<p>The Chabad House in Hiriketiya, in southern Sri Lanka, has faced a series of alleged harassment incidents and threats from some residents in recent days, with a protest led by Buddhist monks held outside the site on Friday (Aug 14).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The protesters called on authorities to investigate the legality of the Chabad House’s activities and close the site if it is found to be operating without the required permits. The Chabad House, which recently opened to serve Israeli and Jewish tourists in the area, operates a kosher restaurant, hosts Shabbat meals and provides a space for Israeli travellers visiting southern Sri Lanka.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A newly opened Chabad House in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, was targeted by protesters over the weekend. Chabad says it contacted Sri Lankan authorities and <a href="https://x.com/IsraelMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IsraelMFA</a> after the violence, and is determined to remain in the town.<br><br>by <a href="https://x.com/etgar_l?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@etgar_l</a><br><br>Article link in first comment <a href="https://t.co/hdOZUZpd5f">pic.twitter.com/hdOZUZpd5f</a></p>&mdash; Jerusalem News Syndicate (@JNS_org) <a href="https://x.com/JNS_org/status/2089241922061705238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-can-t-catch-us-off-guard-iran-s-irgc-warns-us-israel-of-strategic-surprises-what-s-coming-1786940902003">‘They can’t catch us off-guard’: Iran’s IRGC warns US, Israel of ‘strategic surprises’. What’s coming?</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, local officials have raised concerns over what they describe as religious and commercial activities taking place at the site without the necessary approvals, according to Chabad officials.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It was reported that during a Shabbat dinner, protesters gathered near the Chabad House. Chabad officials alleged that loud music was played, firecrackers were thrown into the courtyard, and stones were hurled at the site during the night.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to the Chabad House, some Israelis travelling to the Shabbat meal were also stopped by protesters and told not to approach the site. Firecrackers were allegedly set off near some guests in an attempt to frighten them and prevent them from reaching the Chabad House.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The situation reportedly escalated further after Shabbat ended, when several Israelis leaving the site were allegedly threatened with sticks. The situation calmed temporarily after local police returned to the area and increased their presence, Chabad officials said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-s-likud-targets-mamdani-in-election-ad-featuring-iran-s-khamenei-erdogan-and-hezbollah-chief-1786947496093">Netanyahu’s party puts Mamdani alongside Khamenei, Erdogan and Hezbollah chief in election ad</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Chabad House has warned that the incidents pose a threat to its emissaries, their families and Israeli tourists visiting the site, and called for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The Chabad House was opened to serve Israeli tourists in Hiriketiya, allow them to eat kosher food and provide them with a warm and safe place far from home,” a Chabad official said. “Now we need urgent help so we can continue operating safely,” they added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

A Chabad House serving Israeli tourists in southern Sri Lanka faces protests led by Buddhist monks, including alleged threats, firecrackers, and stone-throwing, over claims it operates without proper permits.

The Chabad House in Hiriketiya, in southern Sri Lanka, has faced a series of alleged harassment incidents and threats from some residents in recent days, with a protest led by Buddhist monks held outside the site on Friday (Aug 14). The protesters called on authorities to investigate the legality of the Chabad House’s activities and close the site if it is found to be operating without the required permits. The Chabad House, which recently opened to serve Israeli and Jewish tourists in the area, operates a kosher restaurant, hosts Shabbat meals and provides a space for Israeli travellers visiting southern Sri Lanka.

<p>A Chabad House serving Israeli tourists in southern Sri Lanka faces protests led by Buddhist monks, including alleged threats, firecrackers, and stone-throwing, over claims it operates without proper permits.</p>

Buddhist monks lead violent protest against Jewish centre in Sri Lanka: What’s happening?

18 Vietnamese monks from Texas, plus rescue dog Aloka, walk barefoot across five southern states to spread mindfulness, compassion, and healing ahead of a February D.C. finale.


