A group called itself Winthanu Rakheta was established on 14 September in Myan Aung Town in Ayeyarwady Region. The key aim of the group, which include 30 monks and 300 laypersons, is to create difficulties for Muslims in their daily lives. The monk who took lead in formation of the group said the work of the newly established group would include to prevent Muslims from buying Buddhist own land and properties. U Kutha La Sara, who is the head monk of Myan Aung’s Hmin Kyaung monastery, said he was involved in preventing the sale of a teak plantation to a Muslim. He said the deal was made on 4 September to sell the plantation, which is situated on the Pathein-Moneywa highway between a forestry officer and a Muslim who lives in Myan Aung. The monk said the new group would work to prevent similar issues. The new group has issued a seven-point localized order, which is mandatory for the villagers of Myin War Taung village in Myan Aung Township to follow. They include- (i) to give advance notice to the village administrator on sale or lease of land and properties, (ii) to make inquiry whether any property in the village was leased or sold to a Muslims or members of other different religions (iii) not to lease or sell the land and properties to non-citizens, (iv) if any property was given on lease or sold to Muslims and members of the other minority religions, the Winthanu Rakhinta group will buy back with the prevailing market price (v) woman should not be allowed to get married with any Muslim. The rules are seen as discriminatory against the Muslims and any Buddhist who refuse to abide by these rules will face boycott. The Winthanu Rakhita group was formed under the auspices of the local chapter of an ultra-nationalist group Ma Ba Tha, Myanmar acronym for the Association of Protection of the Race and Religion. Reference: Facebook page of Wira Thu