Mam Sonando’s Dhammayeatra prohibited from continuing up Phnom Dangrek hill

Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by KI-Media

On 01 December 2009, the Dhammayeatra (Buddhist peace march procession) led by Monk Mam Sonando has arrived at Wat Prasat Rong Roeung Pagoda, located in Banteay Ampil district, Oddar Meanchey province, at 5PM. The procession wanted to continue its march to carry 11 Buddha statues from Wat Ampil Pagoda to Wat Chub Koki Pagoda, a distance of 15 km away from one another. These Buddha statues were confiscated by the authorities and stored at Wat Ampil Pagoda since 09 November. According to Koh Santepheap newspaper, the procession and the plan to carry the statues were prevented from moving by police officers, military police officers and soldiers who were spread all along the road leading to Wat Chub Koki Pagoda, located on top of Mount Dangrek Chain. The dhammayeatra led by monk Mam Sonando includes 12 monks, and 15 nuns and laymen, as well as 3 trucks carrying equipments. The dhammayeatra left Phnom Penh by foot on 02 November, and the entire trip is about 600 km long. It has already been one month since the procession started until the day it was stopped by the cops. There is only about 15 km left for the marchers to reach their destination. However, after the authority’s prevention, Monk Mam Sonando has no choice besides turning back, i.e. the dhammayeatra will return back to its point of departure.