Exhibitions for 30th anniversary of 8888 Uprising displayed in University of Yangon premises

The University of Yangon’s premises were filled with students, monks and people yesterday, as political discussions were held and exhibits portraying the history of the 8888 Uprising were put on public display to mark the 30th anniversary of the nationwide event. The exhibitions will be on display till tomorrow.

Attendants at the event, held in the recreation centre (RC), paid respect to the flag bearing the peacock insignia and observed eight seconds of silence for those who fell during the uprising.

The first political discussion was held at Weikza Hall under the title “Thirty-year journey of democracy” and participants divided into groups for the discussion. The discussions focused on the thirty years of Myanmar’s democracy journey, what demands were made, what improvements were carried out based on those demands, what restrictions were put in place during that time, and what steps should be taken to move forward, with the discussions put on record.

The second political discussion was held under the title “Ethnic equality and a federal union”. Participants divided into groups again discussed the views and opinions of ethnic nationals on the federal union, current difficulties and opportunities, exploring concepts and meanings, and steps to be taken towards a future federal union.

On display at the exhibition in the RC were documentary photos depicting the political situation before, during and after the uprising, and the activities of the monks, people, and students during that period, press release documents, flags and items used during the uprising to inform the youths of the 8888 Uprising’s history, as well as cartoons, posters, flags relating to the uprising for public display.

The second day of the 30th anniversary event continues today and a political discussion under the title “Myanmar’s political landscape and military dictatorship” will be held at 9am. Results from the two-day discussions will be publicly released on 8 August (tomorrow).

Attending the event yesterday were Yangon Region ministers, Hluttaw representatives, participants of the 8888 uprising, students, monks and the general public.

During the 25th silver anniversary of the 8888 Uprising, held at the Myanmar Convention Center in Mayangone Township, decisions were successfully made to establish a democratic federal union, amending the 2008 constitution or drafting a new one, and convening an inclusive national reconciliation conference.

Zaw Gyi (PaNiTa)

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar