Junta commander

Junta commander: Goodbye, Shan theater

Human Rights

Maj Gen Khin Maung Myint, Commander of Taunggyi-based Eastern Region Command (Southern Shan State), had a popular Shan theatrical troupe cancel its scheduled performance in order to allow a military-trained theatrical group that had accompanied him from Loilem to perform, charged visitors from Thailand who returned recently. 

All the same, the directive to the effect was issued to Hsanghsaw, conductor of the Mawk Hom Hsoong Dramatic Society of Namkhai, a village south of Lashio, on the 7th Waning Moon of the 12th Lunar Month (15 November), at the festival grounds by a military officer. The group was performing in Kehsi, a northernmost township of Loilem district, 184 miles northeast of Taunggyi. 

"Your performance will draw most of the audience to you thereby making the local authorities lose face," he was reported to have said, "because the regional commander himself will be attending the Burmese performance." 

Another source, however, argued the order could have come from a local military commander. 

Thousands of Shans coming from neighboring townships to enjoy the entertainment were reported to have left the festival grounds disappointed. "Many of them also went to the gambling dens on the same grounds instead," said one. 

Gambling is an illegal activity but generally ignored by government officials in Burma. 

The festival in Kehsi was held, 11-16 November, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Rev Zawana, Abbot of Kehsi's Pawng Ood Monastery. Despite his age, 100 on the 8th Waning Moon (16 November), he is still enjoying a good health, his eyes and hearing still un impaired by old age.