The commemoration ceremony was organized by her parents at their residence in Hlaingthaya Township.

25 years ago, on September 19, 1988, Win Maw Oo a young schoolgirl was gunned down, along with Than Htay and Tin Htun from Middle School No. (4) in Kyimyindine Township during the military junta’s crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

U Tin Oo said, “The light of democracy has started to glow in Myanmar. I would like to urge all of your to refrain from violence. Many students have lost their lives due to violence. Win Mar Oo’s sacrifice is an important lesson for all of us.”

“Power hungry individuals in the country seized power by using violence, which is wrong. The horrifying incident in 1988 killed many young students protesting for democracy,” he added.

Win Maw Oo was holding a picture of Myanmar national hero Aung San when she was gunned down by the army at the corner of Sule Pagoda road and Merchant road, a day after the Myanmar army staged a military coup led by General Saw Maung on September 18, 1988.

Win Maw Oo’s father Win Kyu said, “I promised my daughter that I will not perform Ahmjawei – Buddhist tradition of reciting one's meritorious deeds – until Myanmar achieves democracy. We have not performed Ahmjawei in my daughter’s name for 25 years. We will do it only when the Constitution is amended.”

This is the first time that authorities of Hlaingthaya Township have granted permission to Win Maw Oo's parents to commemorate her death anniversary.

Khin Htay Win, Win Maw Oo’s mother said, “It will be good if authorities dedicate a place to those who died in the 1988 pro-democracy uprising so that we can commemorate their sacrifice in the same place every year.”