Revered Shan monk under 'temple arrest'

Human Rights

Revered Shan monk under 'temple arrest'

Khru Bar Boonzoom, the Shans' most venerated monk, has recently been 'advised' by Burmese authorities to suspend his roving missionary tours and stay put at his temple for 1-2 years, reports Flying Horse from the border:

Military intelligence officers from Rangoon together with local officials paid a surprise visit to his Sri Dawn Herng temple, 40 miles from Tachilek and located along the western bank of the Mekong on 22 April, sources from Pahsa village, Monghpong tract reported yesterday.

The 39 year old monk, a Thai national of Shan origin, was interrogated by the officers for 5-hours about his latest circuit of Shan State, that included Panghsang, where he was welcomed by big names like Zhao Yilai and Bao Youxiang, and Hsipaw, where Shan ceasefire troops provided him with an armed guard.

Col Gaifah, Deputy Commander of the Shan State Army "north" and General Secretary of the Shan State Peace Council, who at present is attending the military-organized National Convention outside Rangoon, is known to be one of his most devout lay disciples.

Since the meeting, squads of soldiers from Tachilek-based Light Infantry Battalion 331 have taken guard duties at the temple on rotation.

During the period, the monk had twice flown from Tachilek to Rangoon (20 May) and Mandalay (25 May) to visit his adherents, but each time he was detained on arrival and flown back.

"All of us are worried", said one of his followers in Thailand. "We know he is not engaged in any political activities, but the generals, jealous of their own positions, may see him as a potential contender."

Khru Bar Boonzoom (Boonchoom Nyanasamvara Bikkhu) was born to a Thai father and Shan mother in Chiangrai on 5 January 1965. He was ordained as a novice in Chiangsaen at 10. Two years later, Shans in Monghpong, impressed by his noble bearing as well as his zest for meditation, invited him to make his residence among them. He was ordained as a full monk in 1986 in Chiangmai.

Some Burmans are also among his devotees. One of them is said to be Brig Gen Htun Htun, Commander of Military Operations Command #14, based in Monghsat.