Laying Wreaths: Activists Commemorate 8888 Anniversary

A special public commemoration ceremony for the 1988 uprising which launched for the country’s democracy movement, took place at the Yangon City Hall, Monday with the attendance of political activists and massive people. 

It is a commemoration for the fallen students in the 1988 uprising. Hundreds of thousands took part in the 1988 protests which began on 8 August. 

The students led the 88,88 strike, with the aim at  moving forward the country with democratic reforms.  

Lin Lae Kyal sin: I want to pay tribute to the fallen students who died in 1988 uprising. This is the unforgettable and historic day for all because of students, monks and people sacrificed their lives for democratic movement. They faced bloody crackdown near the Sule pagoda. I feel so sorry for them. I think they gave strength for us to strive for democracy. 

Win Min, a former student protester, said the scene in the area 28 years ago was the worst and unforgettable experience in his life, and added that they are marching towards the goal of democracy. 

ORGANIZER, EVENT ORGANIZING COMMITTEE , WIN MIN: We want to pay respects and share merits to the fallen students, monks and people who passed away in the protest. 88 strike is the biggest milestone in our history. It's unforgettable. It can’t be erased in the history. I think, we have not yet reached the situation that we want and we are at the beginning of the democratic way. 

Activists also laid wreaths at Sule Pagoda in the centre of Yangon, which was the place of the heart of protest crackdown. Numbers of people from different religions, monks and students joined the event.