Mon party condemns Aung San bridge name
The Mon National Party has asked President Htin Kyaw to change the name of a bridge linking Mawlamyaing and Chaungsone so it does not commemorate independence hero Aung San.
The name, Bogyoke Aung San Bridge, reportedly sparked outrage among residents.
“We sent a letter to the president as an ethnic political party. The name Bogyoke Aung San Bridge angered ethnic people and us. Many people don’t want this name,” said Naing Ngwe Thein, vice chairman of the party.
“We asked the government and parliament to give it another name that is satisfactory for the Mon people and for the sake of ethnic unity. We didn't suggest a name. It should be acceptable for the people. It would be chosen again,” said Naing Ngwe Thein.
“It’s not that we don’t want that name. We just want a name that is more relevant to Mon history or named after a Mon leader. I heard that the renaming will be done with cooperation from Mon people and ethnic parties. The bridge will officially be opened on March 27. The renaming will be done before the date,” he added.