Saffron Revolution

Economic desperation was the trigger for the peaceful uprising that would come to be known as, “the Saffron Revolution,” named after the color of monks’ robes. In a setting where market prices had already tripled or quadrupled within the past year, in August 2007, the Burmese junta suddenly decided to lift fuel subsidies. As a result, fuel prices skyrocketed as much as 500% overnight, with food and other commodities’ prices following suit.  What did not happen was the same rise in income levels, leaving millions of people across the country unable to perform even the most basic functions such as buying food, traveling, and paying for children education. Tensions began to rise and eventually people took to the streets to protest.

Led by monks, the demonstrations multiplied and swelled in size over a matter of a few days. Crowds filled the streets of more than 25 cities across Burma, with 100,000 peaceful marchers in Rangoon alone. At the same time, machine-gun toting soldiers gathered ominously at intersections. Despite the backdrop of 8888 uprising when soldiers beat and gunned down student protesters with no reservations, many local and international onlookers were convinced that the Saffron Revolution would generate a positive outcome because of the concentration and leadership of Buddhist monks in the movement. Buddhism is the predominant religion in Burma, and the role of monks is held in high reverence. Monks are considered sons of Buddha, and to touch or assault a monk, let alone kill, is considered one of the gravest sins any man can commit.

Unfazed by the night raids and the rumors of mass arrest, on the morning of September 27^th, 50,000 courageous citizens gathered on the streets of Rangoon to demand freedom from fear. Soldiers opened fire on the crowds, killing at least nine unarmed protesters. One of them was Kenji Nagai, a Japanese journalist, whose murder was caught on video that went viral.

With each passing hour, more monks, nuns, and activists were detained as more soldiers filled the streets. The Burmese junta shut down the internet and cell phone service to stifle the flow of information to the outside world. Even so, accounts emerged of a crematorium burning day and night to destroy evidence of regime’s brutality. A Burmese colonel defected after refusing an order to slaughter hundreds of monks.

Soldiers were deployed heavily on the streets of every city and on the premises of emptied monasteries. With the leaders of the movement, including hundreds of monks, civic activists and local residents detained, large-scale demonstrations ceased. Reports suggested that low-level resistance continued, including small demonstrations by civilians and imprisoned monks refusing to receive alms from the generals. The streets of Burma may have quiet down and the day-to-day hustle and bustle resumed, but the sense of dissatisfaction, alienation, and anger against the ruling junta remain palpable.

The Saffron Revolution inspired a new wave of generation of activists, both inside Burma and around the world, who find ways to show their defiance and address their grievances, either in the form of art, literature, or public campaigns as risky as they may be.