| Activists mark anniversary of Sittwe massacre
Aug 14, 2007 (DVB)—The Arakan National Council marked the 40th anniversary of the Sittwe massacre yesterday with calls for renewed revolutionary efforts against Burmese military rule.
As activists gathered to mark the anniversary of what is widely known as the “rice massacre” ANC chairman U Thein Pe said young people in Arakan needed to be taught to recognise government oppression.
“We want to mark this day with efforts to develop a revolutionary mindset among our younger generations against dictators and the inappropriate pressure they place on us,” U Thein Pe.
On August 13, 1967, many Arakan families reportedly faced starvation after the state authorities confiscated huge quantities of rice from the area with the aim of exporting it. When the rice shortages became dire, thousands of civilians protested in Sittwe against the government and demanded rations.
When the Burmese military was called in to control the riots they opened fire on protestors, killing more than 300 people and leaving more than 1000 others unaccounted for.
Reporting by Thet Naing
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