Members of Mon Literature and Culture Association replaced by junta thugs

February 4, 2008

LAWI WENG, HURFOM,

Authorities in Mon State have replaced members of the Mon Literature and Culture Association (MLCA) with members of the regime backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), according to local sources.

The move paved the way for a seven-month old ban on the MLCA to be lifted in Mon State, said a former member of the group in Ye Township. The lifting of the ban is cause for concern, not celebration, said the former member of the Mon association.

“We are worried the USDA members will teach our Mon classes this summer,”
said the former MLCA chairman. Previously, the community group organized classes on Mon language and culture. Former MLC members worry that a USDA-controlled MLCA will be used to as a tool for assimilation.

Former members of the MLCA are under close watch by special branch police officers, said Zaw Min, a former member who escaped to the Thai-Burmese border. The special branch suspects that the Mon group was involved in last September’s protests and civilian uprisings throughout Burma.

Zaw Min said he was interrogated by special branch officers, but he denied that he had ever been a member of the MCLA. Anyone wearing traditional Mon dress is likely to be targeted by the special branch, he added. This was confirmed by a Mon human rights worker who said he recently had to change out of Mon clothing after he arrived in Ye Township and was followed by special branch officers.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News