Saturday, May 04, 2013

He likens Muslims to African catfish, an invasive species

"A short man, with a quick smile and evident charisma, Wirathu is the public face of a fast-spreading but still small campaign called "969." Each digit enumerates virtues of the Lord Buddha, his teachings and the community of monks. The campaign urges Buddhists to shop only at Buddhist stores and avoid marrying, hiring or selling their homes or land to Muslims. Stickers and signs bearing the 969 emblem have been popping up on shops, taxis, and buses, marking them as Buddhist. Local 969 groups have been starting religious education classes for children." "It's a very dangerous situation because in some cases the whole village becomes Muslim," he says. He likens Muslims to African catfish, an invasive species. "The African catfish have a very great population and they eat each other and destroy nature. These catfish are not allowed into the country to breed." " (thanks Amir)