The Bogyoke Aung San Park Renovation Network in the township’s Aung San Town asked to hold the ceremony in front of the Bogyoke Statue at Aung San Technical High School in Singu Ward.

“We asked for permission from the authorities on July 2 to hold the ceremony, but they sent their reply on July 13 saying that our request was denied. The reply should have been sent within five days of our application because now we have no time to make an appeal,” said the network’s chairperson Tin Hlaing.

The network sent to the application to the Insein Township Police Force chief and the Insein General Administrative Department officer to hold the peaceful assembly on the 66th anniversary of General Aung San’s death. However, the Aung San Technical High School already granted permission on June 26 to hold the ceremony – which would make it the first-ever public vigil in Aung San Town’s park.

Although Mizzima contacted Insein’s administrative office, the deputy officer declined to respond.

“It’s not good that the authorities turned down this request for a Martyrs’ Day gathering and it’s not good they have been denied saluting falling martyrs while at the same time the president gives attention to improved human rights,” said Zaw Zaw Min, a spokesperson for the 88 Generation Students’ Open Society.

Mizzima reported that on July 15, residents in Magwe Region were told that they could not assemble for a public vigil as per section four of the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession Law.

The Bogyoke Aung San Park Renovation Network added that the bronze Bogyoke Statue was made over 50 years ago and weighs some 1300 kilograms. It was unveiled by General Aung San’s wife, Khin Kyi.