AN order issued by the Police Department in Rakhine State on 26 August said apart from gathering for the religious purpose, all other meetings in monasteries need prior approval from the authorities. It said the monks, which has no right to vote in elections, could not apply for permission for meeting. The order said those who violate the order would face persecution under the State Security Act. The Superintendent of Rakhine State Police U Sein Lwin said monks are being used in political activities and political protests are being organized in monasteries. He said severe actions would be taken against the organizers of the protests in the monasteries. The Office of the State Counsellor has issued an announcement on 24 August on formation of an advisory commission to seek advice on how to resolve sensitive Rakhine State issue. The commission, which will also look into how to resolve the frequent outbreak of religious conflict, is headed by a former the United Nations secretary general Mr. Kofi Annan. Reference: Mizzima News 27 August 2016.