Planned peace prayer event canceled due to security concerns
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Phyo (NP News) - July 7
A peace prayer event scheduled for July 6 in Phayathonzu, a town on the Thai-Myanmar border, has been canceled due to security concerns.
According to local sources, senior Buddhist monks traveling to the border town were stopped by local KNU troops at the 12th Mile checkpoint in Kyar Inn Seikkyi Township. The KNU instructed the monks to turn back, citing an escalation in armed conflict in the area.
Several social media posts attributed to "the citizens of Three Pagoda Pass" criticized the peace prayer event, labeling it as a project backed by pro-military junta supporters. They urged local Karen security forces, including the KNU (local chairman Saw Lister) and the DKBA (Bo A One), to prevent or refrain from supporting the event.
Some posts ominously warned, "If the event proceeds as planned, we will respond in our own revolutionary ways," implying a potential threat of violence.
The original plan anticipated nearly 200 monks attending the prayer event, including at least 20 Thai monks, 13 senior Karen monks, around 100 Mon and Karen monks from the Phayathonzu area, and three senior monks who are spiritual leaders of Karen armed groups.
It is unfortunate that the event intended as part of a nationwide peace movement in Myanmar to inspire religious and community leaders across the country to unite for peace had to be canceled.