ABSDF STATEMENT ON COMMUNAL CRISIS

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ABSDF STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT PROBLEM INVOLVING BUDDHISTS MONKS 

Date: March 24, 1997

1. On March 15 two Muslim men attempted to rape a young Burmese woman in Mandalay. The incident lead to religious conflict between Buddhists monks and Muslims in Mandalay, and the conflict has now spread to other cities across the country.

2. We believe that the current unrest is partly a result of frustrations experienced by Burmese Buddhist monks who have fought for the restoration of justice after a severe crackdown on the monks following the 1988 uprising. We, however, suspect that the 
SLORC, as always, is  fomenting conflict between the Buddhist monks and the Muslims in order to divert attention from the country's economic and political problems. Successive military regimes in Burma have created communal, racial or religious conflicts 
to divert the focus of attention from political and
economic problems whenever such problems are imminent.

3. While people from all walks of life are struggling for their rights, SLORC is facing a social, political and economic crisis. This crisis has the potential to lead to an explosive situation
in Burma. 

4. "All the shortcomings in Burma are the end result of prevailing injustice, a void of the rule of law and lack of fundamental rights. It is upsetting to note that the followers of different religions - Buddhists, Muslims, Christians - are all being oppr
essed and are all being denied freedom of religion. Similarly, it is important for the people of Burma to remember that the military government is our common target and all the  existing problems in Burma are the result of 34 years of military rule.

5. We request that the members of all the different religions be vigilant of the SLORC's tactics and that they refrain from participating in any communal conflict. We also request that the
leaders of all religious orders find a peaceful solution to the problems without harboring any animosity. We urge the people of Burma to bear in mind the importance of restoring democracy and human rights in our country and steadfastly work towards this u
ltimate goal.

Central Committee
All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF)
Date: March 24, 1997