National League for Democracy

No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road

Bahan, Rangoon

STATEMENT 2 (1/99)

The contents of petition dated 30 December 1998 addressed to the

Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Order from the Chairman

of the National League for Democracy is disclosed for all to understand.

(Start)

" Reverend Sayadaw,

I respectfully place these facts before you on behalf of the National

League for Democracy and the Central Executive Committee.

The authorities in Magwe Division, Sinbaungwae township are applying all

kinds of illegal measures to oppress and coerce members of the National

League for Democracy which is a political party. In addition, in order

to obtain the resignation of the members of the NLD, they are

threatening and intimidating family members who have nothing to do with

the NLD.

An unsavoury factor in what is really a political issue is the behaviour

of Sayadaw Ahshin Damapiya, Chairman of the Sinbaungwae Township Sangha

Nayaka Order, residing at Kyaukmaw monastery who has been working in

co-operation with the military intelligence and repeatedly pressuring

the NLD members in the township, wards, villages and village tracts as

follows:-

" Give in your resignation.

Put your signature indicating that you agree to resign.

Revoke the bequest of land and house that is being used as NLD office

by the township organising committee.

Remove the signboard and take down the flag.

There is no time for continuing in this way, so just consent as quickly

as possible"

Our Lord Buddha has prescribed precepts which all Buddhist monks must

abide by. Your most venerable person can judge if the present activities

of the Sayadaw of Sinbaungwae township is in accordance with the said

precepts and to admonish him accordingly. Your disciple's National

League for Democracy is an organisation striving for democracy for the

country, human rights and peace. It is acting in a peaceful manner

without resort to violence. We are not motivated by hatred or revenge. I

respectfully submit that our organisation is not " using religion for

political gain" which is specifically prohibited by the law.

There are examples where our Lord Buddha endeavoured to obtain peace for

all living beings- contained in the Scriptures for the welfare of the

world, welfare of relatives, and for the attainment of Buddhahood. There

are instances when the Lord Buddha intervened when all the people were

engulfed in trouble. When vice is opposed to virtue, the winner is

always virtue.

In this matter, where living beings are suffering from persecutions and

brutality, love and compassion should be exercised, in accordance with

the teachings in the Scriptures and your venerable person can take

appropriate steps to rectify the wrong direction that is being taken.

I respectfully make this submission and request that in your esteemed

position as Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Order, you

admonish the sangha Nayaka Sayadaw at all levels (State, Divisions,

Township) to act in accordance with the precepts and discipline

prescribed in the Scriptures. " (END)

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

5 January 1999