burning the evidence...

Many have said the death toll from inside Burma is much higher than reported, possibly a thousand people have died. From inside:

"Er… they shot… people got killed. Er…but it seems like it wasn't as
bad as yesterday in terms of number of deaths, however we will know
the accurate picture tomorrow. Er… la another disturbing news is
that er… I would like to know if you would inform BBC and CNN about?
(sob!!!) They burned the injured protesters/civilian people in the
YaeWay Crematorium la la . Er… the staff from crematorium told this,
crying, to the people who went to the funeral service. Please let
this known to CNN and BBC. Thank you!!" (from)

who stands where:

"China is the puppet-master of Burma. The Olympics is the only real lever we have to make China act. The civilised world must seriously consider shunning China by using the Beijing Olympics to send the clear message that such abuses of human rights are not acceptable." Edward McMillan-Scott, vice-president of the European Parliament

"I want to see all the pressures of the world put on this regime now - sanctions, the pressure of the UN, pressure from China and all the countries in the region, India, pressure from the whole of the world." UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown

"The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to demand their freedom and the American people stand in solidarity with these brave individuals." US President George W Bush

"We consider any attempts to use the latest developments to exercise outside pressure or interference in the domestic affairs of this sovereign state to be counterproductive. We still believe that the processes under way in Burma do not threaten international and regional peace and security." Russian foreign ministry

-BBC

...need I say shame on Russia?

Shan State solidarity gathering

On 27 September 2007 rural Shan villagers gathered in solidiarity with the protesters in urban areas. You can read more on FBRs website.

how you can help

A friend of mine has helped put an online donation mechanism together to get money to help support the protesters in Burma. There are already casualties and the medical services are not prepared to meet what is feared. I gave $30 here in Thailand and I trust the people behind this. Please think about doing the same: http://madnomad.com/ysb/
The group is Youth Solidarity of Burma and they have set up a website here: http://www.givetoburma.org/ Thank you.

Burma calling

"To all folk, it is really bad in YGN [Rangoon], pLs can someone do something for our country, now inside YGN it has been look like War Zone, i even heard stooting over the phone. it is over 50 shots, right now. but people are not giving up to protest and more and more people coming out to street. they even used tear gas into primary school."

Japanese journalist killed by SPDC

The Japanese Embassy reported on Thursday evening that a Japanese photojournalist died in the gunfire. Pictures released on the Internet show the journalist lying on his back in the street with one hand raised up holding his camera. A soldier wearing flip flops is pointing his rifle at the journalist. A second photograph shows the journalist's face contorted and his arm now rests on the ground, apparently shot a second time at point blank range. The photojournalist was Kenji Nagai, 51, according to the Japanese video news agency APF News. News from Irrawaddy.org (from a photo here by Reuters)

civilians targeted

The SPDC has begun targeting civilians, there is at least 9 confirmed dead. Here is a report from a survivor:
"I am a Singaporean working in Myanmar(Burma) for the past 11 years.
I was on my way to office( near Thuwana area) at around 4 to 4.30pm when the riot police block the road near "Super one, ILBC area". I stop my car with my wife and walk out. suddenly riot police and soldiers drove the truck around the corner and start firing shots at the crowd. we quickly ran to the side and squat down near the wall.
The soldiers came down and start to shoot at us. I was shot twice but i did not know what hit me. My both leg were bruised. the soldiers and police kicked us and the rest of the crowds into the drain and shouted that they would kill us if we look at them."
(read and see more here)

standing for people

these young men are sacrificing themselves for their people... no one wants to see anyone die because of the SPDC's evil... if you are a person of faith I encourage you to pray for Burma, if you are able to help support in some way, please do. please stand for our brothers and sisters suffering in Burma. (photo)

shots fired...

