YANGON: Thousands of activists including ethnic minorities are expected to join emotional activities marking the 25th anniversary of the 8888 pro-democracy uprising in Yangon early next month.
Intellectuals in exile are demanding the anniversary go beyond ceremonies and also help set directions for the country's development.
The 17-member Convening Committee for the 25th anniversary of the 8888 Pro-democracy Uprising will be holding a three-day forum next month to discuss the state of Myanmar politics and scenarios for the future.
Members of all democratic forces including local and overseas ethnic groups are expected to join the event to be held at the Myanmar Convention Centre.
Sources said they will be joined by hundreds of Myanmar exiles from the US, Canada, Australia, Britain and Thailand, and young democracy activists from student unions, labour and women's groups from within the country.
"Last year, two cabinet ministers joined the commemorations. This year the organiser has invited all political parties and ethnic groups as well as parliamentarians such as Aung San Suu Kyi and lower house speaker Thura Shwe Mann," one of the sources said.
"Other foreign media and diplomats who witnessed the historical transition have also been invited and some have confirmed their participation," the source added.
Bo Kyi, joint secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), said the forum was expected to come up with recommendations for the government.
Naign Aung, of the Forum for Democracy in Burma, said this was a soul-searching period for all lovers of democracy and it could be very emotional.
He said, however, he would like his colleagues to cut through the celebrations and commemorations and get to the actual work plan.
"Hopefully, we will find some benchmarks for our journey to democratisation - seeing more clearly who will forge a role for civil society and what politicians will pledge to do for Myanmar society," Naign Aung, an exile living in Mae Sot, said.
The Thein Sein government has been encouraging exiles to return home and help develop the country.
"We need to build trust between the government and the exile communities if the government is sincere about reconciliation," Bo Kyi, who also lives in Mae Sot, said.
He said the government needed to address the exiles' everyday concerns.