Some 200 Buddhist monks staged a “sit-down” protest at Eindawyar Pagoda in Mandalay starting at 1:00 pm on Friday, to protest the violent crackdown by riot police on peaceful protesters, including hundreds of monks, at the Monywa copper mine site in Sagaing Division.
According to Mizzima correspondent Ko Lwin, the monks condemned the Monywa authorities for using violence—including tear gas, smoke bombs and water cannons—to disperse the protesters from six camps around Latpadaung Mountain early on Thursday morning.
The monks said they are also calling for an investigation into the crackdown and demand that the culprits are held to account for their actions.
“Photographs of the monks who were injured—including some with horrific burns—were being displayed at the temple,” said Ko Lwin. “The monks called on the Union Government to reveal within five days who the culprits were who ordered and committed the violence.”
Built in 1947 by royal appointment, Eindawyar Pagoda has long been a venue for strikes, mass meetings and public assemblies. It has also played a historic role in the political upheavals of Burma since colonial times.
For more background:
http://www.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/8477-presidents-office-retracts-govt-assessment-on-monywa-crackdown.html
http://www.mizzima.com/news/inside-burma/8471-80-injured-in-monywa-crackdown.html
