Monday, July 18, 2011

NLD to march to mausoleum to commemorate 64th Martyrs’ Day

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Monday, 18 July 2011 15:36 Ko Pauk

New Delhi (Mizzima) - Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi will deliver a speech at NLD headquarters on Tuesday to mark Martyrs’ Day in Rangoon.

The Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon. The NLD will march
to the mausoleum on Tuesday to pay their respects on
Martyrs' Day. Photo: Mizzima
The National League for Democracy (NLD) will also hold a march to the Martyrs’ Mausoleum to honour Burma’s fallen heroes.

Phyo Min Thein, the organizer of the ceremony, told Mizzima that NLD leaders would participate in marching to the Martyrs’ Mausoleum, but it was not sure whether Suu Kyi would accompany the group or not.

State-run newspapers reported on Sunday that the mausoleum would be open to the public and authorities requested visitors to cooperate in security measures at the entrance and exit streets in the area.

“There are many cars carrying riot police posted at the north gateway to Shwedagon Pagoda near Martyr’s Hill,” Phyo Min Thein said.

In 1989, a march was planned to mark Martyrs’ Day, but Suu Kyi herself cancelled the ceremony shortly before the designated time. On July 20, she was put under house arrest and held until 1995.

Phyo Min Thein said, “The situation is different from 1989. In 1989, orders No. 2/88 and 8/88 were imposed. Now, there is no similar rule like those orders. I hope that we will be able to march peacefully and bow to the Martyrs’ tomb because we have a civilian government that has promised to work toward democracy.”

Another NLD said, “As aunty (Suu Kyi) said, we hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Our objective is to pay respect to the martyrs. We will face any problem that we encounter. The Martyrs’ Mausoleum is opened to the public just a day each year.”

At the NLD headquarters, party members will offer food to monks early Tuesday morning. Around 10 a.m., Suu Kyi will deliver a speech. Ohn Kyaing, a central executive committee member, will deliver a talk, and activists Yarzar and hip-hop singer Zeyar Thaw will display wall posters.

NLD members in other towns including Sagaing and Kyaukpadaung will offer food to monks to commemorate Martyrs’ Day.

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