25 May 1907 – 14 February 1995), nationalist and political
figure, political prisoner 1962-66 and 1989-92, former chairman of All Burma Students Union,
founder of the Dobama Asiayone, former prime minister of Union of Burma, Anti-Fascist People’s
Freedom League, Nonaligned Movement, National United Liberation Front, Parliamentary
Democracy Party, a symbolic provisional government (1988).
27 May (1990), 1990 Elections. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD won the elections by a landslide, electing
392 (80.82%) candidates out of 485 parliamentary seats. The military-backed National Unity Party
won only 10 seats (2.06%). No less than 93 parties contested the election. A majority of the armed
forces joined the rest of the population to vote for the opposition and against the dictatorship. The
will of the people had been voted: the generals must go. Although the people have spoken clearly
and loudly for a new direction, the military junta has made it clear that it will do everything
necessary to avoid a transfer of power.
29 May (2005), death in custody at Moulmein prison, U Min Tun Wai, NLD Kyaikmayaw, Mon.
30 May (1907), DOB, Saopha of Mong Pawng Sai San Tun (a) Sai Tha Tun, (30 May 1907 – 19 July 1947,
Martyrs’ Day), native of Mong Pawng, Shan, National Hero, Martyr, Shan nationalist advocating the
development of Shan State, cabinet member of Bogyoke Aung San. He was honored posthumously
with Sai San Tun Hospital in Taunggyi, Shan.
30 May (2003), Depayin Massacre, second attempted assassination on Aung San Suu Kyi and Tin Oo, 70-
282 unarmed NLD brutally killed and hundreds wounded by the Union Solidarity and Development
Association (USDA / Kyant Phoot) and Tatmadaw under the order of Sr-Gen Than Shwe, Gen Soe
Win (d. 2007), Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Col / U Aung Thaung, Brig-Gen Thura
Myint Maung, Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, and Lt-Col Than Han.
31 May (1999), death in custody at Insein prison, Ko Hla Khin, youth leader, NLD Shwepyitha, Rangoon.
June 2011
2 June (1945), death of Bo Hmu Ba Htoo, native of Tavoy, BIA. Col Ba Htoo was widely praised for his
lifelong devotion to his nation and the military forces that defended it. Aung San praised Ba Htoo’s
bravery and initiative, and elevated him to the rank of colonel. The devoted soldier never lived to
accept the promotion, nor did he return to the family he left behind in Tavoy. He died of malaria in a
small village in southern Shan State. Aung San later wrote that Ba Htoo was an “upright, intelligent,
brave and industrious” military leader. In November 1953, the Tatmadaw built an army town in
Yaksauk, southern Shan State, to honor Ba Htoo. Named “Ba Htoo Tatmyo” (Fort Ba Htoo), the
town was designed to house military families and provide training for army officers. His son, Capt
Myint Htoo, was murdered by MI in notorious Ye Kyi Aing Interrogation center under Dictator Gen
Ne Win and Brig-Gen Tin Oo, MIS chief 1972-83.
3 June (1930), DOB, Mr. George Fernandes, Defence Minister in the National Democratic Alliance
Government (1998-2004), Janata Dal (United) party, India.
4 June (1964), Kayan Revolution Day.
5 June (1972). World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal
vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and
enhances political attention and action. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly
in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another
resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of United Nations
Environment Programme.
6 June (1974), 1974 Workers’ Strike. The workers demanded higher salaries, lowering of basic commodity
prices, freedom to form an independent labor union, and some fringe benefits for their families.
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18. 6 June (1975), 1975 Shwedagon Strike (a) 1975 June strike, one year anniversary of the 1974 Workers’
Strike. In order to prevent student activists from assembling, all universities and colleges were shut
down from June 1975 to January 1976.
7 June (2000), death soon after release, Daw San San Win, political prisoner since 1997, MP 1990, NLD
Ahlone, Rangoon.
