State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee bans Ma Ba Tha

 May 23, 2017

The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee made four decisions yesterday in connection with the organisation for protection of race and religion, also known as Ma  Ba Tha, ordering the organisation to cease all activities under the name of Ma Ba Tha.

The decisions came at the Seventh State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee’s 47-member special meeting.

The Sangha Maha Nayaka is a government-appointed body of high-ranking Buddhist monks that oversees and regulates Buddhist clergy. The letter sent to the authorities following the meeting of the highest body of the Members of the Sangha in Myanmar said groups or individuals cannot take any actions under the name of Ma Ba Tha.

The second decision said Ma Ba Tha signboards nationwide are to be taken down by 15th July.

The third decision said any infringement of the above two resolutions would be punished under both Buddhist and civil law.

The fourth decision urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to enforce the third decision as soon as possible.
In another letter attached to the former one with decisions of the committee, the chairman and secretary figures of Ma Ba Tha signed, promising that the organisation would strictly follow the decisions of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and would inform the decisions to members of the organisation.

Global New Light of Myanmar

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar