Chairman of State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Meets Representatives from Interfaith Groups

The meetings between Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) Prime Minister and representatives from Interfaith Groups took place at the Zabuthiri Hall in Nay Pyi Taw Council Area on 13 April. At the meeting, the Senior General delivered remarks as follows:

• About 56 million people reside in Myanmar. Of them, about 90% are traditional Buddhism with some 6 million Christians, over 2 million Islams, over 0.5 million Hindus and some other religions.
• There are people who kept traditional religion and people who converted to another religion because of the beliefs of ones’ parents, wife and husband. Chapter 8 of the 2008 Constitution prescribed that “Citizens, Fundamental Rights and the Duties of the Citizens”, Sections 361 to 364 mentioned the stipulations related to religions, ensuring guarantee for freedom of religious rights in line with the law.
• Religion can bring peace, stability and prosperity. If people practice their religions effectively and honestly, it could contribute for regional peace and stability in all areas. Therefore, it is the basis fundamental facts of all religions.
• Although the majority of the populations in Myanmar practices Buddhism, the government believes that peace and stability will be achieved in the nation by recognizing those who follow other religions with suitable action.
• Reviewing the countries around the world, there are countries in the same situation like our country as well as there are countries that only give rights to one religion without favouring other religions. As a result, religious conflicts occurred in some areas, disrupting peace and stability.
• As long as there are recognitions, equality and mutual respects among themselves in respective religious groups, no conflicts will be there.
• From the time of independence until 2008, Yangon was the capital of Myanmar. Later, Nay Pyi Taw was proclaimed the capital of Myanmar.
• Religious places and edifices have already existed in Nay Pyi Taw to some extent. Since the assumption of State duties by the SAC, the Senior General, himself, representing the State, attended the religious ceremonies. But, it was found that there are some requirements.
• It can be seen that the land plots are needed to carry out the matters of promotion and propagation of religions (Sasana). Regarding it, there were some reports submitted by Nay Pyi Taw Council. Therefore, arrangements were made to allocate the land plots for respective religious groups with the holding of today’s ceremony. Presenting land permits is the recognition of the State as a gift on the occasion of Myanmar (Burmese) New Year.
• The majority of the populations in Myanmar practices Buddhism. During its tenure, the SAC government built Maravijaya Buddha Image recorded as world’s highest sitting marble Buddha image.
• It is also planned to build an International Therevada Buddhist University in order to carry out religious activities in areas related to the Buddha park.
• As Nepal, India and Sri Lanka are also Buddhist countries, if they want to build religious buildings representing their countries in Myanmar, plans are being made to designate the areas to be built.
• Likewise, if they want to build monasteries and Buddhist education centres for Buddhist people at home, land plots have already been designated to be built.
• Efforts are being made to become Nay Pyi Taw as a place representing all religions across the nation.
• Armed conflicts have been ongoing since independence till now. Mainly, such conflicts arise based on diverse political ideologies and different opinions of national race. Thus, armed conflicts must be resolved.
• The 2008 Constitution stipulated the religious and political rights. The current conflicts are ignited by political, ethnic and religious incitements from abroad. But, some are following terrorist ways instead of political way in solving the conflicts.
• For elimination of the ongoing conflicts, all citizens are urged to have religious awarenesses in their respective religions. Only religious knowledge can change the faiths and beliefs of people.
• Therefore, religious officials are urged to cooperate each other for the improvement of the knowledge, wisdom and spirit of the people in the nation for the sake of the future of the nation.

After that, the SAC Chairman Prime Minister presented land permits for building necessary religious buildings in carrying out religious activities to the representatives of Buddhism, Christians, Islams and Hinduism. Then, the representatives from interfaith groups expressed words of thanks to the Senior General and officials.

Present were SAC Joint-Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo and council members, Union ministers and Union-level dignitaries, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, Nay Pyi Taw Council chair, Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, deputy ministers, chairs and officials from Interfaith Friendship Organization (Central), Interfaith Friendship Organization (Nay Pyi Taw), Christian, Islam and Hindu religious groups, and departmental officials.

         Source: Myanma Alin (13-4-2024)

• Although the majority of the populations in Myanmar practices Buddhism, the government believes that peace and stability will be achieved in the nation by recognizing those who follow other religions with suitable action.
• As long as there are recognitions, equality and mutual respects among themselves in respective religious groups, no conflicts will be there.
• Armed conflicts have been ongoing since independence till now. Mainly, such conflicts arise based on diverse political ideologies and different opinions of national race. Thus, armed conflicts must be resolved.
• Religious officials are urged to cooperate each other for the improvement of the knowledge, wisdom and spirit of the people in the nation for the sake of the future of the nation.