School teacher arrested for photographing monks in Myitkyina

Network Media Group
23 September 2007.

Over 200 monks and local people staged a protest march for the first time in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state at mid-day today in support of the nation-wide monks' demonstration. A school teacher who was taking photographs of the marching monks was arrested.

"Over 200 monks walked out from 'Kyaungtai temple' chanting metta and mantra and holding religious flags in front of them. They had their bowl upside down. The monks started to walk out from the 'Kyaungtai temple' and went around the city. After going around the market they went back to the monastery. The demonstration started at 11:30 a.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m." a protester said.

Monks staged protests both in Myitkyina and Bhamo.  

A school teacher, who teaches children in 'Kyaungtai temple', in Yuzana ward, Myitkyina was taking pictures of the protest. He was arrested on his way back.

"I heard he had been arrested by the Special Branch. He was taken away on a motorcycle. Over 100 students are studying in 'Kyaungtai temple'.

The authorities, however, did not intervene to stop the demonstration but they took photographs of demonstrators.

The monks are taking action to have the school teacher released.

About 500 local people participated in the monks' movement. Many people cheered from the road side.