There are serious concern for the safety of seven monks who were involved in the 23 November 1998, demonstration in Mandalay, Burma. The SPDC government is searching for the seven monks namely:
1. Ashin Wilartha Mya Taung Monastery Mandalay 2. Ashin Za Nin Da Khin Makan Monastery Mandalay 3. Ashin May Gi Da Gwe Cho Monastery Mandalay 4. Ashin Wi Lar That A Kaut Khun Monastery Mandalay 5. Ashin Te Za Moe Kaung Monastery Mandalay 6. Ashin Zaw Tiparla Moe Kaung Monastery Mandalay 7. Ashin Sein Di Mar Moe Kaung Monastery Mandalay
Military agents are demanding that the abbots of the monasteries concerned hand over the monks for their participation in the recent demonstrations.
The November 23 demonstration started at 9.00 a.m. 300-400 monks participated in the event, demanding the following: 1. Removal of the military dictatorship 2. Release of monks who have been imprisoned 3. A legal enquiry into the case of the Maha Mrat Muni Buddhi image. 4. Recognition at the State level of Buddhist religious literature examinations.
While the monks were chanting their demands peacefully, a conflict broke out between demonstrators and police from Aung May Tha Zan police station. During the conflict, policemen opened fire, and bystanders supported the monks. The demonstrators then started throwing stones at the policemen and the station.The local SPDC office located at Pyi Kyaw Market was destroyed by an angry mob. The demonstrators dispersed at 10 pm.
Following the demonstration, troops took up position around the Maha Wi Thu Dar Ron, Moe Kaung and Htee Lin Monasteries in Mandalay, and have been closely watching the monks there.
The SPDC has been holding its own religious ceremonies in Myin Gyan, Myan Aung and Pegu attempting to divert attention way from Buddhist monks who are challenging the government.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please letters urging the Burmese authorities to – expressing our concern on reports that 7 monks in Mandalay, Myanamar are being wanted by the police. – urging the SPDC to release all those arrested in the last five months for their peaceful political activities, including Dr. U Saw Mra Aung; -urging the SPDC not to ill-treat or torture anyone currently in detention; – calling on the SPDC to make public a list of all those detained, their whereabouts, and any charges brought against them; – reminding the government of Myanmar of its commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular Article 20
(1):\”Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.\”
SEND APPEALS TO: Lieutenant General Khin Nyunt, Secretary 1 State Peace and Development Council c/o Director of Defence Services Intelligence (DDSI) Ministry of Defence, Signal Pagoda Road Dagon Post Office Yangon Union of Myanmar Faxes: + 95 1 229 50
Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman State Peace and Development Council c/o Director of Defence Services Intelligence (DDSI) Ministry of Defence, Signal Pagoda Road Dagon Post Office Yangon Union of Myanmar
Send COPIES TO: Diplomatic representatives of Myanmar accredited to your country.
Please remember to send a copy of your letter to AHRC: ua@ahrchk.org
