1988 August 8 popular uprising in Burma

88 special programme

In March, 1988, students at Rangoon Institute of Technology gathered to call for justice over the authority's handling of clash between students and local residents near their university compound. In response, the security forces killed a student activist, Phone Maw, in front of the RIT's main building. This tragic event became one of immediate causes to pave the way towards the uprising, starting on August 8, 1988.

	It is estimated the military killed over 3,000 civilians, including students and Buddhist monks.

The students were quickly joined by Burmese citizens from all walks of life, including workers, monks, soldiers, customs officers, teachers and hospital staff. These peaceful demonstrations in the streets of Rangoon spread to other states' capitals.

The student leaders promoted a set of demands for the restoration of a democratic government in Burma.
During the crisis, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi emerged as a national icon.

	The Burmese military took over the power in 1988 September 18

On 18th September, however, the Burmese army took over the power. So began a second period of military rule in Burma which still endures, despite widespread international condemnation at its violation of human rights and suppression of political opposition.

It is estimated the military killed over 3,000 civilians, including students and Buddhist monks in the 1988 uprising. The military government says the death toll was only a few.