U Sonny, a spokesperson for the joint group, said plans were proposed for regular peace discussion meetings to take place in each township to help ease religious tensions.

Leaders from the four religious denominations who attended the meeting said that if meetings are held regularly, it could help to reduce the current religious and racial conflicts.

“By holding these kinds of discussion meetings, people of different religions will develop mutual trust and respect. Conflicts are much less likely to arise. Even if a conflict flares up, religious leaders could intervene to stop it in time,” U Sonny added.

Dr. Myit Thein, a Muslim who attended the meeting, said that when conflicts occur, action should be taken in accordance with justice and the rule of law.

During Tuesdays’ meeting, U Pinyarthiri, an abbot from Sein Pan Monastery in North Okkalapa Township, said that compassion and tolerance are required to build peace and stop conflicts.

It was announced that a ‘Peace and Unity for all Religious Groups of North Okkalapa Township Meeting’ will now be held regularly every month. After the meeting, the Buddhist monks were offered food in the mosque.