Date: Sunday, 08 August 2010
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Venue: Room G2, Russell Square Campus, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square London WC1H 0XH -- Map to SOAS        Map of room G2

About 8888 uprising

22 years ago in 1988, Burma erupted into a series of demonstrations and strikes protesting the existing extreme political oppression and economic hardships. The government initially responded with arrests, detentions, and excessive force resulting in some deaths.

The demonstrations of 1988 culminated in a massive nation-wide show of People Power on August 8 in which hundreds of thousands of people marched to demand a change in government. These peaceful demonstrations were violently crushed by army troops who fired relentlessly on the unarmed crowds in Rangoon and other cities killing more than 10,000 student, civilian and Buddhist monk protesters throughout the country. Thousands were arrested.

Then on September 18 1988, army chief-of-staff General Saw Maung "staged" another military coup which imposed martial law and transferred control of the country to the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC military government).

Military government changed its name again into SPDC – State Peace and Development Council in 1997 and they are now acquiring to establish permanent military dictatorial system in Burma.

The event - 22^nd Anniversary of 8888

2010 is very important for all the pro democracy individual, people and organizations in Burma. As the regime is seeking legitimacy for future control on Burma, we, all the people and organizations inside and outside Burma need to act collectively.

With the notion above, we have been organizing the commemoration of 22^nd Anniversary of 8888 Nation-wide Democracy in Burma.

Our intention

The main intention of this event is to seek ways and means that can counteract on current situation in Burma by fact finding discussion than commemoration. Though it includes a brief commemoration, we will be focusing on finding practical ways that we all can act collectively.  

Programs

(1)    Brief Commemoration of 22^nd Anniversary of 8888 Nation-wide Democracy uprising.

(2)    A short 88 video show and brief photo exhibition about 8888

(3) Performance Art About 8888

(3)    Competition on strategy of how to breakthrough current appalling situation in Burma toward real freedom.

(For program (3) we will have a dozen of respectful ladies and gentlemen who experienced 8888. Everyone of above mention persons have to put forward his or her idea compiling as a new strategy that may penetrate current political stalemate in Burma. We will also have audience to listen everyone’s proposal. After all of that audience will pick the one that they like. Then 5 of 12 speakers who make the most impression on audience will be selected for the next stage. Then selected 5 speakers will stand in front of audience and will be clarified on their strategy by raising relevant question. 3 of them will be chosen by majority like of the audience and be awarded.

    Phone:                         07958314687, 07762094562, 07727248755

Email: info@bdmauk.org