U Nu (otherwise known as Thakin Nu) (1907-1995) was a Burmese nationalist and political figure. He served as the head of government of Burma between 1947 and 1948. He then served as the first prime minister of Burma between 1948 and 1956, again from 1957 to 1958, and finally between 1960 and 1962. He was a co-founder of the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL), which advocated Burmese independence from both Japanese and British occupation during the 1940s. Nu dealt with opposition from various ethnic groups and communist factions. A democratic system was instituted, however, and parliamentary elections were held several times. He was replaced in 1956 by another AFPFL member for one year. In 1958 he was overthrown by General Ne Win, returned to power two years later and was overthrown again by Ne Win in 1962. After the 1962 coup, Nu was put under house arrest. Several years later he was released and left Burma. He lived in several countries including India and Thailand. He later returned to Burma and was arrested again following the 1988 coup. In 1989 he was convicted for attempting to set up a rival government, and was sentenced to house arrest. He was released in 1992.
