Dr. Sasa addresses the International Network of Engaged Buddhists

Last week, Dr. Sasa, the Spokesperson of Myanmar’s government-in-exile, was invited by the International Network of Engaged Buddhists (INEB) to speak about the coup and his hopes for the future. The INEB is an international organization that sponsors Buddhist-themed responses to social, political and economic challenges around the world, as well as proactive projects in such areas as the arts and gender empowerment. Dr. Sasa spoke to participants from 10 different countries, who listened with concern as he described the dark world that the tatmadaw has unleashed on his homeland. After the presentation, Dr. Sasa graciously stayed on to answer questions.

Dr. Sasa began his talk describing the challenging situation in Myanmar since the February 1 coup. He explained that his country has essentially been taken hostage. In pleading for his homeland to be kept in mind, and for empathy for the plight of his people, he said, “We need love and peace more than ever before!” He wryly noted the irony of himself being accused of high treason by the coup leaders, when they themselves are committing high treason against the nation and people of Myanmar on a daily basis.

He then proceeded to tick off a litany of chilling facts:

▪       more than 6,000 civilians illegally detained;

▪       over 1,000 innocent civilians murdered in a nation where many, including Buddhists, don’t kill mosquitoes;

▪       young children being used as lures to try and capture their parents;

▪       it is estimated that more than 6 million Myanmar people will be without food by the end of October;

▪       within a year, over half of Myanmar’s population of 55 million is expected to be living in extreme poverty;

▪       2,000 people—including medical workers, monks and nuns—on the run, in fear for their lives, having been charged with treason;

▪       1.2 million innocent people displaced: fleeing their homes and villages, with some in refugee camps in neighboring countries.

In discussing recent reports about the horrific treatment by the tatmadaw of innocent citizens being held against their will in the building that used to be Insein Prison, he described how upset—if unsurprised—he was. The military has often used torture against its citizens, and that building has now become emblematic of the mistreatment of the Myanmar people. He pledged that when the NUG regains the power granted to them in the 2020 election, he will close that symbol of hate and torture. 

He said: “I can assure you that as soon as we can restore democracy and freedom, as soon as our government is established properly inside the country, we will end Insein Prison! We will close down Insein Prison. This is the prison where they have kept the children of political prisoners. It is a hell there. This isn't a prison, it is a hell. We will close Insein prison, and other prisons across the country, where they have treated human beings inhumanely.”

Another serious topic addressed by Dr. Sasa was Myanmar’s burgeoning COVID-19 crisis. The junta has not attended to public health, allowing the virus to start spreading unchecked throughout the country. However, Dr. Sasa did share some good news, that millions of doses of vaccine would be arriving soon in Myanmar. He assured the audience that in cooperation with international agencies, donors, and partners, they have developed a strategy to distribute the vaccine doses without fear of interference—or theft of the vaccine—by the junta; if they do, there is a monitoring mechanism and there will be serious consequences.

Dr. Sasa urged those in attendance to hold onto their ideals of non-violence. He compared the largely non-violent resistance in Myanmar with what happened in India to combat British colonial rule and stressed that the just spirit of a non-violent path was the best way that would ultimately triumph, and ensure future peace and security.

Participants resonated strongly with Dr. Sasa’s passion for freedom and non-violence, which parallels their own. To assist him in his struggle to protect the people of Myanmar, Clear View Project pledged $40,000 USD to be used for Covid relief and CDM. Dr. Sasa’s team is currently in communication with them to identify how to utilize it for a healthier, brighter Myanmar.