8 June (1996), death in custody at Thayet prison, Ko Myint Swe (1964-96), Dala, Rangoon.
8 June (1998), death in custody at Insein prison / Rangoon General Hospital, U Tin Shwe (a) Monywa Tin
Shwe (1930-98), lawyer, well-known writer, NLD Monywa, Sagaing.
9 June (1920), DOB, Bhamo Tin Aung (9 June 1920 – 23 October 1978), renowned writer, Jack London of
Burma, native of Pegu, political prisoner 1952-59, 1963+, Coco Island 1968-72, student union
movement 1936-38, Burmese British Army 1941+. He wrote several novels from a socialist
viewpoint and focused on the poorest classes, such as farmers, workers and the oppressed. His works
are still popular among readers because he wrote about progressive, modern ideas, including
philosophy and religion, for three decades.
9 June (2005), death during forced labour session, Ko Win Lwin, Ngapyin Village, Aunglan (Allen)
Township, Magwe .
11 June (1901), DOB, U Ba Win (a) San Tin, (11 June 1901 – 19 July 1947, Martyrs’ Day), native of
Natmauk, Magwe, elder brother of Aung San, teacher at Yenangyaung National School, cabinet
member of Bogyoke Aung San.
11 June (1991), death in custody at Insein prison, Sayar Maung Thaw Ka (a) Ba Thaw (1928 – 1991),
native of Shwebo, Sagaing, people’s hero, ex-maj navy officer, humorist, poet and political activist,
political prisoner 20-year imprisonment (1989) accused of trying to cause a mutiny in the army,
hunger strike September 1990, death in custody, Insein prison 11 June 1991, Journalists Union,
Speaker and CEC member of NLD, 8-8-88 uprising, his name and writings were banned, Kyauktada,
Rangoon. On the 17 August 1988, he signed a petition to the army to stop the indiscriminate
shooting and killing of the people to wipe out the dissidents. When he was ill, he was denied medical
care in Insein prison.
12 June (2001), death soon after release with AIDS from Thayet and Insein prisons, Ko Bo Ni Aung, All
Burma Students Democratic Front.
13 June (2004), death in custody at Insein prison, U Min Thu, lawyer, NLD.
14 June (1928), DOB, Che Guevara (a) Ernesto Guevara (a) Che (14 June 1928 – 9 October 1967),
Argentine Marxist revolutionary, medical doctor, military theorist, and guerrilla leader.
16 June (1993), assassinated by the Burmese military outside Bangkok, Thailand, U Hla Pe, MP 1990, NLD
Pyawbwe (2), Mandalay.
17 June (1932), DOB, U Kyaw San, former military colonel, political prisoner 1992-95, 1998-2004, 7-year
imprisonment (2005) Insein prison (hunger strike 2006), MP 1990, NLD Taze (1), Sagaing.
19 June, Father’s Day (third Sunday of June) is a day honouring fathers.
19 June (1945, Tuesday), DOB, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (a) Suu Kyi (a) Daw Suu
(a) Amay Suu, DOB: Tuesday, 19 June 1945, native of Rangoon, figurehead of the Burmese
democracy revolution, political prisoner 1989-1995, 2000-2002, 2003-2010, survivor of three
assassination attempts on her including Depayin Massacre 30 May 2003, Nobel Peace Prize (1991),
US Congressional Gold Medal (2008), numerous prestigious prizes, General Secretary of National
League for Democracy, Committee Representing People’s Parliament, Prime Minister-Elect 1990.
She called on foreign countries to impose complete economic boycott, including trade embargo,
against Burma on 4 June 1989. National Convention process: A sham, November 1995. She called
for economic sanctions against Burma to make it quite clear that economic change in Burma is not
possible without political change on 18 July 1996. She called on tourists to boycott Burma to protest
the Visit Burma Year – the Year of Tourism 1996. Please use your liberty to promote ours, 4
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19. February 1997. The Burmese election is absolutely unlikely to be free and fair, 29 July 2010. As Suu
Kyi said herself less than 48 hours after her 13 November release from house arrest, previous
communication with Senior General Than Shwe has hardly been free-flowing in the past. “I think
firstly we have to start talking affably – real, genuine talks, not just some more tea or this or that,”
she said. A second Panglong conference addressing the concerns of the 21st century is needed for
national reconciliation, 16 November 2010.