Monks Trek 3700km Barefoot for U.S. Peace Walk 

<p>A stray dog from India, named Aloka, has captured the hearts of people worldwide by joining a group of Buddhist Monks on their mission to promote world peace. The journey, known as the Walk for Peace, spans 3,700 kilometers across 10 US states, starting in Fort Worth, Texas, and ending in Washington, DC. The monks started their walk on October 10 and expect it to take about 120 days to complete.</p><h2>What is the Walk for Peace?</h2><p>The Walk for Peace is a peace-promoting march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. Its goal is to spread messages of peace, kindness, and compassion not just in the US, but globally. The monks aim to raise awareness through their journey, touching hearts in each city they pass through.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTDkcbQkthy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTDkcbQkthy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTDkcbQkthy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aloka the Peace Dog (@alokathepeacedog)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<h2>Who is Aloka the Peace Dog?</h2><p>Aloka, a stray from India, has become an unexpected and cherished companion to the monks on their journey. The brown-and-white dog, identifiable by a heart-shaped mark on his forehead, started following the monks during their previous journey in India, where he walked with them for over 100 days.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Now, in the US, Aloka continues to walk alongside the monks, receiving regular vet check-ups and affection from supporters who have made him an online sensation. According to the Walk for Peace's Facebook page, Aloka is about 4 years old and is likely an Indian Pariah dog. His story of transformation from a stray to an emblem of peace resonates with many.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTMfYZWDOHO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTMfYZWDOHO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTMfYZWDOHO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Aloka the Peace Dog (@alokathepeacedog)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>Aloka’s presence is a constant reminder that the journey toward peace is for all beings, human and animal alike. He now has his own Instagram, where he has over 150,000 followers, and regularly updates fans on his travels. His peaceful demeanor and unwavering companionship with the monks make him an integral part of the walk's mission.</p><p>Currently, Aloka and the monks are in McCormick, South Carolina, on day 73 of their journey. Their peaceful walk continues to inspire others, and their progress is being shared on social media platforms.</p>

Meet Aloka: Indian stray dog joins Buddhist Monks on epic peace walk across the US

A stray dog from India, named Aloka, has captured the hearts of people worldwide by joining a group of Buddhist Monks on their mission to promote world peace. The journey, known as the Walk for Peace, spans 3,700 kilometers across 10 US states, starting in Fort Worth, Texas, and ending in Washington, DC. The monks started their walk on October 10 and expect it to take about 120 days to complete. What is the Walk for Peace? The Walk for Peace is a peace-promoting march organised by the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. Its goal is to spread messages of peace, kindness, and compassion not just in the US, but globally. The monks aim to raise awareness through their journey, touching hearts in each city they pass through.

<p>Aloka, a stray dog from India, has joined Buddhist monks on a 3,700km journey across the US to spread peace, kindness, and compassion. His Instagram account now has nearly 1.5 lakh followers</p>

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama turned 89 on Saturday and in his birthday message said he is physically fit and is determined to continue his service to Lord Buddha’s teachings. Watch to know more.

Buddhist monks & followers celebrate Dalai Lama's 89th birthday

<p>A Japanese man tasked with preserving cultural heritage accidentally ploughed his car into the country's oldest toilet in a centuries-old Buddhist temple, partially destroying it, police said Tuesday.</p>

<p>Tofukuji Temple in the western Kyoto region houses a toilet said to date back to the 15th century, earning it the designation of an important cultural asset.</p>

<p>But the original wooden door leading to the site was "ruined" after the driver, a 30-year-old man from the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association, accidentally backed his car into it on Monday morning, police told AFP.</p>

<p>Having parked in front of the toilet, the man hit the gas to restart the car without realising he was still in reverse, police said.</p>

<p>"We've been told it's going to require a lot of work to restore," a Kyoto police official said.<br />
Walls inside also sustained minor damage, but the actual latrines, two rows of pits, survived intact, Norihiko Murata, a Kyoto official in charge of cultural heritage preservation, told AFP.</p>

<p>The toilet was traditionally used by monks as part of their ascetic training, although it is no longer in use.</p>

<p>"It is of course disappointing that part of this important cultural property has been damaged like this," Murata said.</p>

<p>"We will discuss how to restore it in a way that will retain as much of its cultural value as possible."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A Japanese man tasked with preserving cultural heritage accidentally ploughed his car into the country's oldest toilet in a centuries-old Buddhist temple, partially destroying it, police said Tuesday.

