New group emerges for mass movement

Myint Maung
Mizzima News
April 10, 2008.

New Delhi: An attempt to overthrow the military regime by way of a people's movement will be made by a newly founded underground umbrella group called the "New Generation Movement for Justice" founded on April 3, the founders said.

NGMJ, comprising teachers, students, workers and farmers among others is reorganizing small groups forced to scatter after the September uprising led by Buddhist monks which was crushed by the junta following a bloody crackdown.

"The aim is to organize weak groups to join hands to became a strong group, to build trust and prepare for a mass people's movement," said Nwe Lay Wai, a member of the new group.

As a first step the group, in coordination with 88 Generation Students Group, All Burma Students' Federation Union, New Generation Wave, is secretly mobilising people from various towns and villages to vote 'No' in the ensuing referendum.

However, she did not elaborate as to how to implement the people's movement in order to ensure that the draft constitution is not adopted.

The military regime announced that the referendum will be held on May 10, 2008 throughout the country to seek approval for the draft constitution to be adopted.

Opposition groups and political analysts have been critical of the constitution drafted at the 14-year long National Convention, attended by people who were not representatives of the people and aimed to legalise military dictatorship. They are organizing people to go to the polling stations and vote 'No' and reject the draft constitution.

"We use the word "Justice: because we will fight to get justice whatever system they come up with; we need justice and we will albeit die for it," said Nwe Lay Wai.

She blamed fear as the factor which has prolonged military rule for over four decades.

"We, students are afraid of losing an academic year; workers, farmers and shopkeepers are worried about not being to sell their wares for a day. To overcome these fears we must muster courage," she said.

Additional inputs by assistant editor Ye Yint Aung.