January 5, 2016

Myanmar authorities ban mosque’s jubilee celebrations

YANGON, (AA): Authorities have banned a mosque on the outskirts of commercial capital Yangon from celebrating its platinum jubilee on Monday, following complaints from the country’s firebrand nationalist monk Wirathu.

A caretaker at the mosque told Anadolu Agency by phone that Muslim followers had planned to celebration the Sunni Jameh Mosque’s 75th birthday on the Jan. 4 anniversary of the country’s Independence Day.

However, local authorities denied permission Sunday.

“We planned the celebration on Independence Day so many people can join the event because it is a holiday,” said the caretaker, who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisal.

“However local authorities replied that we can’t have a celebration tomorrow. They said any other celebration, especially a religious ceremony at a mosque, should not happen on Independence Day.”

Anadolu Agency was unable to reach the local authority for comment as Monday is a national holiday. (Courtesy of The Muslim News)

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