Buddhist monks in Myanmar are on the march, protesting against the government. These protests originated when fuel prices in Myanmar were doubled to extremely high costs and impacting other areas of the economy, but of course that was the culmination of deep-seated dissatisfaction with the government for the past few decades. Pro-democracy demonstrators protested and were arrested; but then the monks decided to take over and continue the demonstrations.
Protests have been going on for a while now, escalating in numbers and in intensity. These have been the largest demonstrations since 1988. Today riot police in Myanmar killed one demonstrator and arrested 300 monks, according to CNN's reports. President Bush has announced increased UN sanctions against the military junta government of Myanmar and Nobel Laureates such as the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (of South Africa) are speaking out against the current situation in Myanmar. The European Union is also threatening to strengthen their sanctions against Myanmar should the government choose to put down the demonstrations using violence.
See NPR's coverage of this story.
See CNN's coverage on these demonstrations.
While the UN Secretary-General has commended the peaceful protests of these monks, we must remember that it is with great courage these monks are marching. The military has placed monks under arrest, and have attempted to disperse the crowds with tear gas; but this may not be the only actions they take against the protests. As an international community, we must support the monks in their protest for a free government, and for the release of Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi (Burmese pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner who has been under house arrest for the last 18 years). We must also pray for the safety of the thousands of monks who are marching in peaceful protest.
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