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clipped from www.csmonitor.com

Officials move refugees out of monasteries to stem monks’ influence.

Mae Sot, Thailand – The longstanding tensions between the two largest organizations in Burma (Myanmar) – the military and the Buddhist clergy
– are finding new outlets as both groups confront the devastating aftermath of cyclone Nargis.

The monks have temples sheltering victims in the delta – and have begun to organize funding and supplies for victims, which
they hope to deliver via an underground network of sympathetic citizens and exiles worldwide and in Thai border areas such
as Mae Sot.

But nearly two weeks since the storm struck, the military, unquestionably, has the upper hand, with guns, helicopters, and
relief supplies. And now, it is starting to force cyclone victims out of monasteries into tent camps, prompted by concern
that the monks could help spur protests.