Buddhist monks in Mandalay, Burma, are protesting for peace and freedom inside the Maha Buddhavam Museum of the Mahamuni Buddha Image, which is located in the southern part of the town. They are led by five monks, including a monk connected to The Best Friend. The monks’ protest began around 5 a.m. this morning.
The monks have released the following open-letter to President Thein Sein as a statement:
Dear President U Thein Sein,
We, the monks and people of Burma who desire peace and justice, demand the following three points to be realized immediately before the 10th of November 2011:
1. To release all political prisoners currently held in Burma, including our brother Buddhist monks who were arrested while they were struggling for peace, freedom, and justice for the people with warm metta (loving-kindness).
2. To stop the civil war with our ethnic brothers, and to commence working for genuine peace and reconciliation with all ethnicities and opposition groups.
3. To stop unnecessary censorship, and to allow the monks and educated people freedom of speech that will result in the greater good for all.
Sincerely, Burmese Buddhist monks and all people working for peace
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People from all around Mandalay turned out to witness the monks’ protest and support the monks by donating drinking water, rice, and other supplies. Local authorities arrived at the complex of the Mahamuni Image and tried to persuade the monks to start a discussion with them, but the monks closed the doors and stayed silent inside.
Other Buddhist monks joined the protesting monks later in the day, and they held a meeting during which it was decided to continue the protest against Thein Sein’s government. Some participating monks came out on the upper floor of the museum to call for peace and freedom for all of Burma’s political prisoners. This is the first anti-government protest in Mandalay since the 2007 Saffron Revolution.
More information/photos:
Naytthit (Burmese blog with video)
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