Junta Clamps Down On Monks

Junta Clamps Down On Monks

Pressure is being applied to monks traveling to and from the Thai border, sources to S.H.A.N. yesterday.

Since mid-May, monks coming to and going from Tachilek, opposite Maesai, Chiangrai Province, have been subject to questionings by local junta officials, they said. "Not only their monk registration cards are being thoroughly scrutinized, but questions as to where they were coming from, how many of them traveling together, on what purpose, for how many days, whom to meet, where they are going and putting up, including full addresses, were asked," said a townsman from Tachilek.

Another agreed. He said even abbots from Kengtung who are members of township and district religious councils were not spared when they were coming to participate in the opening ceremony of a temple in Hawngluek on 20 May.

"It is in stark contrast to what the junta has been telling the rest of the world that nothing's wrong with the religious order in Burma," said the source.

The monks in Mandalay had threatened to march to Rangoon if their demand that the military regime open talks with the opposition were not heeded by 25 May. The military rulers have, however, denied on Monday that there had been any unrest.

Reporter: Saeng Khao Haeng