In Pictures

In Pictures: Monks march in Myanmar

Buddhist monks stage demonstration as country tests boundaries of freedom amid ongoing reforms.

Buddhist monks took to the streets of Yangon on Wednesday, protesting against the use of force during an earlier demonstration over a copper mine

By

13 Dec 2012

Yangon, Myanmar: Buddhist monks took to the streets on Wednesday in protest against the use of force on an earlier demonstration over a Chinese-backed copper mine in the country’s north-west.

The march went off peacefully and served as an example of locals testing the boundaries of freedom ushered in by a recent spate of reforms.

Many are opposed to mining in the country, alleging it results in eviction and environmental damage.

The protest was reminiscent of the "Saffron Revolution(***) in 2007, when an uprising by monks against military rulers was brutally crushed. But this time the protests were allowed.

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The monks rallied despite a government apology over the violence during the earlier demonstration

The monks in their traditional ochre robes marched through the streets

Wednesday(***)s protest was another example of Myanmar(***)s people testing the boundaries of new freedoms brought by recent reforms

There was heavy security presence, but the march went off peacefully

The demonstration attracted monks, young and old

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The monks are revered by Myanmar(***)s majority Buddhist population

Civilians threw a cordon around the monks during the protest - sign of growing resentment towards Chinese mining companies that have expanded in recent years

The demonstration was conducted without official permission

The monks oppose mining projects in the country due to mass evictions and environmental damage

The mining projects that have angered the monks are joint ventures between a Chinese firm and the Myanmar military

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