Three Pagoda Pass DKBA barred to enjoin the traditional Padaytor Pint

Independent Mon News Agency

October 29, 2004

The Three Pagoda Pass-based Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) was barred by the Burmese army from joining in the annual traditional Padaytor Pint, in which a tree is hung with various items as offerings at the end of Buddhist Lent.

“The army ordered that the DKBA not be allowed to donate Padaytor Pint to any temple in Three Pagoda Pass. If the DKBA acts against it they will shoot,” IMNA source Min Thit Swe reported.

The case started after the DKBA complained to Burmese army commander Lt Colonel Aye Cho when DKBA members were barred from entering the temple hall to listen to Buddhist teaching because they were late.

“Yesterday, there was no quarrel made by the DKBA to the Burmese army. The. DKBA kept silent. No DKBA joined in offering Padaytor Pint,” a Daeyaing Kalorm temple donor said.

“The Burmese army put its troops near the DKBA base last night,” Min Thit reported.

“Just of a few DKBA traveling around the town and it is not habit of DKBA,” Min Thit added.

“It is like a Military Intelligence (MI) friend.," Min Thit said "The DKBA was beaten after the MI was crushed,” Min Thit said.

The MI gave high power to the DKBA before they were dismembered by the Burmese army, and the DKBA in Three Pagoda Pass and other areas made threats to people. But no authorities took action for that, according to Min Thit.

Now the DKBA friend MI has been cracked down on, and 42 MI members in Three Pagoda Pass were detained in the army camp and will be sent inside while the army makes an exchange of troops in coming days, Min Thit said.