Her birthday has been dedicated as the Burmese Women’s Day.
19 June (1969), DOB, Ashin U Gambira (a) Sandawbartha, monk, leader of the All Burma Monks Alliance
arrested on 4 November 2007, political prisoner 68-year imprisonment (2008) minus 5-year (2009)
Insein / Mandalay / Khamti (hunger strike 2009) / Kale prisons, Saffron Revolution 2007, Index on
Censorship medal (2008, UK) for his leading role in last September’s peaceful demonstrations,
Honorable Citizenship (2008, Italy). Father: Min Lwin (arrested 4 November – 3 December 2007,
Mandalay prison); mother: Daw Yee; brothers: Aung Kyaw Kyaw (NLD, 14-year imprisonment
2007 Taunggyi prison) and Aung Ko Ko Lwin (5-year imprisonment Kyaukpyu prison); sisters:
Khin Thu Htay (husband Moe Htet Hlyan, 5-year imprisonment 2009 Moulmein prison), Khin Phyu
Htwe and Lwin Lwin Myint (husband Lu Maw Naing). Defense lawyers: Aung Thein (4-month
imprisonment), Khin Maung Shein (4-month imprisonment) and Pho Phyu. Health conditions:
bronchitis and asthma (2008), malaria (2009), poor eye sight, inhumanly tortured, kept in solitary
confinement and fed mouldy inedible rice. I am very happy about the release of Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi. Now the more than 2,000 political prisoners, including myself, need to be released too. I am
confident that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will prevail with this cause. Please continue the peaceful
movement with Metta and without violence. As I said before unity and patience are most important.
17 November 2010
19 June (1992), death in custody at Interrogation Center, U Mohamed Ilyas (a) Mohamad Elias (a) Maung
Nyo (1932-92), NLD Maungdaw, Arakan.
20 June (2001), death in custody at Mandalay prison, La Khong Lay (a) Tin Maung Myint, NLD Madaya,
Mandalay.
20 June (2001), World Refugee Day. Each year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) selects a theme and coordinates events across the globe.
21 June (1875), Karenni National Day. The agreement was signed on June 21, 1875. Sir Douglas Forsyth,
signed the agreement on behalf of the Viceroy and Governor General of India and Kinwon Mingyi,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Burmese monarchy King Mindon. The entry in the
Upper Burma Gazetteer reads as follows: It is hereby agreed between the British and Burmese
Government that the State of Western Karenee shall remain separate and independent, and that no
sovereignty or governing body of any description shall be claimed or exercised over that State. From
that day, to the end of British rule in Burma, Burman troops ceased to attack or interfere with
Karenni State and the Karenni people therefore marked this recognition of their independence by
proclaiming June 21st as their National Day.
21 June (1988), Myenigon Massacre, Rangoon. About 300 peaceful students and young monks marching
on the Prome Road at Myenigon were beaten, hit, arrested, or killed by 200 Lon Htein using batons
and heavy-duty military vehicles under the command of Sein Lwin, according to the Myenigon
Massacre survivor Kyaw Mya Htoo.
21 June (2002), death in custody at Bassein prison, Maung Maung Aye, NLD Labutta, Irrawaddy.
22 June (1996), death in custody at Insein prison, Mr. James Leander Nichols (a) Leo Nichols, Eurasian,
honorary consul in Burma for Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden as well as correspondent for
Switzerland.
