After the death of two demonstrators, the Catholic bishops of Burma call for peace | Catholic National Register

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Information released on Sunday said some protesters in Mandalay threw projectiles at police, who responded with live ammunition and tear gas.

MANDALAY, Myanmar – Catholic bishops in Burma have called for a “return to dialogue” as two protesters were killed during protests over the weekend.

“The heartbreaking scenes of young people dying on the streets hurt the conscience of a nation,” the bishops said in a February 21 statement. letter.

“This nation has the reputation of being considered a golden land. May its sacred ground not be soaked in brotherly blood, ”they declared. “The sadness of parents who bury their children must end. The tears of mothers are never a blessing to any nation.

The letter was signed by 10 bishops, including Cardinal Charles Bo, president of the Myanmar Conference of Catholic Bishops, the country’s official name.

The bishops’ call came after two people were killed and at least 20 people were injured in clashes between police and protesters in Mandalay.

Demonstrators are protesting against this month’s military coup and demanding the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s elected civilian leader.

She was arrested along with Burmese President Win Myint and other members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) when the military seized power on February 1, alleging fraud in the elections last November, which the NLD won by a landslide.

Information released on Sunday said some protesters in Mandalay threw projectiles at police, who responded with live ammunition and tear gas.

The bishops urged those in power to seek reconciliation and healing, beginning with the release of the detained leaders.

“Just a month ago, this nation held in its heart a great promise: dreams of strengthened peace and strong democracy,” they wrote. An election was held despite the coronavirus pandemic and “the world admired our ability to deal with our differences.”

“Today the world mourns with us, shattered by the fragmentation of this nation once again. Our young people deserve better, ”wrote the bishops.

They said that if Burma does not learn to solve its problems peacefully, it could be wiped off the world map.

“The use of violence must end urgently. Lessons from the past warn us that violence never wins. Seventy-two years after independence, power must invest in peace ”, declared the bishops.

“The dividends of peace will heal this nation. Give peace a chance. Peace is possible, peace is the only way.

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