Myanmar’s Buddhist monks split over opposition to coup

Some younger monks have defied religious edicts against political activity to proclaim their condemnation of the generals

But others have defended the military junta, claiming it is the only force capable of stopping the ‘Islamisation’ of Myanmar

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A monk gestures during an anti-coup protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, on May 10. Photo: EPA

Published: 3:01pm, 13 May 2021Updated: 10:22pm, 13 May 2021

Myanmar’s Buddhist monkhood led an earlier struggle against military rule but is split on the coup that ended the country’s nascent democracy, with some prominent religious leaders defending the new junta.

Three months of turmoil have followed the February predawn raids in which soldiers arrested civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her top allies, sparking furious and widespread opposition.

Protesters have mobilised on the streets daily ever since, defying threats of lethal violence from security forces who have shot dead hundreds in an effort to bring the public to heel.

A Buddhist monk marches with anti-coup protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar, on April 30. Photo: EPA

Joining their ranks are a number of largely young, crimson-robed monks who have defied religious edicts against political activity to proclaim their condemnation of the generals.

“I am willing to give up my precious monkhood and take part in the revolution together with the people,” said Shwe Ohh Sayardaw, 44, who is currently moving between different monasteries in an effort to evade arrest.

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