dzee
10-02-2007, 08:06 PM
It amazed me that for all the talk about college campus shootings and the obesity epidemic, this hasn't been talked about, not at all. So, here.
Burmese monks 'to be sent away (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7022437.stm)
Burmese people eat on the streets of Rangoon
Monks are absent, but people in Rangoon are going about their lives
Thousands of monks detained in Burma's main city of Rangoon will be sent to prisons in the far north of the country, sources have told the BBC.
About 4,000 monks have been rounded up in the past week as the military government has tried to stamp out pro-democracy protests.
They are being held at a disused race course and a technical college.
Sources from a government-sponsored militia said they would soon be moved away from Rangoon.
The monks have been disrobed and shackled, the sources told BBC radio's Burmese service. There are reports that the monks are refusing to eat.
The country has seen almost two weeks of sustained popular unrest, in the most serious challenge to the military leadership for more than two decades.
The authorities said 10 people were killed as the protests were dispersed, though diplomats and activists say the number of dead was many times higher.
The banned opposition broadcaster Democratic Voice of Burma has issued a picture which they say shows the body of a monk floating near the mouth of the Rangoon river.
Last week several monasteries were raided, and there were reports of monks being beaten and killed.
With many monks behind bars, the demonstrations have now died down.
I don't want to think the 13 monks (well, those reported so far) have died for nothing. As much as I do want a democracy to dawn upon this country, however, I doubt the military government will relinquish its power just like that.
I am touched by the monks' sacrifice, though, and I find their determination and the love for their people incredibly moving. It's heartwrenching to see how these people are dying for what we all take for granted. I also find it terribly disgusting when people say they cannot be bothered about it, just because they can't do anything about it. For me, it's one thing to recognise or feel that you cannot do anything about this; it's quite another to think it worthless or to say they cannot be bothered to pay any attention to it.
Here's a last quote:
Their eyes are on the international community, their only hope is that the world will see their plight and help them.
I also thought I'd include this link, whether you believe online petitions helpful or not. It's your choice, afterall.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/
So, am I the only one who feels so strongly about this? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this, of course - which is why I actually bothered to start this thread. :)
Burmese monks 'to be sent away (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7022437.stm)
Burmese people eat on the streets of Rangoon
Monks are absent, but people in Rangoon are going about their lives
Thousands of monks detained in Burma's main city of Rangoon will be sent to prisons in the far north of the country, sources have told the BBC.
About 4,000 monks have been rounded up in the past week as the military government has tried to stamp out pro-democracy protests.
They are being held at a disused race course and a technical college.
Sources from a government-sponsored militia said they would soon be moved away from Rangoon.
The monks have been disrobed and shackled, the sources told BBC radio's Burmese service. There are reports that the monks are refusing to eat.
The country has seen almost two weeks of sustained popular unrest, in the most serious challenge to the military leadership for more than two decades.
The authorities said 10 people were killed as the protests were dispersed, though diplomats and activists say the number of dead was many times higher.
The banned opposition broadcaster Democratic Voice of Burma has issued a picture which they say shows the body of a monk floating near the mouth of the Rangoon river.
Last week several monasteries were raided, and there were reports of monks being beaten and killed.
With many monks behind bars, the demonstrations have now died down.
I don't want to think the 13 monks (well, those reported so far) have died for nothing. As much as I do want a democracy to dawn upon this country, however, I doubt the military government will relinquish its power just like that.
I am touched by the monks' sacrifice, though, and I find their determination and the love for their people incredibly moving. It's heartwrenching to see how these people are dying for what we all take for granted. I also find it terribly disgusting when people say they cannot be bothered about it, just because they can't do anything about it. For me, it's one thing to recognise or feel that you cannot do anything about this; it's quite another to think it worthless or to say they cannot be bothered to pay any attention to it.
Here's a last quote:
Their eyes are on the international community, their only hope is that the world will see their plight and help them.
I also thought I'd include this link, whether you believe online petitions helpful or not. It's your choice, afterall.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/
So, am I the only one who feels so strongly about this? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this, of course - which is why I actually bothered to start this thread. :)