23 June (1925), DOB, Sayamagyi Kyi Oo (a) Yuwaddy Kyi Oo (a) Thakinmagyi Hla Kyi, (23 June 1925 –
20 March 2009), native of Bilin, Mon, mother of the Zarganar, highly respected writer, veteran
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20. politician, Yankin, Rangoon. She had not given up her beliefs. She could not tolerate injustice. She
stands for the Burmese people.
25 June (1954), the first hijack in Burma. Dakota passenger plane of Burma Airways during its Rangoon-
Kyaukpyu-Akyab flight was hijacked by KNU. Lt Saw Kyaw Aye, Lt Thein Kyaw and Ah Nyein
forced a pilot to land his domestic DC-3 at gunpoint and made off with a bundle of cash (K 740,
000) destined for government employee plus government supplies.
26 June (1976), Tin Maung Oo Day, the first student hanged by the military junta, Salai Tin Maung Oo (a)
Richard Din (a) Big Lion, 3rd year Zoology student, Chin Student Association at Rangoon Arts and
Science University.
26 June (2007, Tuesday). The NLD party started its “Every Tuesday Alms Offering” dedicated to the
release of all political prisoners on June 26, 2007, in Suu Kyi’s fourth year of a total seven years
(2003-2010) in her third term under house arrest.
July 2011
1 July (1963), DOB, Ko Htoo Ein Thin (a) Ko Hnget (a) Kyaw Myint Lwin (1 July 1963 – 14 August
2004), singer, song composer, native of Bassein, 8-8-88 uprising, All Burma Students Democratic
Front, Burma.
1 July (1999), death soon after release, U Kyaw Min, political prisoner, NLD Bassein west (2), Irrawaddy.
5 July (1951), DOB, U Htaung Kho Thang, Chin leader, native of Tamu, MP, United Nationalities League
for Democracy, Tamu, Chin, political prisoner 1998 and 2007, member of the Committee
Representing People’s Parliament, Saffron Revolution 2007. Current politics: All the people are very
angry with the current political stalemate, August 2006.
6 July (1946), DOB, Mr. George Walker Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, 2000-2008,
Republican, USA.
7 July (1962), 7-7-62 students uprising (a) 1962 Rangoon University students uprising. Students protested
new regulations prohibiting unauthorized political gatherings, requiring the locking of dormitories at
8:00 p.m. sharp, and settings fixed study hours.
8 July (1941), DOB, U Nwe Aung, M.Sc. (Industrial Chemistry), Chair of Committee for the Restoration of
Democracy in Burma (Germany) since 1987, Chair of Burma Bureau (Germany) until April 2009,
Director of National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) PM Office in
Washington DC (1994-1996), Director of NCUB Europe Office in London (2007-2010). Politics:
Aim to abolish military dictatorship and establish Federal Union in Burma.
8 July (1962), Ordered by Gen Ne Win, Brig-Gen Aung Gyi, Col Kyaw Soe, Col Saw Myint, Lt-Col Sein
Lwin, and Maj Tun Yi, the fascist Burmese soldiers from Burma Rifle Battalion 4 destroyed the
Student Union Building, which had a prominent standing in the history of Burma independence
movement. Artillery officer Hla Myint laid dynamites thoroughly around the solid walls and
demolished the Student Union Building. Ko Kyaw Win of Myaungmya, who was in bed with
injuries, and about 100-400 students were blown up together with the building under a bloody policy
declared by Gen Ne Win as to match “sword with sword, spear with spear.” The bodies, some
students still alive, were crushed at the sewage treatment plant in Rangoon.
12 July (2001), death in custody with AIDS at Tharawaddy prison, Ko Sithu (a) Ye Naing, Botany student
during 8-8-88 uprising, Sanchaung, Rangoon.
14 July (2010), death of Sayagyi Nan Nyunt Swe (a) Thukhamain (a) Aung Thein (1923 ̶ 14 July 2010),
native of Prome, father of Zarganar, writer, artist, political activist, banned by the regime’s censors
since 2000. “I feel sorry for my son, it makes me sad and I worry about him. But I am proud of him,
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21. proud of what he has done, what he is fighting for. It is pride for our country,” said he. “We still
survive. Sometimes we don’t have enough...but ‘TIB’”. This is Burma.
