Overseas Shans are organizing a direct aid programme for thousands of Shan residents in Rangoon division who are among the victims of Cyclone Nargis that lashed southern Burma on May 2 and3, sources said.
The roof of the house of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) leader Khun Tun Oo, who is serving a 93 year prison sentence in Putao was blown away and his General Secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin aka Sai Nood's house was damaged by a mango tree which collapsed. He is serving an 85 year prison sentence in Kalay.
Some Shan houses across the street opposite the Shan Monastery Aung Myay Bontha were damaged. So were those in Twantay, Rangoon division, said a Shan student in Rangoon.
"The Twantay Seiktathukha (Citta Sukha) monastery also was destroyed by the storm. There are many novices and students from Shan State who have been staying at the monastery and attending schools or university. About 75 per cent of four Shan villages in Twantay were in ruins. Villagers need help. The aid relief teams are yet to reach them," said the student.
A member of Shan Literature and Culture Society in Chiangmai said, "Shans should help cyclone victims. We should help each other as best we can. We need heroes and heroines to spearhead this program."
There are around 10 Shan monasteries and thousands of Shan households in Rangoon. Over 100,000 Shans are living in Rangoon, Okkan, Twantay and Taikkyi in Rangoon division and Phyu, Taw Kywe Inn, Mone, Toungoo and Shwe Kyin in Pegu division.
According to the invitation for donation for Nargis victims, organizers included Peunkham Payakwong, Coordinator of the newly formed Tai Coordination Committee (TCC), Buakaew Tungkhaburi, Sida Khemaraj, Dechophol Walingta and Chaiya Kongchuen.
Those who wish to donate may employ the services of the following newly opened bank account:
Mr Dechopol Walingta and Mr Chaiya Kongchuen
Bank account #: 401-131111-3
SIAM COMMERCIAL BANK PCL.
Big C Hangdong Branch
433/4-5 Moo 7 Chiangmai-Hod Rd., Maehia,
Muang, Chiangmai 50100
Swift Code: SICOTHBK
