Gen Khin Nyunt

Gen Khin Nyunt "no Buddhist", say Shans

Politics

Shans returning from Panghsang, the Wa principal town, after a religious ceremony presided over by Gen Khin Nyunt, Burma's #2 strongman, told S.H.A.N. they considered the general an adherent of black magic rather than a Buddhist. 

"Holy monks, especially invited for the occasion, were left to stand around the Razamat (lattice fence) surrounding the Pangkham pagoda," said a layman follower of a Buddhist priest from Kengtung. "Instead, it was him who ambled around the pagoda mumbling incantations and hoisted the hti (bud) and panzak (vane) atop the pagoda." 

The worst insult, they felt, was when Gen Khin Nyunt, from the top of the pagoda, shouted, "Gawng Khan Ja!" (Bear with your heads)" three times. Others, meanwhile, said they thought they heard him say, "Kong Khan Ja!" (Bear with your backs arched). "Whatever he said means we people have to take everything that is meted out to us by the military," one interpreted. 

"He even brought his own Namyard (libation water)from Lashio," added another. "He must be a socercer, that guy." 

Some expressed disappointment in the fact that the general acted "holier" that the Sangha (monkhood). "They are merely using Buddhism (the religion professed by the majority people in Burma) as a tool for their evil purposes." 

Some Buddhist clerics hold different views. "The Dhamma (The law governing nature and beings) is supreme and inviolable," one told S.H.A.N., "and, in the end, wicked intentions will only to destroy those who entertain them." Skeptics however pointed out that the end was long in coming: 

According to Myanmar.com, Gen Khin Nyunt, was in Panghsang on 25 January for the ceremony, attended by "national race leaders", among whom was Bao Yuqiang, president of the Wa. 

The junta leaders, since the days of late dictator Ne Win, are familiar to most observers for their extravagant faith in magic and astrology.