Teaching of Shan suspended

Teaching of Shan suspended

Teaching of Shan organized by a Shan temple in eastern Shan State was recently terminated by Burmese authorities, reported the Network Media Group.

The Burmese officials, led by U Thein Zaw, head of the Department of the Propagation of Sasana, told Reverend Wisala, abbot of Wanpek Temple in Mongpiang, 80 km west of Kengtung, on 7 July, teaching literature and traditional dancing were against the monastic moral code. He was also quoted as saying students should attend to their normal school affairs instead.

More than 40 students, 30 of whom were from nearby village of Mongpu Awn who were participating in the program were sent back home.

An ex-monk in Maesai, Chiangrai, told S.H.A.N. he was not sure whether the whole literacy and culture campaign that was launched before the military took power in 1962 and managed by the Shan monks in general would be affected by this latest event.

"I hope it's only a local affair and not part of the government's policy," he said.