BURMESE MONKS SHARE STORIES OF REPRESSION
U Pyinya Zawta is in exile. He has escaped from jail three times over 11 years-but not for conventional crimes.
U Pyinya Zawta was one of 30,000 Burmese monks who protested against the Burmese government in hopes of bringing democracy to the country. He is the co-founder of the All Burma Monks Alliance and helped lead the Saffron Revolution in 2007.
“There were brutal crackdowns for Burma’s own people, even its religious leaders, shocking the world,” U Pyinya Zawta said. “The monks use nonviolent and peaceful response to the military government. We look to our own people as our own sons.”
Burmese monks U Tejavanta, U Gawasita and U Pyinya Zawta spoke during a discussion titled “Voices Against Repression” Wednesday evening in the Bryan Center, during which they relayed their experiences as activists in the Saffron Revolution. Dr. Htwe Yee, a political activist and former Lee Kuan Yew fellow at Harvard University, translated for the audience of about 150 attendees.
The Saffron Revolution, named for the saffron color of the monks’ robes, was one of several protests against Burmese oppression. In 2007, the junta-the State Peace and Development Council-revoked the country’s fuel subsidies, causing fuel, food and clothing prices to skyrocket. In response, the Burmese people and religious leaders organized protests to restore justice and order.
The Duke Human Rights Coalition, International Association, Duke University Union Major Speakers, Duke International Relations Association and the Progressive Alliance co-sponsored the campus event.
“Duke aspires to be at the top of all things professionally, academically and socially. Shouldn’t we also be at the top of all things ethically?” said Duke Human Rights Coalition President James Tager, a senior and a Chronicle columnist. “Every human being has a responsibility to others. As Duke students we are incredibly privileged and incredibly able to bring change. This event reflects [that] we can use these abilities to help others.”
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