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Biggest Protests in two decades: Monks protest
Protests in Rangoon
(Indian Standard Time)
5:54 p.m About 100 monks in Kawhmu Township in Rangoon division took to the street at about 12 noon (local time). The monks attracted at least a thousand followers, according to eyewitnesses. 5:15 p.m Protesting monks on Sule pagoda in downtown Rangoon came to a general agreement and a conclusion was drawn based on the love of the people that they all demanded for the national reconciliation in Burma. 5:10 p.m A protesting monk told Mizzima that as they passed the residence of detained Burmese democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, tears rolled down his cheeks even as the NLD leader cried. 5:00 p.m Monks in Rangoon's Kwanchankone Township join protests Monks in Kwanchangone Township of Rangoon division today joined the nation-wide boycott by monks. More than 500 monks from at least 22 monasteries in Kwanchankone, with religious flags aloft marched along the streets and chanted Suttas. "The people cheered on the monks by coming out of their houses and also worshipped them. Many people also followed them," a protesting monk told Mizzima. "As declared by the Monks Alliance, since the authorities are not apologizing for their high handed action against monks in Pakhokku town, we are boycotting the junta and protesting against it," the monk added. 4:30 p.m Monks protesting near Sule pagoda have divided themselves into groups of 15 and are now discussing on how to go ahead with the demonstrations. A crowd of at least 5,000 people collected as the monks arrived near the Sule pagoda. The sound of cheering reverberated in the area said an eyewitness. Following the meetings and applause, the monks called it a day and dispersed. 3:50 p.m Daw Aung San Suu Kyi greets protesters Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, detained Burmese pro-democracy leader, greeted protesting monks and their civilian followers, from inside her residence compound for about 15 minutes as they arrived in front of her house on the University Avenue Street in Rangoon. However, as she is restricted from going out, she was unable to address them. Protesters shouted "Long-live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi" and continued marching and are heading for Sule pagoda in downtown Rangoon. "We saw Daw Aung San Suu Kyi come out of her house. She was wearing a yellow shirt and the crowd began shouting 'Long-Live Daw Aung San Suu Kyi' for about 15 minutes and continued marching towards Sule pagoda. Now they are in Sule pagoda, and are going up on to the pagoda. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi came out to the compound," an eyewitness told Mizzima. 3:15 p.m Protesting monks and their civilian followers have arrived near the house of detained Burmese pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on the University Avenue Street in Rangoon. 1:52 p.m At least 2,000 monks are marched towards Hledan along Pyi Road from Myaynikone in Rangoon. 1:40 p.m Monks continue protests in Rangoon More than 1000 monks in Rangoon have begun marching from Revolution Park to Myanikone and from Myaynikone to Hantharwaddy square in rows of three. The monks, chanting Suttas, were followed by at least 500 people. Eyewitnesses said the streets are blocked because of the crowd. Monks in the nearby monasteries have also joined the procession, they added. 1:52 p.m. At least 2,000 monks are marched towards Hledan along Pyi Road from Myaynikone in Rangoon . |
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