Go Monks Go!

Protests erupted in Burma following the SPDC’s overnight hike of fuel prices on August 15, leading to a drastic increase in the price of essential commodities such as rice. While the protesters are from all walks of life, Buddhist monks are taking incredibly powerful actions.

One of the most impressive stories of courage and action to emerge started in the first week of September when several hundred monks protesting in Pakokku, central Burma, and were fired upon by SPDC Army soldiers. In the crackdown, some of the monks were severely beaten and three were arrested. The next day, a group of monks angered by the cruel treatment held about 20 SPDC officials hostage, calling for the release of the detained monks. The standoff ended that afternoon with both the SPDC officials and the monks being released.

This week a message came from the All Burma Monks Alliance, threatening to excommunicate SPDC personnel and their families if the SPDC does not meet a series of demands by mid-day today. The monks demanded that the SPDC apologize for the incident in Pakokku, immediately reduce commodity prices, release all political prisoners, and enter into dialogue with pro-democracy groups. Excommunication – the refusal to accept alms or provide spiritual services – would mean serious public embarrassment for the junta personnel. It could also increase internal pressure on the SPDC, since personnel are already resentful over the huge income gap between themselves and the military leaders.

Monks all over the country have said that they will march to the biggest temples in their hometowns beginning today – which also marks the 19^th anniversary of the Burmese military coup.

Since the protests began, I have been more encouraged and excited than I have been in months. As activists on the outside, sometimes I feel that there is only so much advocacy and protesting and writing op-eds we can do. It comes to a point when action is needed by the very people we are fighting for; the price hike and ensuing protests in Burma are one such moment. Every day I hope that the Burmese people continue to have the strength and the courage to persevere. To the people of Burma, we stand behind you and will fight to make your voices heard all over the world.