The nineteenth anniversary this week of the 1988 military coup in Burma has seen a growing protest movement by Buddhist monks which observers describe as the most determined ever to have faced its ruling generals.
The monks have courageously taken up popular protests against last month's huge price increases for petrol, diesel and natural gas. They have a revered role in Burmese society, making them difficult to target with the usual attacks on civil and democratic protest movements there. Up to 10,000 people died in 1988 and the country has since become notorious for torture and repression.
The outside world should show solidarity and understanding of the developing crisis. Burma, a country of over 50 million people, is rich in natural resources, including tropical forestry and gas. Under the generals these have been exploited by a system of crony capitalism in league with neighbouring states, together with a heavy involvement in the heroin trade and an attempt to build up tourism based on forced labour. The 450,000 strong armed forces are directly involved in many of these deals. They have been shielded from outside criticism by a fear among Burma's fellow-members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations that this would undermine their political and legal sovereignty.
These protests have been country-wide and are deep seated. They started when petrol and diesel prices were doubled last month and natural gas increased fivefold after subsidies were slashed. There was an immediate effect on everyday living costs, especially on food and bus fares for millions of commuters in the capital Rangoon. It is not clear why the pricing decision was made, but it is associated with planned privatisations of oil and gas distribution. Typically it was assumed the burden would be stoically borne by a cowed and compliant population.
This was not to be. The protests started immediately and have now spread in stages throughout the society. Civilians who had recently been urged to allow the monks take up the brunt of the movement, in order to avoid arrests, are now joining the demonstrations more openly. Political efforts must now be made at international level to ensure the regime will pay a severe price for a new round of repression. China, in particular, must be engaged. It has growing influence on the generals, attracted by Burma's natural resources. But China also craves acceptance ahead of next year's Olympics. If its rulers endorse another military crackdown they should be made pay a price for that too.