15 July, Dhamma Day (according to lunar calendar Waso Full Moon Day).
15 July (1957), Founding Day of New Mon State Party (NMSP), (according to lunar calendar Waso Full
Moon Day).
18 July (1918), DOB, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African
National Congress’s armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe, political prisoner 27 years released 1990,
first President of South Africa to be elected in a fully representative democratic election serving in
the office from 1994–99, received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably
the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, the most favorite model of Aung San Suu Kyi.
18 July (2008), death in custody with TB at Mandalay prison, Ko Rarpyi (a) Maung Maung Rarpyi (a)
Khin Maung Tint (1962-2008), political prisoner 2 times, 20-year imprisonment (1998), 8-8-88
uprising, All Burma Students Democratic Front.
19 July (1947, 10:37 AM, Saturday), Martyrs’ Day (a) Arzarni Day. Gen Aung San and his cabinet
members, Mahn Ba Khaing, Thakin Mya, Dedoke U Ba Cho, Abdul Razak, U Ba Win and Saopha
of Mong Pawng Sai San Tun, cabinet secretary U Ohn Maung and a bodyguard Yebaw Maung
Htwe were assassinated. U Ba Gyan, U Aung Zan Wai and U Mya were the only survivors.
Usually sirens are sounded at 10:37 AM with a two-minute silence was held throughout the whole
country in honour of the nine Martyrs of Burma. This ritual is discarded by the Burmese military
junta nowadays and there are very few public activities, for example previous practices of flying
flags at half mast or sounding are no more practiced nowadays.
20 July (1989), Aung San Suu Kyi placed under first house arrest and held her incommunicado. First 20
July 1989 – 10 July 1995, Second 22 September 2000 – 6 May 2002 and Third 30 May 2003 – 13
November 2010. She had been locked up by Gen Ne Win (1911-2002), Gen Saw Maung (1928-
1997) and Gen Than Shwe for 15 of the past 21 years.
20 July (2004), death soon after release, Wanay Soe (a) Ko Nay Win (1959-2004), Editor of Pyit Hmu
magazine, NLD Ye, Mon.
21 July (2004), death in custody at Kale prison, U Khin Maung Myint, Supporting Committee for Central
Youth Wing of NLD, Latha Township, Rangoon.
23 July (1988), resignation of Chairman Gen Ne Win of the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP / Ma Sa
La), Traitor of 30 Comrades. During his farewell speech to the Extraordinary Session of the BSPP
Party Congress, he angrily warned against potential protestors on the street, stating that if the
disturbances continued the Army would have to be called and I would like to declare from here that
if the Army shoots it has no tradition of shooting into the air. It would shoot straight to hit.
23 July (1991), death in custody at Tharawaddy prison, U Maung Maung Aye, National Democracy Party,
Kamayut, Rangoon.
24 July (2004), death soon after release, U Kyi Tin Oo, NLD Hlaing Township, Rangoon.
26 July (1942), DOB, Daw Mar Mar Aye, nationally recognized Burmese Classic singer, native of
Myaungmya, Irrawaddy, gagged by Censorship Board.
27 July (1977), Ohn Kyaw Myint Day. An attempted coup ringleader (1976), Captain Ohn Kyaw Myint,
Rangoon university student in 1962, personal assistant to then Army Chief of Staff Gen Kyaw Htin,
was hanged by military junta on 27 July 1977. He opposed to Ne Win’s Burmese Way to Socialism
which he felt was leading the country to ruin. The prison authorities tortured him mentally by giving
him hope and then one night they came and took him out around 8 PM suddenly and hanged him
between 3 and 4 AM., the next morning. They even did not have the decency to inform his wife. His
wife only knew when she came to see him for regular visit, when they delivered his belongings to
her. She left heart-broken, crying. Associates: Lt San Kyi, Capt Tun Kyaw and Capt Win Htein.
