To show spiritual solidarity and call for peaceful transformation in Burma, individuals and a dozen organizations in Chiang Mai, Siam, have formed the "Interfaith Group for Peace in Burma". Initially, a week-long event has been planned to educate the public, both Thai and international, concerning the conflict and the fight for freedom and democracy in Burma.

In September, led by tens of thousands of Buddhist monks and nuns, the peoples of Burma rose up to demand peace and freedom. Monastic communities then started to boycott the military, refusing to take alms or any offerings from them. Together with lay people, they took to the street and their nonviolent actions have commanded praise from sympathetic communities and individuals around the world. However, their peaceful demonstrations have been met by harsh and horrendous attacks of the Burmese junta causing more than 200 deaths including monks and nuns. According to the BBC, more than 4,000 monks have been incarcerated in various prisons since 17 September. Many of them have been languishing in various prisons which are known for the torture and inhumane treatment of political prisoners. According to one senior monk, the monks have been forced to disrobe and wear inmate clothing. A special tribunal has been set up and many monks have been sentenced to jail terms.

Evidence of the ransacking of monks' living quarters and the beating of socially concerned monks is everywhere. Many monks, together with laypeople, have been taken on trucks and made t disappear. Even in the prisons, a number of the monks refused food given by the prison officers and that has prompted the unleashing of brutal treatment against the clergy.

Burma and Siam share more similarities than differences in terms of arts and culture, religion and social values and traditions. The two countries boast a large number of Buddhists who since ancient times have learned from and helped each other to attain better spiritual well being. The use of brutal force against Buddhist monks, nuns and lay people is in no way acceptable and a breach of Metta Dhamma, loving kindness, which is essential in all religions. Mounting concerns about the perilous situation in Burma have led to ongoing rallies by religious communities in Siam to demand the end of violent suppression against those whose only demands are peace and freedom.

Objectives

1. To support and campaign among believers and the general public to organize peaceful activities to demand a halt to violent suppression and the prompt restoration of peace and democracy in Burma

2. To raise funds to help sisters and brothers in Burma who suffer from the junta's inhumane retaliation

Members of IGPB

• Ven. Phra Maha Boonchuay Sirindharo, Vice President, Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, Wat Suan Dok, Chiang Mai

• Rev. Sana Wuthi, Church of Christ in Thailand

• Ajaan Pramul Pengjan

• International Women's Partnership for Peace and Justice

• Thai Youth Foundation

• Thailand Student Christian Movement

• Plum Village Foundation

• Punpun group

• Chiang Mai Alternative Agriculture Network

• Youth Group in Sankampaeng

• NGO Coordinating Committee (North)

• Ethnic and Tribal Peoples Network

• Highland people network

• Muslims for Peace Group

• Images Asia

Activities for Peace in Burma

Organized by the Interfaith Group for Peace in Burma

Date 4, 5, 6 and 8 October 2007

Venue Buddhasathan, Chiang Mai (by the Nawarat Bridge, next to the Governor's House)

• Thursday 4 October 17.00-20.00 Interfaith prayers and merit making in honor of those who have lost their lives during the uprising against the junta and for peace in Burma

Traditional drum performance to mark the victory of peace

Muslim prayers

Christian prayers

Buddhist prayers (Uppa Shanti, a stanza recited by both Thai and Burmese Buddhists during times of crisis)

18.00 Music, performance: Focolare, Shan youth (SSNC), Thai youth from Wat Chaisathan

• Friday 5 October 17.00-20.00 Discussion on relations between Burma and Siam, historically, spiritually, culturally and socially (Phrakru Pariyatriyanusat, abbot of Wat Faihin and Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, Yuphin Kemmook, Chiang Mai Ratchapat University), films about Burma, exhibitions

              Peace walk from the Buddhasathan to the Three Kings Monument

• Saturday 6 October 16.00-20.00: Peace walk and prayers at various religious sites en route

Tentative route Buddhasathan----Changklan Mosque (through Changklan road 16.00-17.30) prayers-------- Changklan mosque-----------Regina church (18.00-18.30) prayers-----------Regina Church ----------Wat Chai Mankala* (19.00-19.15) blessings for the victory of the peoples of Burma

• Sunday 7 October Recess

• Monday 8 October Peace walk to the Chinese Consulate starting from Buakhard Park at 9.00

Please come and join us in our interfaith activities for peace in Burma. Your participation is crucial to press for changes in Burma.

* The temple name means "victory".