On the occasion of the 52nd State Religious Day celebration held on August 26 at Than Dwey township in Rakhine state, Buddhist monks gave an explanation to dispel rumors that are being circulated on the internet.
Various internet websites have been spreading rumors that Buddhist religious flags are being put at Muslim houses and monks are forcing people from different religions to wear Buddhist monk’s robe in township areas.
A monk group from Rules Protection and Help Support Group of Than Dwey township who are leading the State Religious Day celebration released a statement on the August 25 to clear up the rumors.
The statement declares that the information on these websites are totally incorrect and they are all fabricated. It also states that the State Religion Organizing Committee has no intention of oppressing any other religion.
U Sandi Ma, an organizer told Mizzima, “The news is not correct at all. We are not treating anyone like this. We are only following the Buddhist religious tradition of listening to sermons, and accepting alms.”
One of the monks organizing the celebration said that Buddhist teachings will be preached to the audience and about 300 Buddhist monks will go around the city to receive alms as part of the celebrations
