08/07/2025
63rd Anniversary of the “7 July Incident” – A Historical Warning
By Saw Zin Maung | Public Myanmar News|
July 8, 2025
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On July 7, 1962, a tragic and blood-stained chapter was written in Myanmar’s educational history — the “7 July Incident.” Now marking its 63rd anniversary, this event remains a stark reminder of the brutal suppression by a military dictatorship against the rights of university autonomy, freedom to learn, and the political expression of students.
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Crackdown on Education and Student Protest Movements
Following the March 2, 1962 military coup led by General Ne Win, the Revolutionary Council swiftly imposed strict controls over Myanmar’s university system. University governing councils were dissolved, student leaders were arrested, and education laws revoked, causing deep distress and anxiety among students and youth.
From July 3 onward, student assemblies and protests began in university campuses to oppose these oppressive measures. The military responded with harsh crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations.
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The Bloody Suppression of the July 7, 1962 Peaceful Protest
On July 7, 1962, during a peaceful protest at Yangon University, the military deployed battalions armed with BA-63 (G3) rifles and violently attacked the unarmed students. Witnesses report over 100 deaths and around 6,000 arrests, though the regime officially acknowledged only 17 fatalities.
Students protested without fi****ms, armed only with bamboo sticks and bottles, but were met with overwhelming military violence — tear gas, batons, and live fire — resulting in numerous casualties and deaths.
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Forgetting History Is Injustice
Historical records show that at least 17 students died in Mandalay Prison alone. A powerful blood-stained mural and poem inscribed on the Mandalay Prison wall, reading “Never Forget 7-7-62,” still resonates deeply in the collective memory of the people.
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Formation of the “Security Committee” and the Suppression of the Protest
General Ne Win ordered the formation of a “Security Committee” to violently dismantle the large-scale protests. This committee included Minister of Home Affairs Brigadier General Hla Han, Brigadier Generals Saw Myint and Than Sein, and Deputy Police Chief Ba Aye. The committee operated closely from the broadcast station, coordinating the crackdown.
In the evening, military officers who had attacked the students held celebratory banquets at the Nanking Hotel, amidst rumors spread that communist groups were arming the students and that their headquarters were located in the Student Union building.
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The Mining and Demolition of the Student Union Building
Late at night, explosives were gathered from the main armory and used to demolish the Student Union building. The demolition was led by Engineer Captain Thun Ri, who used far more explosives than necessary.
Normally, demolitions in a city like Yangon require formal authorization and a signed demolition permit from at least a Brigadier General. However, General Ne Win personally ordered Brigadier General Kyaw Soe to carry out the demolition, who in turn delegated the task to Captain Thun Ri.
Due to the lack of formal permits, Captain Thun Ri hesitated but was persuaded when Brigadier General Min Thein unexpectedly appeared early morning and signed the permit himself. Soon after, at approximately 3:30 to 4:00 a.m. on July 8, the Student Union building was blown up.
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Survivors and the Challenge to the Revolutionary Council
The Student Union building, owned by the student body, was destroyed early on July 8 by the military’s political actions.
In July 1963, when schools reopened, a temporary tent was erected on the site to re-establish the Student Union. General Aung Kyaw also had a memorial stone called the “Hundred Stone” made, measuring 77 inches long and 62 inches wide, to honor over a hundred fallen students of 7-7-62.
At the unveiling ceremony, respected teacher Thakin Ko Taw Hmine famously declared, “They can destroy this building, but no one can break the spirit of the Union in our hearts.”
However, during later internal ceasefires and peace protests, the memorial stone and temporary structures suffered repeated demolitions while schools were closed.
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Survivors and Life Inside the Student Union Premises
Some residents survived inside the Student Union building during the demolition. Within the building were a student hair-cutting shop and several eateries. The hairdresser, Ba Gyi Kan Thein, was a veteran who had served during the eras of former Prime Minister U Nu and General Aung San. The restaurant tender was managed by painter U Nan Wei. Families lived inside the building until forced to evacuate.
On the night of July 7, around 11 p.m., military officers summoned families by loudspeakers to leave the premises. Despite requests to leave in the morning, they were forced to evacuate immediately with tight restrictions — only a few people at a time, with strict family verifications and “cleansing” orders within the union.
Due to this harsh order, families had no choice but to vacate the building.
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A Message Passed Down After 63 Years
Today, in 2025, the “7 July Incident” symbolizes the ongoing conflict between authoritarian power and public rights, especially in education. It warns that authoritarian regimes aiming to suppress free education and public voice can again brutally target even ordinary students.
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A Call to Remember History and Continue the Struggle
After 63 years, Myanmar still faces conflicts over educational freedom and human rights. It remains critical for all communities to remember the history of 7 July and to continue fighting for freedom, equality, and justice.