26 September 2007 Burma
Rangoon, Downtown; Mid-afternoon—At least two protestors were shot by security forces in downtown Rangoon near Sule Pagoda on Wednesday afternoon. One protestor reportedly died, according to people who took part in the demonstration. The source said the soldiers continued firing at the demonstrators, who numbered several thousand. (Irrawaddy)

restrictions

So the dictators finally put a 60 day curfew from dawn to dusk and no one is to gather in groups larger than 5. Today will tell. Pray the soldiers don't use force and the protesters are able to continue their peaceful protests against a dictatorship that will hopefully fall. My biggest hope is that there is growing Burma Army dissent and brave soldiers will resist and break rank to do what's best for their people. There is a document circulating in Burmese that encourages this. photo

tears of the lady...

Read about Aung San Suu Kyi's visit from the monks and protestors. (picture and article Irrawaddy.)

protests continue...

Monday in Rangoon. Photo from http://ko-htike.blogspot.com/

Burma on fire

Dear friends of Burma, The protests in Burma are growing and while it brings hope it is also a vivid reminder of 1988. Please keep Burma and all the brave protesters and supporters in your prayers. They are risking themselves for the better of the whole. True heroes and worth standing behind in any way we can. Pray for Burma. Act for Burma. Send a message of solidarity at: http://ethicaltraveler.org/burma

Day Htoo's sister

This is Day Htoo's older sister and her child, Day Htoo is the nurse in the film. They really look alike. I met her on our second trip through Muthraw District, she and her family were fleeing to the border. Day Htoo was in another area at the time and I was half glad, because for me it was very sad to see. If you look on the surface there are very evident losses and it can get you down. However the longer you spend inside and the more you care about them, you start to get some of their laughter and well being rubbed off on you. They have resolve and resilience. Maybe it's a human trait of grace under pressure, but it must be especially true for the Karen.

good men from Mone Township

This young man came and met us a days walk from where the 600 villagers were hiding in Mone Township. He was internally displaced himself, and the other man in the picture, both living in the jungle with the other 600. He volunteered to come and help carry medicines and aid back to the other villagers. He is the one in front of me near the beginning of the film when we are walking through the dense jungle. That area was full of leaches and he tapped me on the leg once to tell me there was a leach on my leg, I got to it before it could get fixed and draw blood. When you get one before they make you bleed it's a victory. So big thanks to him, and for his willingness to help his fellow villagers. It takes people like this for the Karen to stick it out. The good news is most the Karen I met are like this.

Prayer of Peace [excerpt]

Here's a three minute excerpt from the 28 minute film "Prayer of Peace: Relief & Resistance in Burma's War Zones". This section of the film was the end of the first trip, crossing the Burma Army controlled car road and witnessing hundreds of villagers fleeing to Thailand in Mutraw District on the return trip. Both times I was in that area we met villagers fleeing, at the beginning of the film and here on our return. The man who speaks (Maung Hla Htoo) really deserves a film unto himself. But suffice to say he is a hero. UPDATE: Watch the whole film at http://vimeo.com/channels/prayerofpeace

Murder in Burma

This is a short video two Karen FBR team members made. It is in Karen language and was shot in Northern Karen State in 2006. For more information go to freeburmarangers.org

in the cities

Ma Nilar Thein speaks to Mizzima [news agency] while running and hiding:

“Since August 19th, we, the 88 generation student leaders, have been protesting over fuel prices. And on August 21st at midnight, some of our student leaders were arrested. However on August 22nd, we the 88 generation students, youth members of the NLD, and university students, continued to demonstrate peacefully over the difficulties of the people. While demonstrating peacefully, at Thamine traffic point, the authorities used civilians to fight with civilians. Members of the Union Solidarity and Development Associations (USDA) started pulling and pushing us. At that time I offered my hand to them for a handshake and told them that ‘you are also civilians, and you are fully aware of the difficulties faced by the people. So come with us.’ At that time a boy shook my hand and said ‘please disperse your groups.’ I shook hands with three of them.”

“What I want to say is the government is using the people against the people. The people against their desire are forcibly made to suppress the people. This is deplorable and the government should not practice such a tactic. I want to urge the members of USDA, Swan Arrshin, and Myanmar Women’s Affairs, not to allow themselves to be known in history as killers, as U Ne Win is remembered. Rather, choose to be remembered as students, monks and civilians trying to find a solution for the people of Burma.”