Sep 7, 2008 (DVB), Young monks from Pakokku will continue to refuse alms from government officials until they apologise for beating, insulting, killing and imprisoning monks during the Saffron Revolution last year, a local monk said.
A young Pakokku monk said the government's crackdown had cut the number of monks in his monastery significantly.
"Last year, there were about 600 monks. This year, there are only just over 500 left. It is better for the Sasana when there are more monks," the monk said.
"We young monks are still maintaining the boycott. I am not sure about the older ones," he said.
"It is not good to torture monks like that. Even normal people do not like to be beaten up. People should even avoid harming animals."
The monk said regime officials could begin to redeem themselves by apologising to the monks.
"Beating up monks is a mortal sin. If they think about that it is a frightening prospect for them," the monk said.
"If they do not apologise, despite knowing they have sinned, they will pay for it. If they apologise, that is another matter," he said.
"We are still feeling saddened. They know themselves that evildoers won't last long. Those would act as kings have to follow the ten rules that bind kings."
Reporting by Nan Kham Kaew