Memorial in Naha for victims in Myanmar protests
March 1, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo
On February 28, the Association of Myanmarese in Okinawa held a memorial for those who died or were injured in protests against the military coup d’état in Myanmar. According to the association, around 300 people gathered at the Kenmin Hiroba plaza in Izumizaki, Naha for the memorial. The participants wrapped black tape around their left arms to pay their respects to the dead.
At the memorial, after participants engaged in a candle-lit prayer for one minute, there was an opportunity for people to speak about the current state of affairs in Myanmar. A statement was also presented that included a protest of the military coup.
A woman, age 29, living in Naha, who came to Okinawa from Myanmar in 2014 to study and now works in the service industry, said that her cousin and younger brother living in Myanmar were arrested for participating in the protests. “Those who express opposition there are in a continued state of fear from morning till night. I want to do what I can so that peace returns as soon as possible,” she said, tears filling her eyes as she spoke.
(English translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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