19 Aug — Religious matters concerning taking action against bogus monks and novices were supplicated to 28 members of the Sangha of All Ganas State and Township Sangha Nayaka Committees at Maha Waiyan Sasana Beikman of Lawkananda Pagoda in Sittway yesterday.

In his supplication, U Tin Win, acting religious affairs officer of Rakhine State Religious Affairs Department, said Sangha Nayaka Committees at different levels have been discharging religious duties for 28 years in accord with the Vinichaya rules and procedures after successful holding of Sangha Meeting of All Ganas in 1980. They have also been carrying out three major tasks of purification, perpetuation and propagation of the Sasana.

The government undertakes measures on religious matters passed in accord with the Vinichaya rules if necessary. Although Sangha committees at different levels and government organizations carry out the tasks for purification of the Sasana, there are still a small number of bogus monks and novices.

Nyanache (a) Maung Hla Thein, 22, son of U Maung Tun Tha of Satyoekya Village in Sittway, Maung Maung Gyi (a) Taung Maw, 38, son of U Alon Maung, Min Kyaw Soe, 20, son of U San Mya Kyaw, Maung Maung, 25, son of U Maung Tha Nu and Zaw Htay, 20, son of U Tin Shwe of Setyonzu block-1 and U Aung Nyunt, 57, son of U Wa Pru Aung were exposed to have asked for donations pretending to be monks without being ordained. On 14 August, Myanmar Police Force and members of Ward Peace and Development Council searched their houses and confiscated old robes they wore. Action is being taken against them under Section 295 (A). Some young monks drank liquor and in some cases action was taken against them according to law.

Their misbehaviour tarnishes the dignity of the members of the Sangha and the image of the Sasana. He urged the Sayadaws to take action against them under the directives and Vinichaya procedures and tell them to reside in monasteries in accord with rules and regulations prescribed. The ceremony came to a close at 10.45 am.