Mizzima News

Chiang Mai – The Buddhist monk who on Tuesday attempted suicide at Burma's most sacred shrine is in stable condition, though he is still receiving treatment at Rangoon General Hospital, police sources said on Thursday.

On Tuesday afternoon, a monk slashed his throat at Shwedagon Pagoda apparently in response to financial hardship.

A crime Branch police in Rangoon told Mizzima, "He [the monk] was immediately sent to Rangoon General Hospital by police from the Dagon Police Station. We can only say that his condition is stable now."

A doctor on duty at Rangoon General Hospital, when contacted by Mizzima, said the monk is 52 years old and comes from Ye Township in Burma's southern Mon State.

But the doctor declined to provide any further details in fear of reprisal from authorities, who maintain strict control over people in Burma speaking to the press.

"We don't' have authority to provide the name or detail the condition of patients," said the doctor.

The Shwedagon Pagoda trustees, one of whose members reportedly witnessed the monk's suicide bid, refused to speak of the incident when contacted by Mizzima.