A Japanese man tasked with preserving cultural heritage accidentally ploughed his car into the country's oldest toilet in a centuries-old Buddhist temple, partially destroying it, police said Tuesday. Tofukuji Temple in the western Kyoto region houses a toilet said to date back to the 15th century, earning it the designation of an important cultural asset. But the original wooden door leading to the site was "ruined" after the driver, a 30-year-old man from the Kyoto Heritage Preservation Association, accidentally backed his car into it on Monday morning, police told AFP. Having parked in front of the toilet, the man hit the gas to restart the car without realising he was still in reverse, police said. "We've been told it's going to require a lot of work to restore," a Kyoto police official said. Walls inside also sustained minor damage, but the actual latrines, two rows of pits, survived intact, Norihiko Murata, a Kyoto official in charge of cultural heritage preservation, told AFP. The toilet was traditionally used by monks as part of their ascetic training, although it is no longer in use. "It is of course disappointing that part of this important cultural property has been damaged like this," Murata said. "We will discuss how to restore it in a way that will retain as much of its cultural value as possible." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan's oldest toilet damaged after a car driver backs up into it

Some members of the powerful Sri Lankan Buddhist clergy stormed president's residence but why have these peaceful preachers been part of the violent protest in Sri Lanka for years and what role do they play in Lankan politics?

WION Fineprint | Why Buddhism has grown violent in Sri Lanka?

The Buddhist monks, a powerful group of the island nation Sri Lanka have taken to the streets and have called for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Sri Lanka: Buddhist monks stage protests demanding President Rajapaksa's resignation

Cascading effect of Sri Lanka's ongoing economic crisis has led to deepening political instability. Protests continue in the Island nation for weeks now with people coming to the streets to demand resignation of the Rajapaksa regime. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa was heckled by the protesters today during Anuradhapura Visit.

Political turmoil in Sri Lanka: PM Mahinda heckled during Anuradhapura Visit

Sri Lanka is facing severe economic crisis, and recently Buddhist monks visit Rajapaksa and urged temple, churches to help. Several Buddhist prelates have also urged a national policy.

Sri Lanka economic crisis: Buddhist monks call for relief for the people

<p>Chinese officials in Sichuan province are arresting Tibetan monks and assaulting them on suspicion of informing outsiders about the destruction of a 99-foot tall Buddha monument in the country's Luhuo county (Drago).</p>

<p>According to Tibetan reports quoted by Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Buddha monument in the Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Region was demolished in December by officials who said it was erected too high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to RFA, local monastery monks and other Tibetan people were forced to witness the damage, which experts described as part of a larger push to erase Tibet's unique national culture and religion.</p>

<p>According to RFA, 11 monks from Drago's Gaden Namgyal Ling monastery have been arrested on suspicion of disseminating news and images of the statue's demolition to connections outside the province.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muslim-woman-sentenced-for-14-years-in-china-for-teaching-islam-hiding-quran-443552"><strong>Also read | Muslim woman sentenced for 14 years in China for teaching Islam, hiding Quran</strong></a></p>

<p>"As of now, we have learned that Lhamo Yangkyi, Tsering Samdrup, and four other Tibetans have been arrested for communicating outside Tibet, " RFA quoted the source as saying," citing contacts in Drago.</p>

<p>According to the source, the statue was desecrated a few days prior, and Abbot Pelga, his aide Nyima, and the monks Tashi Dorje and Nyima from the Drago monastery were apprehended.</p>

<p>According to the source, Chinese officials have stated that they need to be taught a lesson.</p>

<p>He further said that the officers abused the monks and denied them food while they were imprisoned.</p>

<p>They mercilessly beaten one of the monks, severely injuring one of his eyes.</p>

<p>Following the arrest of monks for spreading word of monument removal, Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch in New York, stated that religious believers in China cannot rely on legal or constitutional guarantees to protect their beliefs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Richardson also said that Beijing in its current phase of "ultranationalist and statist ideology gives all power to the state, and regards civil society with suspicion and contempt, according to RFA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese officials in Sichuan province are arresting Tibetan monks and assaulting them on suspicion of informing outsiders about the destruction of a 99-foot tall Buddha monument in the country's Luhuo county (Drago).

