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Burma's Monks Forge Secret Relief Network

Monks lead aid effort pushed by government reluctance

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 23, 2008 2:11 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Although Burma’s junta relented today and allowed in foreign aid workers, weeks of delays and restrictions have led to the formation of an underground network of volunteers led by monks, Internet activists, and pro-democracy students. The Wall Street Journal looks at their efforts, which risk the wrath of the government but often provide the only life-sustaining aid for residents in the hardest-hit regions. 

"The officials only think about themselves and their own families," said one monk. "People we have seen have no food, they are under rain with no shelter and no clothes.” Bloggers organized a convoy to one delta town; a businessman ferries food by night to another. But the government, fearful of political motives, plays down their efforts and emphasizes its own in national media, slamming those who criticize its power.

A homeless Myanmar woman receives bags of rice from a local donor at a monastery being used as a temporary shelter on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.
A homeless Myanmar woman receives bags of rice from a local donor at a monastery being used as a temporary shelter on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Young monks pose as two others tap their heads at a monastery that helps Cyclone Nargis victims outside the capital of Yangon, Myanmar on Monday, May 19, 2008.
Young monks pose as two others tap their heads at a monastery that helps Cyclone Nargis victims outside the capital of Yangon, Myanmar on Monday, May 19, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A group of homeless Myanmar cyclone survivors look on at a monastery, being used as a temporary shelter, on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.
A group of homeless Myanmar cyclone survivors look on at a monastery, being used as a temporary shelter, on the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar, Wednesday, May 21, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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Burma will allow 'all aid workers'
New York Times

Monks slam junta
Reuters

 
Myanmar • Burma • monks • activists • monastery • emergency aid

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