ABYMU STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST

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Subject: ABYMU STATEMENT ON CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK PROTESTS IN BURMA

          ABYMU STATEMENT REGARDING THE CURRENT BUDDHIST MONK 
                            PROTESTS IN BURMA

                                                     DATE: MARCH 31, 1997


1. The protest led by the Buddhist monks have been occurring and
spreading through out the country since 16 March, 1997.

2. At least three monks were shot dead by the Slorc security
forces, and more than 100 monks were arrested, according to
reliable sources.

3. The monks who were killed sacrificed their lives for the cause
of democracy and human rights and peace in Burma, and actively
campaigning for the release of jailed monks. The ABYMU would like
to express its deep sorrow at the deaths of the monks.

4. The monks were planning a demonstration for Burma's human
rights day on March 13, 1997. However, the demonstration was
postponed when the Slorc, with advance information, arrested some
monks. As a consequence, the situation was highly tense between
March 13-15.

5. In an attempt to prevent monks from engaging in political
activity, Slorc has in the past plotted religious conflict
between Buddhists and Muslims. Because of the March 16 incidents,
monks in Mandalay held a meeting to discuss the deaths of monks
in prison, the release of jailed monks, and also the incident in
which precious gems were stolen by the Slorc officials form the
famous Maha Myat Mu Nye Pagoda in Mandalay. During the meeting 
two Slorc officials arrived and stirred up religious conflict.

6. In the third week of March, the Slorc denied the news that
sixteen monks had died in prison. However the ABYMU has strong
evidence in relation to the reported deaths and it has already
informed Amnesty International and the UN Human Right Committee.

7. If such human rights violations were not occurring in Burma's
prisons, there would be no reason for the Slorc to refuse
representatives form the UN Human Rights Committee and
international human rights to inspect the jails and have access
to prisoners.

8. On March 25 the Slorc announced that it would crush any
demonstration by the monks. However, the ABYMU and monks inside
Burma will, along with the  people of Burma, continue to fight
for the release of jailed monks and for human rights, peace and
democracy.


Central Leading Committee
ABYMU