January 4, Burma's Independence Day?

January 4 marked 60 years of Independence for Burma (Myanmar) but many citizens of Burma did not feel Very much like celebrating there freedom. Despite gaining there Independence 60 years ago most people do not feel they are free, many say they feel more like prisoners or slaves of the Junta government who seized power in 1962. National League for Democracy spokesman,Nyan Win, said: “From my 20s until now—my 60s—I feel there is no independence in Burma, because people feel they are not free.” On a more optimistic note he added “We believe that democracy and human rights will prevail in the country one day.” Outside of NLD headquarters about 12 members held a short vigil dressed in convicts uniforms to call for the release of the over 1000 political prisoners being held by the government including Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD leader.

Near Shwedagon pagoda the Junta held a small low-key celebration with a flag raising and a speech given by Senior General Than Shwe calling on the people to cooperate in the building of a modern, disciplined and flourishing democratic nation. Speaking on condition of anonymity one government employee told The Irrawaddy News by telephone: “As a government employee, Independence Day is an official holiday. However, there is nothing to celebrate. My daily survival is more important than Independence Day.” A computer shop owner said “I’m not interested in Independence Day! If possible, I want to kill the generals. What I see and what I hear is such a contrast—injustice is everywhere in Burma!” There was a heavy police presence primarily around Shwedagon and Sule pagodas in Yangon, the sites of some of the largest protests in September. Riot police were also positioned around Yangon city hall. Every precaution was taken to ensure against any pro-democracy protest that may have occurred on independence day including the preemptive arrest of NLD members and suspected pro-democracy activist. On January 2 six members of the National League for Democracy were arrested to prevent them from attending an Independence day celebration in Yay Nan Chaung township. According to family members about 20 police officers arrested the six at a house in Nyaungbin Sat village around midnight on January 2. When family members questioned the officers about why the NLD members were being arrested they were told that the government was concerned about them attending the celebration. Authorities have said they will only hold the six for a short period of time. It is also reported that an additional 10 pro-democracy activist were arrested in Yangon.

In an apparent attempt to limit or remove outside sources of news and information being received by citizens of Burma the government increased the annual license fee for access to satellite television from 6000 Kyat ($5.00 U.S.) to one million Kyat ($780 U.S.) With the average annual income in Burma being around $300 U.S. dollars this puts outside news out of reach for most citizens of Burma. This was an apparent attempt to avoid a repeat of the September protest during which local media did not report on the situation. Those who had access to satellite TV reportedly made copies of outside news and took it to those who did not have access.

Members of The National League of Democracy held a silent gathering outside of the home of Aung San Suu Kyi, the party leader who has been under house arrest for over 12 years. Her party won democratic elections in 1990 with a landslide majority however the Junta refused to relinquish power and she has been in prison or under house arrest for the majority of her life since the victory. Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of General Aung San who is commonly known as the father of Burmese independence.