Monks from Mawlamyine Protest Today

Kaowao: September 24, 2007

Buddhist monks from various monasteries in Mawlamyine protested today, according to sources from the capital of Mon State, southern Burma.

The demonstration leader claimed over 300 monks first met at the Myine Yatanar market (Zay Gyi) today, “…and from there walked into the town and read the Buddhist teachings (Metta Thoat). By 4 o’clock they arrived at Thiri Myaing quarter and whilst walking on to Zay Gyo, the number of monks increased to between 1500 and 2000.”

“Three different Monk associations protested today in three places. At 12:30 there was between 300 and 400 members at each demonstration site,” the source told to Kaowao.

“As they walked from Kyite Sake (Kyaik Thoat), Mayangone Quarter, they had over 200 members join in. Following this, they walked on to the Kyite Thanlan Pagoda, and from here they continued to the U Zi Na pagoda again,” he added.

An additional 100 monks joined the march from Kyite Thanlan to Zay Gyo Bus Terminal, but broke up at around 3:30 when the group reached Zay Gyo.

One onlooker reported to Kaowao that, this protesting group arranged themselves in rows, while three monks read out the Buddhist teachings. In the front row the religion’s flag was held proudly.

According to the protest leader, Rev. Thumana (not his real name), “Today is the first day of protests, so we didn’t want the people involved.” Even so, when the protest crossed in front of schools many students emerged to encourage those marching. News then emerged that University students will participate with the monks in their protest. On September 26th, University students will finish up their final exam.

“Yesterday different Monks’ Associations met in downtown Kyite Sake and planned for a demonstration to boycott the military regime or ‘PattaNiKookZaNa’ for all the monks in Mawlamyine,” said the Buddhist monk.