Chinese officials in Sichuan province are arresting Tibetan monks and assaulting them on suspicion of informing outsiders about the destruction of a 99-foot tall Buddha monument in the country's Luhuo county (Drago). According to Tibetan reports quoted by Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Buddha monument in the Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous Region was demolished in December by officials who said it was erected too high. According to RFA, local monastery monks and other Tibetan people were forced to witness the damage, which experts described as part of a larger push to erase Tibet's unique national culture and religion. According to RFA, 11 monks from Drago's Gaden Namgyal Ling monastery have been arrested on suspicion of disseminating news and images of the statue's demolition to connections outside the province. Also read | Muslim woman sentenced for 14 years in China for teaching Islam, hiding Quran "As of now, we have learned that Lhamo Yangkyi, Tsering Samdrup, and four other Tibetans have been arrested for communicating outside Tibet, " RFA quoted the source as saying," citing contacts in Drago. According to the source, the statue was desecrated a few days prior, and Abbot Pelga, his aide Nyima, and the monks Tashi Dorje and Nyima from the Drago monastery were apprehended. According to the source, Chinese officials have stated that they need to be taught a lesson. He further said that the officers abused the monks and denied them food while they were imprisoned. They mercilessly beaten one of the monks, severely injuring one of his eyes. Following the arrest of monks for spreading word of monument removal, Sophie Richardson, China director for Human Rights Watch in New York, stated that religious believers in China cannot rely on legal or constitutional guarantees to protect their beliefs. Richardson also said that Beijing in its current phase of "ultranationalist and statist ideology gives all power to the state, and regards civil society with suspicion and contempt, according to RFA. (With inputs from agencies)

Buddhist monks beaten, arrested for sharing 99-foot tall Buddha statue destruction news

Pro-democracy monks march against military junta in Myanmar

'Cleanse the mind': Thai Buddhist sect attempts world record with 330,000 candles

<p>Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday.

Myanmar's most powerful Buddhist monks' association called on the junta to end violence against protesters and accused an 'armed minority' of torture and killing innocent civilians since last month's coup, media said on Wednesday. In its most forthright condemnation of the military's bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations, the government-appointed organisation also said in a draft statement its members intended to halt activities, in an apparent protest. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee planned to release a final statement after consulting the religious affairs minister on Thursday, the Myanmar Now news portal said, citing a monk, who attended a meeting of the committee. Monks have a long history of activism in Myanmar and were at the forefront of a 2007 'Saffron Revolution' against military rule, an uprising that, although suppressed, helped usher in democratic reforms. Committee members could not immediately be reached for comment, but their reported stance would signal a significant rift between authorities and a group that usually works closely with the government. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government on February 1, detaining her and members of her party, drawing wide international condemnation. Ousted members of parliament, most from Suu Kyi's party, pushed for a united stand against the coup in the ethnically diverse country, saying the designation of terrorist would be lifted from all autonomy-seeking insurgents fighting for democracy. More than 180 protesters have been killed as security forces try to crush a wave of demonstrations, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners activist group says. Protesters confronted security forces over a sand-bag barricade on one street in Yangon. Police opened intermittent fire and one man appeared to get shot in the head, according to footage on social media. The video could not be verified. (With inputs from agencies)

After bloody crackdown, Myanmar Buddhist group signals break with authorities  

<p>Police lined the streets of the Sri Lankan highland town of Kandy on Sunday and the army was on standby as Buddhist monks gathered for their first big assembly since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-parliament-approves-committee-to-investigate-easter-bombings-220887">Easter attacks by Islamist militants</a> on churches and luxury hotels.</p>

<p>Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, the influential head of the Buddhist nationalist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), has called for many as 10,000 clergymen from across the country to attend the meet.</p>

<p>The group said the gathering will decide who to back in the presidential elections later this year in the Indian Ocean island nation where Buddhists make up about 70% of the population. The rest include ethnic Tamils, who are mostly Hindus, and Muslims.</p>

<p>Dressed in orange, Gnanasara visited one of Buddhism's most sacred temples in Kandy on Sunday where a relic believed to be the Buddha's tooth is kept. Later in the day, the hardliner, who has faced allegations of inciting violence against Muslims, will address the gathering.</p>

<p>"The army is assisting the police on security under the emergency law," military spokesman Sumith Atapattu said, adding soldiers were on alert should trouble erupt.</p>

