The ruling military junta did not hesitate to use force even against unarmed, peace-promoting, modestly robed Buddhist monks. They were kicked and beaten as soldiers rounded them up and shoved them onto trucks. Doors of their monasteries were broken; things were ransacked and taken away. We understand that thousands of them have been taken away, their fate still obscure. There are now reports indicating that they could have been tortured and even killed.
Buddhist monks are greatly revered for their exceptionally humble, harmless and peaceful way of life. If the military rulers can act so ruthlessly against such defenseless spiritually inclined monks, it is frightening to imagine what more they are capable of doing to others less spiritual in outlook and behaviour.
The cowardly and brutal acts of the ruling military junta should be condemned by the whole international community. Definitely these acts of aggression against unarmed civilians and peaceful monks are inhumane and treacherous to the human race. On the other hand the actions of the brave people of
The protests may have been brutal and horrifying but in this whole incident, two important lessons came out of it for us.
Firstly it was the bravery of the people of
Secondly the mutual love between the people and the monks was exceptionally captivating. It was touching to see the people forming a human shield around the monks who led the procession. The people were willing to give their lives to defend their monks.
Monks being shielded by people
We witnessed a heart-touching situation of two groups of people each willing to even sacrifice their lives for the other. These actions of the brave monks and people of
It is regrettable that voices of condemnation are not freely forthcoming from ASEAN countries. Where are our own youth organizations who are normally quick to organize mammoth rallies for many trivial but politicized reasons? Here we have genuine oppression, persecution and murder of innocent fellow humans beings, why are we remaining idle? Why aren’t we exercising our moral obligation as good neighbours? Why do we need the West to lead, which often they do for their own political and economic gains?
As neighbours, the Association of South EastAsian Nations (ASEAN) must lead the world in condemning these atrocities in
Dr.Chris Anthony
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