Junta stalking another revered monk

Human Rights

Junta stalking another revered monk

In the wake of last months' designation of persona non grata for the Shans' most revered monk Khrubar Boonzoom Nyanasamvaro Bikkhu, other famous monks in Tachilek have been put on the authorities' prime suspect list, according to sources from the city.

Those on the list includes Khrubar Saengla Dhammasiri of Hsaimong monastery and Khrurbar La Panyacaro Bhikkhu of Ponglo monastery, better known as Sao (Chao) Viset.

The information was disclosed on 19 June, when Sao Viset's car returning from Kengtung was stopped and searched at Markyang, the northern gateway to Tachilek. "The order came directly from Rangoon," said an embarrassed officer.

The event followed 15 June, when Khrubar Boonzoom of Monghpong, a Thai-born Shan monk, was declared persona non grata. (Revered Shan monk under 'temple arrest', S.H.A.N., 2 June 2004; From eyetooth to departure, 12 July 2004)

Khrubar Sao Viset was born on 4 June 1970 at Hawngleuk village, Tachilek township. Known as a monk of rare austere practices, he is respected by both Burman and non-Burman lay people alike.

Khrubar Chao Viset with a lay disciple, Maj Zaw Naing Oo, in Rangoon in 2000