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An appeal for the Sanghas



An appeal for the Burmese Sanghas to observe 9th anniversary of military
Coup d' tat by staying inside their respective monasteries.
 
September 18, 1997 marks the 9th anniversary of bloody crackdown of
peoples' uprising by the Slorc, military junta.
 
As a result of 9 years of military rule, Burma's economy has touched the
bottom and the people are suffering acute economic crisis. Many times
over, the Sanghas have to return to their monasteries with empty bowls. It
is shameful that in Burma, where Buddhism flourishes and rice are plenty;
the Sanghas should experience starvation. 
 
Despite their promise of a new democratic society, Slorc ignore the result
of 1990 general election, attempt to prolong their rule by convening
so-called national convention and place all the oppositions in jail. These
acts show that all the Slorc's promises are empty.
 
323 Sanghas have been killed since 1988 uprising. 16 Sanghs died in prison
after military takes over. After military coup, 500 Sanghas were arrested
by the Slorc, of which 152 Sanghas are still in various prisons in Burma.
Those 152 Sanghas are disrobed and sent to labor camps. Due to fear of
arrest, over 30, 000 Sanghas returned to layman life. Over 200 Sanghas
left for border areas controlled by revolutionary groups.
 
In some remote areas, Slorc inducted native people into Buddhism by force.
Slorc deliberately involves Sanghas in bloody killings created by them
(e.g. Myaing Gyi Ngu Sayadaw and DKBO-KNU conflict). Religious conflicts
instigated by the Slorc indicate their attempt to undermine Buddhism
(e.g., Buddhist-Moslem conflict in March 1997).
 
As long as Slorc exists, there can be no political stability; where there
is no political stability there can not be peace and prosperity. We
strongly believe that in order to become a just, peaceful and prosperous
country the present military dictatorship must be eradicated from the
Burmese soil. 
 
Therefore, we earnestly appeal all the Sanghas to observe the occasion
that falls on 18 September 1997 by staying inside their monasteries and
temples. 
 
Sanghas, orders of Buddha, can not die from missing a meal.
 
Date- 1 September 1997.
 
 
 
Central Executive Committee
Galonni Sangahs' League.
Upper Burma.
 
This statement has been unofficially translated by the Burma Info Group
(India).
 
Appendix
 
1. The Sanghas should be careful, for Slorc can diverge the movement by
instigating religious conflict.
2. The people should support the Sanghas in their movement by sending
foods and offerings to their monasteries.