Burma protesters pledge to 'strike back'
Pro-democracy campaigners pledged to “strike back” against the Burmese government today in the face of lethal attacks by the military.
Soldiers opened fire on thousands of anti-government activists yesterday, killing at least nine people and injuring 11.
Ko Aung, who is leading protests outside the Burmese Embassy in London, said protest leaders in Rangoon had told him of their determination to continue their protests today.
“Many people have been killed, but people are prepared to sacrifice their lives for what they believe,” he said.
“They are not going to stop going to the streets. They have no choice but to go on the streets and challenge the military rule.”
He said protests against murderous repression under the military junta would continue outside the embassy in Mayfair, central London, today.
US President George Bush last night urged all nations with influence in Burma to support the aspirations of the Burmese people and to call for an end to the violence.
He said: “The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to demand their freedom, and the American people stand in solidarity with these brave individuals.
“We feel admiration and compassion for the monks and peaceful protesters calling for democracy.
“Every civilised nation has a responsibility to stand up for people suffering under a brutal military regime like the one that has ruled Burma for too long.
“I call on all nations that have influence with the regime to join us in supporting the aspirations of the Burmese people and to tell the Burmese junta to cease using force on its own people, who are peacefully expressing their desire for change.”
Among those killed yesterday was a Japanese journalist covering the demonstrations by at least 70,000 people.
Britain’s ambassador to Burma, Mark Canning, said the authorities “ratcheted up” their response in an attempt to “scare and intimidate” the protesters.
Large parts of Rangoon were barricaded off, including the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, but many demonstrators still took to the streets.
Troops in at least four locations in the city fired into crowds after thousands of protesters ignored orders to disband, witnesses and diplomats said.
Led by thousands of Buddhist monks in maroon robes, the Burmese protesters have been demanding the release of political activists and economic reforms in the impoverished nation.
The crisis began on August 19 with protests over a fuel price hike, but has been swelled by pent-up opposition to years of harsh military rule.
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