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Man Who Would Conquer kings (By Aung Zaw) Continue... The Nation article (August 9, 1996) |
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"We began to organize study groups to arm ourselves with knowledge and to
be prepared for a possible turn-around in our history." Four years before
the mass uprising in 1988, Min Ko Naing became an active member of the
underground student group.
Under the watchful eyes of Burma's notorious military intelligence, the study group managed to hold several clandestine meetings. No one learned about their activities until 1988. During Thingyan, or the water festival, many religious ceremonies are held as well as other performances and entertainment numbers. One is called Than Gyat, a contest wherein troupes sign and perform both traditional and modern dances. Satirical plays that criticize and mock corrupt government officials and the country's social and political problems are also staged. |
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The Than Gyat tradition has been maintained but criticism and satirical
plays were not tolerated after Gen Ne Win took power.
Despite this, every Thingyan night sees many troupes roaming the city, with members wearing colorful outfits dancing and signing. Min Ko Naing and his troupe did the same. But when they performed, they reminded people about the existing political and social problems of Burma. "The group highlighted the lack of freedom and democracy [in the country] as well the country's corrupt officials and dictators," said one man who saw Min Ko Naing's troupe, known as "Goat-Mouth and Spirit-Eye". |
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Soon after Thingyan, Min Ko Naing noticed military intelligence personnel
following him.
But the study group continued their informal discussions says Moe Thee Zun, "When the iron is hot, we are ready to strike." The ruling regime demonetized the 100 kyats note in 1985. In 1987, Burma was accorded the status of Least Developed Country. In the same year, 75,25,35 kyat notes were cancelled abruptly with little compensation offered. It was the third and worse demagnetization in 26 years. |
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Shortly after the announcement, students took to the streets. Later,
nationwide protests against the Ne Win government began. From then on many
students, including Min Ko Naing, organized peaceful rallies. He later
became the chairman of the All Burma Federation of Student's Union (ABSFU).
Despite the bloody coup in 1988 Min Ko Naing Zun continued the struggle. "We traveled to different towns and cities and held rallies in an attempt to show our opposition to the coup. We were supported warmly by the people every where we went," recalled Moe Thee Zun. In late 1988, Min Ko Naing met a reporter from Hong Kong-based Asiaweek. |
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He said the main obstacles to democracy in his country were three military
and the man who headed it.
"That person is U Ne Win. If I met Ne Win and if I was not impatient, I would ask him to leave the country. If I was in a bad mood, I might do something to him." He went on to say that he'll always be with the people. "I'll never die. Physically, I might be dead, but many more Min Ko Naings would be appear to take my place." Recently, informed sources in Burma said anti-Slorc leaflets appeared in Rangoon and Mandalay cities signed by a Min Ko Naing II. |
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The Rangoon regime continues to hold Burma's most prominent student leader.
Perhaps they are aware of the warnings he made in 1988. "As you know, Min
Ko Naing can only conquer a bad king. If the ruler is good, we carry him on
our shoulders. Surely, 'bad kings' do not like conquerors of kings."
Min Ko Naing was arrested on March 23, 1989 while waiting to catch a bus and shortly after visiting Suu Kyi's house. His closed friend, Moe Thee Zun, fled to Thailand. A Slorc spokesman said Min Ko Naing and his group violated the ban on public gatherings. Just before the arrest, Min Ko Naing had organized a rally. Moreover, he and his fellow activists had been planning to stage a protest during Armed Forces Day, which falls on March 27. He was later sentenced to 20 years in prison. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, consider him as a prisoner of conscience. |
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In November 1994, professor Yozo Yokota, a special reporter of the United
Nations, met him inside Insein Prison in Rangoon. Although Yokota was not
allowed to enter the cell where Min Ko Naing was detained, he was able to
speak with the student leader through the cell door.
"I have heard reports that during his incarceration he has been tortured both physically and mentally," says Moe Thee Zun. Initially, Min Ko Naing's parents were afraid to visit him as they were under pressure. It is believed that they are permitted to see him occasionally. According to some of his friends in Rangoon, Min Ko Naing might be mentally ill after having been kept in solitary confinement. He is now said to be in a special cell. |
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According to Yokota's reports, many guards, prison wardens and
photographers recorded the conversation and took pictures. The interview
was short and the inmate, according to Yokota, was nervous and thin but
otherwise in good health.
Min Ko Naing told Yokota that he had been transferred to that particular cell for the meeting. He added that he was bored and, with nothing to do, all he wished was that he be allowed to read religious books. A few years ago, a US congressman went to see him in prison. The congressman later met Moe Thee Zun and reportedly said that Min Ko Naing's health was deteriorating. "I'm worried about him," said Moe Thee Zun, who later became chairman of the All Burma Students' Democratic Front. "I worry continually about his health. He has a history of gastric problems." Through the congressman, Min Ko Naing sent a short message to his friends, including Moe Thee Zun _ "Don't give up" |
