Draft:Pauk Ko Taw

• Comment: There are several controversial or negative claims that are not cited. For example, "International organizations such as the United Nations... have condemned his support for the military junta". You cannot make such statements without a reliable source - and it should be easy to source if the UN really said it. MarcGarver (talk) 16:14, 21 November 2024 (UTC)

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In this Burmese name, Ashin is an honorific, not a given name.

Pauk Ko Taw
ပေါက်ကိုတော်
Personal
Religion	Buddhism
Nationality	Burmese
School	Theravada
Movement	Ma Ba Tha
Other names	Ashin Ariawuntha
Monastic name	Warthawa
Occupation	Buddhist monk

Pauk Ko Taw (Burmese: ပေါက်ကိုတော်; pronounced [pɔʊʔ kɔʊ tʰɑ], also known as Ashin Ariawuntha (Burmese: အရှင်အရီးအဝုန်းသ; pronounced [ʔəʃɪ̀ɴ ʔəɹíəwʊ́ɴθə]) is a Burmese Buddhist monk involved in both religious and political movements in Myanmar. He is known for his advocacy of Buddhism in the political sphere and his association with nationalist groups such as Ma Ba Tha (Patriotic Association of Myanmar). His views on nationalism and Buddhism's role in Myanmar's politics have attracted both support and criticism.

Early life and ordination

Pauk Ko Taw was born in Myanmar and later adopted the monastic name Warthawa. He eventually became known as Ashin Ariawuntha, a name associated with his public persona and involvement in nationalist movements. Specific details about his early life and monastic training are limited, and his public influence grew primarily through his political and social activities.

Involvement with Ma Ba Tha

Pauk Ko Taw rosed to prominence within Ma Ba Tha, a Buddhist nationalist organization that advocates for the protection of Myanmar's Buddhist identity. The group's view on religious identity have sparked controversy, with critics claiming that its rhetoric fosters intolerance and contributes to religious and ethnic tensions, particularly against Myanmar’s Muslim minority. Pauk Ko Taw has expressed support for the group's objectives, which include safeguarding Buddhism in Myanmar and advocating policies perceived by some as promoting religious nationalism.

Support for the military junta

Pauk Ko Taw has openly supported Myanmar’s military junta, especially following the 2021 coup. His alignment with the junta has drawn both support from its proponents and criticism from human rights organizations, pro-democracy activists, and some Buddhist leaders. Critics argue that his support for the military is controversial due to the military’s alleged human rights abuses and its suppression of civilian protests.

His connection to the junta has led to his categorization as a key figure within Myanmar’s Buddhist nationalist movements, which are seen by some as contributing to the country’s ethnic and religious conflicts.

Pyu Saw Htee militia Connections

Pauk Ko Taw has also been linked to the Pyu Saw Htee militia, a paramilitary group that has supported the military junta and been involved in violent activities. The militia has faced allegations of conducting extrajudicial killings and intimidation. These associations have further attracted criticism from human rights groups.

Influence and criticism

Pauk Ko Taw remains a polarizing figure in Myanmar. He has garnered support from segments of the population that aligns with his nationalist and pro-military views. However, his stance has sparked strong opposition from critics who contend that his actions exacerbate the country's religious and ethnic divisions. International organizations have raised concerns over his support for the military junta, particularly amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.