Prayer ceremony for release of political prisoners in Burma

(Narinjara) -Cox’sbazar: Arakanese living in exile in Bangladesh held a prayer ceremony in the border town of Cox’s Bazaar for the immediate release of political prisoners in Burma, including democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ko Naing Naing, one of the organisers of the programme, said the prayer was held for the immediate and unconditional release from custody of all political prisoners including Daw Suu. The prayer ceremony was held in keeping with Buddhist religious rights.

The prayer ceremony was held at a monastery in the town at 2 pm. It concluded at 4 pm.

“During the prayer, monks recited a Moera Sutta, a serial of Buddha’s discourses constituting the Sutta Pitaka for the release of political prisoners. We also prayed for those into the Burmese democracy movement to free the country from the stranglehold of military rule,” Ko Naing said.

After the prayer ceremony, those who attended lighted candles in front of the image of Buddha.

At least 30 people attended the ceremony. Among the participants, were members of the Burmese International Monks Organization (Bangladesh branch), Free Burma Federation and All Arakan Students’ and Youths’ Congress.