<p>There has been increasing anti-Muslim violence in the country in recent weeks, blamed in part on Buddhist groups, in apparent reprisal for the April bombings claimed by Islamic State that killed more than 250 people.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Church in Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bomb attacks reopens after renovation</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/church-in-sri-lankas-easter-sunday-bomb-attacks-reopens-after-renovation-226841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Muslims have become fearful of a backlash, especially from hardline groups such as the BBS that are leading the campaign against Islamic extremism.</p>

<p>Many shopkeepers and restaurant owners in Kandy said they planned to close their establishments on Sunday for fear of violence.</p>

<p>MJM Faizal, a Muslim who set up the Expo Leather store in Kandy 20 years ago, said late on Saturday he never had a problem with his neighbours even if they belonged to different communities.</p>

<p>"We cannot predict anything because a lot of outsiders are coming to Kandy and we don't know what that means," said the 55-year-old, who said he has been losing business since the attacks in April.</p>

<p>"We are not safe now, there is always tension about what might happen. If we could, we would move to another country," he said, adding that his wife and daughters now do not leave the house alone and are always accompanied by him or his brother.</p>

<p>Kandy was rocked by violence last year when mobs vandalised a mosque, homes and businesses.</p>

<p>"The government is not doing enough for our security and safety," said 42-year-old Mohamed Rilwa, a Muslim businessman who owns the Fancy Point general store that remained closed on Sunday.</p>

<p>"They see all of us the same way ... just because we are Muslims and we have Muslim names," he said, adding that he has lost 75 per cent of his business since the attacks and worries for the safety of his wife and three children.</p>


Police lined the streets of the Sri Lankan highland town of Kandy on Sunday and the army was on standby as Buddhist monks gathered for their first big assembly since Easter attacks by Islamist militants on churches and luxury hotels.

Police lined the streets of the Sri Lankan highland town of Kandy on Sunday and the army was on standby as Buddhist monks gathered for their first big assembly since Easter attacks by Islamist militants on churches and luxury hotels. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, the influential head of the Buddhist nationalist group Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), has called for many as 10,000 clergymen from across the country to attend the meet. The group said the gathering will decide who to back in the presidential elections later this year in the Indian Ocean island nation where Buddhists make up about 70% of the population. The rest include ethnic Tamils, who are mostly Hindus, and Muslims. Dressed in orange, Gnanasara visited one of Buddhism's most sacred temples in Kandy on Sunday where a relic believed to be the Buddha's tooth is kept. Later in the day, the hardliner, who has faced allegations of inciting violence against Muslims, will address the gathering. "The army is assisting the police on security under the emergency law," military spokesman Sumith Atapattu said, adding soldiers were on alert should trouble erupt. There has been increasing anti-Muslim violence in the country in recent weeks, blamed in part on Buddhist groups, in apparent reprisal for the April bombings claimed by Islamic State that killed more than 250 people. Watch: Church in Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bomb attacks reopens after renovation Muslims have become fearful of a backlash, especially from hardline groups such as the BBS that are leading the campaign against Islamic extremism. Many shopkeepers and restaurant owners in Kandy said they planned to close their establishments on Sunday for fear of violence. MJM Faizal, a Muslim who set up the Expo Leather store in Kandy 20 years ago, said late on Saturday he never had a problem with his neighbours even if they belonged to different communities. "We cannot predict anything because a lot of outsiders are coming to Kandy and we don't know what that means," said the 55-year-old, who said he has been losing business since the attacks in April. "We are not safe now, there is always tension about what might happen. If we could, we would move to another country," he said, adding that his wife and daughters now do not leave the house alone and are always accompanied by him or his brother. Kandy was rocked by violence last year when mobs vandalised a mosque, homes and businesses. "The government is not doing enough for our security and safety," said 42-year-old Mohamed Rilwa, a Muslim businessman who owns the Fancy Point general store that remained closed on Sunday. "They see all of us the same way ... just because we are Muslims and we have Muslim names," he said, adding that he has lost 75 per cent of his business since the attacks and worries for the safety of his wife and three children.

Sri Lanka on alert as Buddhist monks hold first meeting after Easter attacks

Over 100 Buddhist monks commemorate the 253 victims killed in Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings with praying session in one of the bombed church on Sunday (April 28). Security was tight as 125 monks, including former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, attended the ceremony at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo where one of the bombs went off last Sunday (April 21).

Buddhists pray for victims of Sri Lanka attacks in bombed hotel

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