Alms offered in memory of democracy activist

by Phanida
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 11:16

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – On the second death anniversary of Ko Ko Win, who was brutally beaten to death by the junta backed 'Swanahshin' during the monk-led protests in September 2007, his family offered alms to monks in Rangoon yesterday.

The alms offering memorial was held at the residence of his parents Ngwe Win and Win Win Myint in South Dagon Township. It was attended by five monks from Dhamma Theingi monastery in Thingangyun Township, who read out a sermon. The memorial service was attended by about 50 National League for Democracy (NLD) party members from different townships in the midst of apprehension of harassment by security forces.

Win Win Myint said that the memorial service was closely monitored by intelligence personnel in plainclothes and 'Union Solidarity and Development Association' (USDA) members. Local authorities inquired about the monastery of the monks, who came to the memorial service.

"On his death anniversary, I prayed for all those, who sacrificed their lives for the country, people, religion and Sasana and for their good abode beyond their deaths," she told Mizzima.

Then tenth grader Ko Ko Win (22) was brutally beaten up by riot police and Swanahshin on 27 September 2007. He sustained serious injuries on his head and body. Even after a month, his condition had not improved so he had to be admitted to the Brain and Nervous System Ward at the Sanpya hospital in Thingangyun Township. He died later after blood oozed from his mouth and nose while he was being treated, Ngwe Lin said.

After the series of demonstration triggered by the sudden and drastic rise of fuel prices in August 2007, the people had hoped that the country would be led towards transition to democracy.

But the army brutally cracked down on peaceful demonstrations and opened indiscriminate fire on protesters. Regime backed thugs of the USDA and Swanahshin beat up demonstrators with batons, killing a number of them.

The military government declared that 37 people, including a Japanese photo journalist, who was shot dead at close range, were killed. But opposition sources said the actual figure is much higher.