Myanmarese commemorate 'Saffron Revolution' anniversary in New Delhi

New Delhi, Sept 27 : Scores of Myanmarese nationals gathered in New Delhi on Saturday to take out a march to commemorate the first anniversary of 'Saffron Revolution', when thousands of monks marched down the streets of Rangoon to call for democratic change.

Myanmar or Burma's military regime had brutally cracked down on one of the most powerful and peaceful demonstration led by thousands of Buddhist monks and nuns in 2007.

The revolution came to be known as "Saffron Revolution" - named after the colour of the robes worn by the militant young monks spearheading the protests.

Raising slogans of "We Want Democracy" and "We Want Human Rights" and brandishing Burmese flags, the activists marched down the streets to mark the anniversary.

They said, in the wake of atrocities carried out by the military regime inside their homeland, the campaign for liberation in Myanmar, was still valid.

"(In) Burma (there) is lack of kindness amongst rulers and people. That's why monks took to streets and led the people of Burma, millions of people watched their death. So we march today to remember the war and remind the regime and people of Burma that monks' liberation campaign is still valid," said Tint Sew, an activist.

Exactly a year ago, the junta ordered troops into central Yangon to end a week of massive demonstrations led by Buddhist monks calling for the removal of 45 years of army rule.

At least 31 people were killed when soldiers opened fire on crowds across the capital, the United Nations estimates. Western governments said the real toll was probably higher. A Japanese journalist was among those shot dead.

A further 3,000 people were rounded up in a sweep of dissidents and democracy activists.

ANI