The Open Heart letter campaign, led by the 88 Generation Students group, has made its first country-wide step after members of the movement travelled to Magwe division to rally support.

Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Htay Kywe, Pyone Cho and Mya Aye, all former student leaders, travelled to Magwe division over the weekend to encourage people to write letters to military leader Than Shwe expressing their grievances with the military’s administration.

While people from across Burma have always been encouraged to participate, communication constraints have meant much of the campaign is centred on Rangoon. But Pyone Cho told DVB that he and his colleagues were met with overwhelming support in Magwe.

“The people in the area came to meet us with all kinds of transportation. Some with bicycles, some with trishaws and some with rented cars . . . I saw one man from a village. He dropped out of school before finishing fourth grade . . . The man said he couldn’t write so he came to tell us about his problems,” Pyone Cho said.

The Open Heart Campaign, which was launched on Burma’s Independence Day on January 4, aims to encourage Burmese people voice their dissatisfaction with military rule, according to the 88 Generation Students group.

“Some people have a lot to tell us but they can’t decide whether or not to emphasis on one issue or to tell all the things that are happening. We want everyone to be as frank as possible,” Pyone Cho said.