Government Witness: Capt Win Thein. Informer: Gen Than Tin, 1976.
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22. 29 July (1971), Wa National Revolution Day, Wa National Organisation (WNO).
29 July (1990), Gandhi Hall Declaration. We, the National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw
members, after assembling here at the Mahatama Gandhi Hall in Kyauktada township, Rangoon, on
the seventh and eighth waxing days of Wagaung BE 1352, 28 and 29 July 1990, and after consulting
and discussing the matters concerning the well being of the nation, State affairs and convening of the
Pyithu Hluttaw, unanimously adopt this Gandhi Hall Declaration. In the first Multi Party General
Election held in 30 years on 27 May 1990, the National League for Democracy enjoying the
overwhelming support of the nation, won 392 seats out of 485 seats. Thus, not only has the National
League for Democracy won over half of the Pyithu Hluttaw (People’s Assembly) seats but has a
total majority of over eighty percent to lead the Pyithu Hluttaw and to form a strong government in
accordance with the practice of democratic countries. Now the Multi-Party Democracy General
Elections have been successfully held. It is only natural that the Pyithu Hluttaw be convened shortly
after the elections. However sixty days have gone passed since the elections, and the Pyithu Hluttaw
has not been convened. The National League for Democracy, which has won an overwhelming
majority in the elections, basing on short-term and long-term interests of the State, has proposed to
the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) to hold frank and sincere discussions with
good faith and with the object of national reconciliation. However, the State Law and Order
Restoration Council has not given a reply to our proposal in any way. Only the Pyithu Hluttaw
constituted of Pyithu Hluttaw representatives who have been elected with the confidence of the
people will be able to solve, in accordance with the wishes of the people, the political, economic and
social crises faced by the people today. Therefore, in accordance with Article (3), chapter (2) of the
Pyithu Hluttaw Elections Law, which states: “The Pyithu Hluttaw shall be formed with the Hluttaw
representatives who have been elected according to this law from the constituencies”, it is of vital
importance to convene the Pyithu Hluttaw expeditiously. Only the Pyithu Hluttaw represented by us
has the responsibility to adopt the new constitution which aims at building a new democratic union.
Under the present circumstances, we are fully aware of the crises, hardships and problems which
must be solved during the transitionary period from one-party system to multi-party democratic
system in the country. We hope that solutions will be found by a frank and sincere discussion with
good faith and with the object of national reconciliation based on mutual respect between the
National League for Democracy and the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Calling for the
convening of the Pyithu Hluttaw constituted of people’s representatives is the most basic legal right
of the people. In accordance with the wishes of the people, Article (3) Chapter (2) of the Pyithu
Hluttaw Election Law, the essence of the democratic system and international procedures, we, the
National League for Democracy Pyithu Hluttaw members, unanimously call on the State Law and
Order Restoration Council on this day to convene the Pyithu Hluttaw during September 1990. Pyithu
Hluttaw Members, National League for Democracy, Mahatama Gandhi Hall, Bo Aung Gyaw Street,
Rangoon.
31 July (2002), death in custody at Moulmein prison, Mai Aik Pan, Palaung State Liberation Party/Front,
National Democratic Front, Namsang, Shan.
August 2011
1 August (2001), death in custody at Thayet prison, Saw Tin Myint, Karen National Union, Lepadan,
Irrawaddy.
2 August (1992), death in custody at Insein prison, Mahn Dawait (1936-92), Rangoon University Student
Union, Karen National Union, Wakema, Irrawaddy.
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23. 2 August (1996), death in custody at Insein prison, U Hla Than (1947-96), lawyer, MP 1990, NLD Coco
Islands, Rangoon.
6 August (1988), Pegu Massacre, over 20 students and civilians were gunned down by Fascist Burmese
troops in front of High School (3), Pegu.
