Burmese monks will lead a peaceful march through the town of Mae Sot, on the Thai-Burma border. The march is taking place on September 21st International Peace Day, as well as during the 2nd anniversary of Burma’s Saffron Revolution. Hundreds of people from Thailand and many other countries will also be participating. The march symbolizes solidarity of peoples and faiths working for peace, and an end to nuclear efforts and conflict in Burma.
The peace march will begin at a memorial shrine outside of Mae Sot and then go through the city centre until it reaches the Moei River, the boundary between Thailand and Burma. The march will be quiet, with bells being rung by monks and dove-placards and a banner expressing the Metta Sutra. The Metta Sutra is a prayer for universal love. There will also be an inter-faith prayer service.
Ashin Sopaka, Burmese monk and member of International Burmese Monk Organization (IBMO), said, “I am participating in this march because my life is for peace and justice, nothing more that is my belief. I donate my life for the well being of people of the world. I feel so painful in my heart because of too much violence on our tiny planet, especially in Burma.”
The Saffron Revolution in September 2007 was one of the largest uprisings in Burmese recent history. Monks lead peaceful marches in dozens of cities in Burma, calling for peace and political dialogue. The military regime responded in a brutal crackdown. Violence and restrictions against Burma’s monks has continued. There are currently over 200 monks and nuns still in prison, with arrests still happening. There will be prominent monks from the Saffron Revolution who will participate in the peace walk. Continue reading “Press Release | Burmese and Thais Join Together for Peace March”
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