Activists group urge people to revive 'Saffron Revolution'

Maung Dee

Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)

November 27, 2007 - As the first tentative step towards reviving the September Saffron Revolution, a new group of activists called ˆ the Generation Wave ˆ today urged all Burmese people to honor the fallen monks by pinning pieces of robes on their person.

The group, in a statement released today, urged all Burmese to honor the fallen monks during the Saffron Revolution, by putting pieces of monk's robes on their wrist or hanging it around their necks.

"We are asking for only what people can do, things that will not bring them into harm. We want them to do things that will not harm them but still show their solidarity and participation in the Saffron Revolution," Kyaw Kyaw of the Generation Wave, told Mizzima.

Generation Wave was formed following the Saffron Revolution by artists, government servants, computer experts and students, Kyaw Kyaw said.

The group said to usher in political changes in Burma, the people should continue to strive and continue the revolution instead of waiting for the international community to act.

"We cannot depend on international pressure alone. Though we welcome these pressures, we cannot have changes unless there is internal pressure that will force the ruling junta to change," Kyaw Kyaw added.

The 'Peoples Union', another group formed following the September peoples movement, said it supports the Generation Wave's statement and expressed optimism for the success of the new campaign.

"I believe this campaign will have an impact as some monks are scared after what happened to their fellow monks. They obviously think that the people are not with them, so they dare not begin a fresh movement. At this time, if the people could show their solidarity and participation, it will revive back the monks' spirit," a member of the Peoples' Union told Mizzima over telephone.

Following the September Saffron Revolution and the junta's brutal crackdown, activists have conducted anti-junta activities under the banners of secretly formed groups such as "Generation Wave', 'Peoples Union ', 'Civilian Community' and 'Freedom Fighters'.

While the groups prefer to keep a low profile, their activities including distribution of pamphlets and posters with the words that includes 'CNG' (Change New Government) have been seen in various parts of Rangoon.

"To revive the Saffron Revolution, we need to unite all groups. Not only just our group, but all groups under the banner of the religious flag, must work together," Kyaw Kyaw added.