7 August (1993), death in custody at Myitkyina prison, Sumprabum Labour Camp, U Cho Gyi, CEC of
National Democratic Front, Mandalay.
7 August (1998), death in custody at Tharawaddy prison, Tharawaddy Hospital, U Saw Win (a) Kyaw Zaw
Linn (1937-98), MP 1990, NLD Htilin, Magwe, assistant editor of Botataung Newspaper,
University Student Union.
8 August (1988), 8-8-88 uprising (a) 8/8/88 Nation-wide democracy uprising, approximately 10,000 were
imprisoned as well as 500 - 3000 students, monks and civilians were brutally killed by the order of
Number One Gen / U Ne Win, President Brig-Gen / U Sein Lwin, Minister of Home and Religious
Affairs Maj-Gen Min Gaung, Chief of Police Thein Aung, Head of Rangoon Police Department Pe
Kyi, and Rangoon Division Party member Khin Maung Win using 22 Light Infantry Divisions.
Secret Code Names: Ne Win – Mar Ga, Sein Lwin – Chin The, Min Gaung – Pyan Lhua 1, Khin
Maung Win – Pyan Lhua 2, Pe Kyi – Daw Na.
8 August (1990). In commemoration of the second anniversary of 8-8-88 uprising, more than 7,000 monks
and novices walked through the streets of Mandalay, solemnly and peacefully accepting alms from
the people. Soldiers confronted the monks and opened fire, striking monks with batons, kicking
monk’s bowls and robes, killing two monks and two students, and wounding seventeen others. One
novice disappeared. Monastics began to boycott all Burmese military and their families, by refusing
to accept alms from them and to administer Buddhist rituals to them, such as weddings and funerals.
The military junta invaded all 133 monasteries in Mandalay with troops and armor, abolished several
monastic organizations, replaced the heads of leading monasteries with state-controlled monks,
restructured the Buddhist hierarchy, arrested thousands of monks, imprisoned four hundred for terms
of three to twenty years, tortured and killed many, forced at least 75 out of the monastic life, and
obliged many to flee into exile.
9 August (1788), DOB, Rev. Adoniram Judson (9 August 1788 – 12 April 1850), American Baptist
missionary, lexicographer, interpreter in Burmese Army, and Bible translator to Burmese. Born in
Massachusetts in 1788. Helped form the American Baptist Missionary Union. During the Anglo-
Burmese War, he spent twenty-one months at king’s prison in Ava. In 1834 completed a translation
of the whole Bible into the Burmese language. From 1845-1847, after thirty-four years in Burma, he
took his only furlough to his native land. Returning to Burma, he spent his remaining years working
on his English-Burmese dictionary. He died in 1850 and was buried at sea.
9 August (1948), Karenni Revolution Day. The invading Burmese troops and the militia of the pro-
Burmese traitors invaded Karenni State and attacked Mya Lè village in August 1948. Although U
Bee Htu Re, the president of United Karenni Independence Council (UKIC) with the Karenni police
and the people of Mya Lè village resisted with all their might, the invading Burmese troops got the
upper hand and they had to retreat to Pruso. When they arrived at Pruso they met with the sawpya of
Kyenphogyi and with the rest of the members of UKIC. They formed the Karenni Resistance
government under the political guidance of the Karenni National Organization (KNO), in order to
maintain the independence and sovereignty of Karenni State. To resist the invading Burmese troops
throughout Karenni State by every possible mean and to organize the whole Karenni people to
participate in the Resistance movement, they formed the Karenni National Resistance Movement.
On 9 August, the invading Burmese troops captured three places in Karenni State. The invading
Burmese troops captured Mya Lè and surrounding villages. The capital Loikaw was taken by the
Burmese military police that had been stationed at Htisakha and Loikaw. Finally, Mawchi was
captured by the Burmese military police stationed there. Stating with that attack on August 9, 1948,
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