The Authorities Pay More Attention to the Monks in Mon State for the Upcoming Referendum

April 24, 2008

HURFOM

On April the 19th, the secretary of the Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC) together with some of his followers traveled to the Hong Sar Htow monastery, located in Kyat Khaing Ye Quarter, Thanbyuzayat Township. When there, they questioned the abbot about the number of monks who live in the monastery, as well as requesting detailed biographies of each inhabitant.

The abbot was concerned after being questioned by authorities, telling HURFOM, “I don’t know why they asked me these questions. Maybe they are suspicious of us because so many strangers have been visiting our monastery since the September uprising?”

Similarly, authorities recently conducted a survey in some monasteries in Ye township, asking about monk numbers and biographies. They have also issued a warning to monks, requesting they avoid unnecessary travel around the time of the referendum.

“They warned us not to travel around the 10th of May. They said that political issues were of no concern to monks.” relayed a Ye township monk.

A politician who asked to remain anonymous said, “Authorities are closely monitoring the monks in the lead up to the referendum, using skillful strategies to investigate their activities.”

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News