Yesterday was a long day for Burma. Mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety were among millions of people patiently waiting for a great news.
November 13 was the official date for the release of Burmese pro-democracy leader, Aung San Su Kyi, who has been detained under house arrest by the brutal military junta. The news of her release loomed all over the country and estimated 5000 supporters were at the gate of her house yesterday, waiting to see her after her years of absence from Burmese political arena. The crowd gathered near her house and kept growing in the afternoon. They started chanting her name and warmly welcomed her with best wishes.
However their long-awaited Nobel Laureate did not appear in public scene till a few minutes past 6pm local time which mounted their anxieties. Some supporters were reported to shout for her immediate release and officials from NLD (National League of Democracy) came to alleviate the crowd. Tin Oo, the deputy of NLD, told the crowd that Aung San Su Kyi was having negotiations with the junta for her unconditional freedom. Earlier this week, he also told the press that Aung San Su Kyi would not accept restrained freedom as she never had in the past.
Feelings of anxiety, nonetheless, were not limited to this small group of people. Supporters outside the country were also waiting for this good news and Burmese online pages were flooded with the news. Social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter covered a lot of news about Aung San Su Kyi’s release. Such was an evidence of public admiration for her leadership and commitment over the past 20 years.
It was almost 6pm and people’s anxiety kept mounting minute after minute. Crowds kept chanting at the gate of her house. Their patience did pay off eventually. A lady in her traditional dress wearing a graceful smile with flowers in her hair appeared at the gate of the compound and brought endless joy to the crowd who came to show their support for her.
Aung San Su Kyi immediately came to give a brief speech to the crowd right after her release. Thailand-based media organization, Irrawaddy News quoted her give speak to the crowd that
“We have not seen each other for a long time. There are so many things to talk about.”
New York Times also quoted her call for unity.
"If we work in unity, we will achieve our goal. We have a lot of things to do."
Now the lady of Burma, as people call her, Aung San Su Kyi is again expected to play a big role in Burmese politics after the junta-controlled elections that took place a week ago.
Expectations are high on Aung San Su Kyi, who is planning to give a longer speech tomorrow at the NLD headquarters. Anyway her release was a huge lift for Burmese people who have been starving for freedom living under the military rule since 1962.
Related Articles:
Irrawaddy News, Suu Kyi Freed at Last
Democratic Voice of Burma, First footage emerges of Suu Kyi
New York Times, Burmese Dissident Suu Kyi Freed After Long Detention