Pakokku Monks March on the Streets Again

Irrawaddy

October 31, 2007—More than 100 monks in Pakokku Township in Magwe Division marched in a peaceful demonstration, starting about 8 am on Wednesday. The monks marched through the town's streets chanting the “Metta Sutta” (the Buddha’s words on loving kindness). Many residents bowed before the protesting monks and the march ended peacefully about one hour later, sources said. Military authorities are now investigating which monasteries were involved in the march, said local residents. Pakokku was the site of the first violent crackdown on monks engaged in peaceful demonstrations in early September, which escalated into a nationwide anti-junta uprising in Rangoon and other cities.