An article by a senior monk published on 11 February accused Muslims of creating mistrust among the monks and people. U Ti Law Ka Wuntha said, the monks are benefactors of the people and Muslims trying to spread misinformation among the people about the monks. The article by U Ti Law Ka Wuntha, who is a senior member of a pro-Buddhist group Ma Ba Tha, acronym for the Association for Protection of Race and Religion, was published in the volume 4, number 17 of Thargi Tway Journal with the title “Benefactors of the Myanmar”. The article said Muslim were able to change the mind of the people to treat monks as their enemies even though monks were seen as benefactors throughout the history of Myanmar. He said due to incitement of Muslims, people have become blind in gratitude towards monks. He said that is why there has been increased hatred against Muslims. The monk wrote that members of the different religion tend to seek backing from the powerful people to get higher positions. He said U Razak was admitted to the list of the martyrs by having close relations with General Aung San. Also, by having close relations with the former prime minister U Nu, Muslim politicians U Rashid and U Khin Maung Latt were appointed as ministers. He said such a situation has become worst after the NLD government came to power as the party leaders seek advice from a Muslim lawyer U Ko Ni, who is a legal adviser to the party. His comments are seen as mixing the religion with politics. Reference: Thargi Thway Journal Volume 4 No 17, 11 February 2017 page 10.