National League for Democracy

(97/b) West Shwegondine Road

Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 7(1/99)

Contents of petition dated 7 January 1999 from the Chairman of the NLD

to the Chairman Sayadaw (Abbot) of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Order

are distributed for public information.

(Start)

" Reverend Benefactors and Sayadaw,

I respectfully place the following facts before you on behalf of the

National League for Democracy and the Central Executive Committee.

Our reason for making this petition is because of information we have

received about two Buddhist sanghas in the town of Yesagyo, Magwe

Division who are collaborating with the Military Intelligence Service

(MIS) in their political activities.

A monk by the name of U Nanda Wuntha (a) U Nan Gyi, residing at the

western monastery of Ye-sa-gyo-town in Magwe Division, and another by

the name of U Ainda Wuntha (a) U Aung Si residing at Min O monastery are

assisting the MIS in their endeavour to undermine the NLD, lower their

morale and to obtain their resignations from the party.

The National League for Democracy is a legally constituted political

party engaged in political activities permitted by the laws made by the

present rulers of the country . In the Multiparty general elections held

in May, 1990, this party was overwhelmingly elected as representatives

to the People's Parliament by men and women who have always donated the

four essential necessary for the survival of monkhood. Therefore it can

be said that this is a people's party.

We respectfully reiterate that as a political party we have never

exploited religion for political gain which is a prohibition stipulated

by law. Similarly, in accordance with the teachings of the Lord Buddha

himself and as given in the Scriptures, the discipline that must be

observed by monks has been laid down. Interference of any nature (in

deed or in utterances) is intolerable and inappropriate.

We, therefore, respectfully bow at your feet and petition you to

admonish the sangha at all levels (States, Divisions, Townships) to

abide strictly by the discipline laid down in the Scriptures and

befitting their standing in the community.

May you, the Venerable Chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka

Order and all the Sangha Nayaka Sayadaws enjoy health and prosperity

both physical and mental to enable you to continue in your task for the

benefit of the Buddhist Mission. " (End)

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

12 January 1999