Nationalist Buddhist group gathers in Myanmar despite ban
May 27, 2017
Thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and supporters of an ultranationalist Buddhist group have gathered at an annual conference on the outskirts of Myanmar's biggest city despite being banned by the government
YANGON, Myanmar — Thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and supporters of an ultranationalist Buddhist group gathered at an annual conference on the outskirts of Myanmar's biggest city on Saturday despite being banned by the government.
The State Sangha Maha Nayaka, the country's highest Buddhist institution, officially banned Ma Ba Tha for motivating riots largely targeting Myanmar's Muslim minority. The group was ordered to stop its activities and to take down its signboards nationwide by July 15.
"According to their terms, our group is called an unlawful association, but we want you to know that our group will not be abolished," a senior monk from the group told the audience at the conference.
Ma Ba Tha and its high-profile leading monk, Wirathu, have been accused of summoning anti-Islamic preaching and stirring up mob violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, causing deaths of Muslims and destruction of their property. Most of the victims are from the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine state.
"We just wanted to save our people, but maybe many people just want to die like dogs and pigs in the hands of the enemy," the monk said.
The government's ban came after Buddhist hard-liners forced local authorities to shut down two Muslim schools in April and later confronted Muslim neighborhoods claiming to search for illegal Rohingya hiding in the area. It was the latest manifestation of years of rising anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar.
"Even if we are banned, that doesn't mean we will disappear," the monk said Saturday. "We will continue to do what we can to protect our race and religion."
MORE NEWS
Naval staffer among two arrested for spying for Pakistan: Andhra Police
Andhra Pradesh Police arrested two individuals as part of an espionage investigation involving contacts with Pakistani operatives. The arrests included a naval employee and a civilian engaged for naval officers. The Counter Intelligence Cell coordinated with police from ten states to track the suspects. Authorities reported that sensitive information was shared regarding defence establishments in India. Further investigation continues to reveal the extent of the conspiracy and other suspects involved.
Hydropower presents massive investment opportunity with 19,000 MW projects underway: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh is focused on hydropower development, with 19,000 MW of projects in various stages. Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the strategic importance of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and the need for public consultations. He emphasised conducting the Preliminary Feasibility Report before deciding on the project's construction. Several infrastructure projects under the Pasighat Smart City Mission were inaugurated to improve urban amenities.
Karnataka HC questions ED over 12-year delay in FEMA case against Cafe Coffee Day CEO Malavika Hegde
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday questioned the Enforcement Directorate over initiating FEMA proceedings against Cafe Coffee Day CEO Malavika Hegde more than 12 years after the transactions under scrutiny. The court examined whether such action was permissible after an unreasonable delay and extended interim protection against the proceedings.
India Vs Uruguay LIVE Score: Can Khalid Jamil's Men Upset The 2-Time World Champions?
India vs Uruguay: Follow all live updates from the FIFA international friendly in Kolkata.
How traditional Chinese medicine is shaping Kazakhstan’s health system
China has pledged to expand its health partnership with Kazakhstan by helping the Central Asian nation integrate traditional medicine directly into its national healthcare system, shifting away from simple product exports. The Chinese embassy in Kazakhstan on Monday called for the alignment of high-level policy to enhance bilateral health cooperation for both countries’ benefit. “Both nations should promote the qualitative upgrading of cooperation in smart healthcare, hi-tech diagnostics and...
Qatar says US-Iran talks to end Middle East war continue via mediators, despite deadlock over Strait of Hormuz
Mediator Qatar confirmed that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran continue amid a protracted conflict. Talks have resumed despite ongoing tensions and previous ceasefires not yielding lasting peace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these discussions. As the war persists, both nations aim to address the strategic concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Protests erupt across India demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over voter list manipulation
Protests have emerged across India as citizens demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators claim that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process threatens voter rights and favors the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say this process requires complex documentation that may disenfranchise vulnerable communities and lead to significant voter list reductions. Opposition parties and activists are calling for more independent election oversight.
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag amid bad weather
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag amid bad weather
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
19-year-old Zain Javaid's startup called Ghost builds an AI computer without screen; the 'brain in a box' can be the next big PC idea
Ghost is pioneering a revolutionary startup with its innovative screenless AI computer known as Core, co-founded by Zain Javaid. This cutting-edge device is crafted to operate AI agents that function independently, engaging users via a mobile application. With an emphasis on security, Core protects user data by keeping it stored locally, steering clear of cloud dependencies.