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Monks in Mandalay begin protest for peace in Burma and the world

By The Best Friend  •  November 15, 2011

Local Buddhist monks in Mandalay, Burma, protested for peace and freedom inside the Maha Buddhavam Museum of the Mahamuni Buddha Image which is located in southern part of the town. They were led by five monks probably including one from Germany and the protest began around 5 o’clock in the morning.

They delivered the following message:

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 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.

Sincerely,
Burmese Buddhist monks and all people working for peace

People all around Mandalay suddenly came where they were protesting and supported the monks by donating drinking water, rice and other materials. Local authorities reached into the complex of the Mahamuni Image and tried to persuade for possible discussion but the monks closed doors and stayed silent inside.

Other Buddhist monks joined the protesting monks and they held meetings to continue the protest against Thein Sein government of Burma. Some participating monks came out on the upper floor of the museum and talked about peace and freedom of all Burma political prisoners. That was the first anti-government protest in Mandalay after 2007 Saffron Revolution.

Tags: Monks, Protest, The Best Friend

This post is in: Blog

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