Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
The most influential group of Buddhist monks Myanmar ask military junta stop violence against protesters. This is seen as a sign of a rift in relations with the authorities.
In his most obvious condemnation, the group of monks of the Sahgha Maha Nayaka (Mahana) Committee called on the military junta to stop the crackdown on protesters. The criticism was contained in a draft statement of Mahana’s stance.
Mahana’s attitude indicates a rift with the authorities, who usually cooperate with the government. It is known that the Mahana Committee is a body formed by the government.
Mahana plans to issue a final statement after consulting with the minister of religious affairs tomorrow, Thursday (18/3). This was conveyed by a monk who attended the Mahana Committee meeting, as reported from Myanmar Now.
However, Mahana members did not answer when contacted Reuters.
Earlier, in 2007, monks were at the forefront of the “Saffron Revolution” against the then-ruling junta in Myanmar. It was seen as a rebellion that helped pave the way for democratic reform.
In Myanmar, the protest against the coup continues and the death toll is increasing. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) recorded that the total number of victims was more than 180 people.
The military junta has cut off internet access in Myanmar, making verification of information difficult and few Myanmar citizens have access to WiFi. Not only that, the junta also imposed martial law in a number of areas, including Yangon and Mandalay.
If the chaos in Myanmar continues, food and fuel will continue to surge, triggering hunger.
The World Food Program (WFP) said food prices increased during the wave of protests. Palm oil was up 20 percent, rice was up 4 percent in the Yangon area.
WFP director Stephen Anderson said the signs were troubling.
“After overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic, if this price trend continues, it will seriously damage the ability of the poorest and most vulnerable people to provide enough food for their families,” he said.
Meanwhile, fuel prices have soared by 15 percent across Myanmar. This has sparked fears of an impact on food prices.
“The increase in food and fuel prices was exacerbated by a near paralysis of the banking sector, a slowdown in remittances, and broad restrictions on the availability of cash,” said a WFP statement.
(isa/dea)
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