Francis Khoo Thwe

In his Easter message, Card Bo expressed solidarity with the "innocent victims" massacred "in the name of religion" and the children who die of malnutrition. He called for "reconciliation" among the peoples of Myanmar and solidarity with student protesters, adding that “Ours is a resurrected Church” that defeated repression.

Myanmar’s government and representatives from 16 armed groups fighting for some of the country’s ethnic minorities have reached a draft ceasefire agreement. Rebel leaders must give the green light before proceeding. However, the Kokang have not signed on. Myanmar President Thein Sein is satisfied with the deal. For Catholic Kachin activist, it is hard to trust Burmese authorities because the agreement does not include every group and fighting continues in some parts of the country.

Hundreds of police charged protesters, stopped student leader Min Thwe Thit. At first, the authorities allowed the march to resume, and then stopped it. Sources tell AsiaNews that scores of people were arrested with at least 30 injured. After the crackdown, police shouted "Victory, Victory".

Security forces and plainclothes agents target students and activists protesting in favour of changes to a proposed education reform bill. Witnesses say that some demonstrators were slightly injured. Sources told AsiaNews that some leading dissidents were among the people arrested. Some 200 people were protesting when the crackdown took place.

The situation at a Buddhist monastery near Letpadan where police are cordoned off students is critical. The authorities are ready to use force to restore order. However, overnight some agents sympathise with students. "The situation is very tense," sources told AsiaNews. The Burmese Church is praying for a peacefully and broadly accepted school reform.

The Burmese archbishop appeals to the warring parties, calling on them to resume peace talks. By taking part in the pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Nyaunglebin, he stressed the importance of meetings "face to face". He announces that he would be working on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Naypyidaw.

The government has been circulating a different draft from that one agreed with the students. It has not excluded taking legal action against protesting students. The latter have issued an ultimatum against the authorities. Fear is growing of a possible crackdown. Buddhist nationalist groups come out against the use of minority languages in education.

This morning's meeting is cancelled. Government officials did not want student representatives to bring assistants with them. President Thein Sein appears to be behind the postponement until after 12 February. Hundreds of young people are ready to march again for democratic reform in education.

On Sunday, government officials, lawmakers, student representatives and members or an educational reform group will examine 11 demands made by students. The government is "in principle" open to some changes. Sources tell AsiaNews that students want to have "lawyers, donors, and prominent figures" in the discussion.

Built by members of the Christian community in Hakha, the 16-metre cross targeted by local authorities stands on a hill that overlooks the state capital. Since it lacked the proper permit, the authorities ordered the cross' removal and said that they would prosecute its builders. "If the authorities say I have to go to jail, I am not afraid; I am ready to go to jail for this case," a Chin Christian said. For human rights activists, such an action "continues a decades-long pattern of religious discrimination against Chin Christians."

Young people, from different cities, are heading to the commercial capital of Myanmar. They plan to hold a major demonstration to demand amendments to the government text. Organizations and activists alongside the students. Among the most controversial issues, free association and the teaching of local dialects.

Maran Lu Ra and Tangbau Khawn Nan Zin were laid to rest this morning in Myitkyina. Memorial services were held elsewhere in Myanmar, including in Yangon, where about a hundred people met. Activists and NGOs demand an independent investigation, and punishment for the culprits.