Students Stage Rare, Risky Protest in Myanmar’s Capital
YANGON, MYANMAR —
Students held a second day of demonstrations at Yangon University Saturday. The rare, illegal protest is a response to legislation that centralizes control of universities and, according to civics groups, curtails efforts to bring about autonomy for Myanmar’s institutions of higher learning.
The students marched to the locked gates of Yangon University and climbed over to let themselves in when officials did not open them. The protestors pledged their willingness to be arrested at the modest but historic display of defiance against authority in a country still making the transition from an autocratic military government toward democracy.
For the first time in 26 years, activists gathered on the prohibited spot of Yangon University’s student union, which the first military junta dynamited in 1962. The students bowed their heads in memory of earlier generations of protesters, killed by the British colonial forces and the Myanmar military regime.
Now a new generation of students is on the march, seemingly unafraid of a showdown with police.
“My parents actually worry for me and for my friends,” said Su Yadanar Myint, a Dagon University student. “But my father supports me to participate in this strike.”
Myanmar once had a reputation for the best educational standards in Southeast Asia. But that severely deteriorated under decades of authoritarian rule. The student protestors would like to see standards restored to the high levels enjoyed by their great-grandparents’ generation.
“Now Burma’s education system is the lowest (among countries) in Asia, even in Southeast Asia,” said Phyo Phyo Aung, a protest leader. “So we need to get a democratic education. We want autonomous universities. We want freedom of education.”
This is the same campus where on Friday President Barack Obama met with Southeast Asia student leaders. That could be why, so far, police have hesitated to break up the protests.
The students left the campus peacefully, but leaders vow to intensify their protest movement if their demands for educational reform are not met. That could lead to a confrontation, reminiscent of the violent clashes with authorities of past decades.
Myanmar Student Protest
1/9Students say a new law won't raise education standards, will restrict local autonomy of education institutions and will prevent the official recognition of student unions.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
2/9A demonstrator in front of Yangon University holds a monk's bowl upside down, a symbol of opposition.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
3/9About 100 students joined Saturday's march, a day after a rally drew some 350 people.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
4/9Students rally on the site of Yangon University student union, which was dynamited by authorities during clashes in 1962.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
5/9Phyo Phyo Aung, one of the 12 members of the student organizing committee, says rallies will continue if demonstrators' demands are not met.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
6/9A student leader at front of Yangon University appealing unsuccessfully for authorities to open the main gate.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
7/9The University of Yangon, founded in 1878, was where President Barack Obama spoke on Friday.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
8/9After authorities refused to open the main gate at Yangon University, demonstrators decided to climb the fence to enter the campus.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
9/9The student protests are unauthorized but authorities haven't moved to halt them.
Students in Myanmar used the opportunity of President Barack Obama's visit to stage public protests against a new education law, a rare sight in a country whose government is slowly opening up after decades of military rule. The students say the law passed in September undermines the independence of educational institutions, among other things.
