ROAD TO UPHEAVAL IN POLITICS FOR BURMESE (original) (raw)
World|ROAD TO UPHEAVAL IN POLITICS FOR BURMESE
https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/11/world/road-to-upheaval-in-politics-for-burmese.html
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- Sept. 11, 1988
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Following is a chronology of events leading to the decision today by the Burma Socialist Program Party to end its 26-year monopoly on power:
March - Hundreds of students and others riot in Rangoon campuses and streets, and unofficial reports say as many as 100 are killed by security units.
June - Hundreds stage demonstrations and battle riot police in Rangoon and other cities. The Government says nine people are killed, but Western diplomats say the figure is higher. The Government closes most campuses.
July 23 - Gen. Ne Win, who has ruled Burma since a 1962 coup, resigns as chairman of the ruling Burma Socialist Program Party. He cites the anti-Government riots and announces a referendum on one-party rule.
July 26 - Gen. Sein Lwin, who reportedly led forces that suppressed the riots in March, is named to succeed General Ne Win.
July 30 - The authorities detain the most prominent Government critic, U Aung Gyi.
Aug. 3 - Martial law is declared in Rangoon after thousands of students protest the appointment of Mr. Sein Lwin.
Aug. 10 - The radio says 66 people have been killed, 160 wounded and 1,500 arrested in Rangoon street battles over the preceding two days.
Aug. 11 - The radio reports another 15 killed in anti-Government riots in Rangoon, bringing the official death toll to about 95. Other sources say hundreds have died in rioting. The military commander, Gen. Sau Maung, delivers a radio address warning of anarchy. A guerrilla leader calls for a nationwide revolt.
Aug. 12 - Mr. Sein Lwin resigns as President and party chairman.
Aug. 19 - U Maung Maung is named Burma's first civilian leader in 26 years. Students demanding an end to one-party rule call for a nationwide strike.
Aug. 24 - Mr. Maung Maung lifts martial law and curfews in Rangoon and other cities and announces a Sept. 12 congress of the ruling party to consider a referendum on multiparty elections.
Aug. 25 - The Government releases Mr. Aung Gyi and other political prisoners.
Aug. 26 - Insein Jail burns. Looting begins. Widespread anti-Government protests continue over the following two weeks.
Sept. 9 - Former Prime Minister U Nu says he is forming a provisional Government and calls for elections Oct. 9. About 500 servicemen leave barracks and join protesters in the first major military defections. Embassies evacuate more than 230 dependents and nonessential employees.
Sept. 10 - Ruling party declares an end to its monopoly of power and calls for multiparty elections.
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