Min Ko Naing, which means "Conqueror of Kings", is one of the most courageous student leaders of the world today. While a student at Rangoon university in the 1980s, he skillfully built a nation-wide organization under the nose of the most repressive military regimes in the world.
His All Burma Federation of Student Unions, engineered a nonviolent struggle for freedom in Burma that culminated in nationwide demonstrations involving millions Burmese citizens.
The struggle toppled the 26 year socialist regime of U Ne Win, but he was arrested on March 23, 1989 and sentenced to 20 years to prison by the succeeding military regime.
Min Ko Naing still remains in prison today. He was severely tortured and his health suffered as a consequence. He turned 41 today (Sat. 10/18) and many Burmese abroad will be paying tribute to a man who has paid a heavy price for his commitment to democracy and freedom.
VOA Burmese Service interviewed 4 former students who closely worked with Min Ko Naing.