Min Thu Ta – Thousands came out to show their respect during the former New Mon State Party’s (NMSP) Vice-chairman Nai Rotsa’s funeral ceremony last Friday in Japan Well Village in NMSP controlled territories.
“The death of Nai Rotsa is a great loss for all of Mon people. Not only was he generous and kind, but he was a leader who was very decisive in decision-making,” said Nai Htaw Mon, the chairman of NMSP.
Over 2,000 people including his family, friends and fans attended the funeral for the distinguished late Mon leader in NMSP controlled territory near the Three Pagodas Pass Town.
NMSP leaders included the general secretary, executive committee members, and central committee members, according to Nai Aye Mon, who organized the funeral ceremony. The Mon National Liberation Army was also in attendance, as were district leaders from Moulmein, Thaton and Tavoy.
“I want to bury my husband’s ash pot alongside the brick toms of [late NMSP] chairmen Nai Shwe Kyin and Nai Htin. But, I’m not sure what the party’s (NMSP) has decided,” said Nai Rotsa’s wife Mi Tanaing Bloi.
Also present at the funeral were two peace patrons Ven. (Venerable) Kaythu Ma-lar and Ven. Thila Wontha. Sayar Daw from the Bangkok Wat Paraw monastery, Sayar Daw from San-matha monastery in Sangkhlaburi, Sayar Daw from Tain-tit-yar monastery in TPP, Burma and Sayar Daw from TPP, Thailand were also in attendance joined by many other Mon Buddhist monks.
During the traditional Mon ceremony, monks chanted and prayers made by funeral attendees. Nai Htaw, NMSP’s chairman, delivered a powerful speech that ended with the relinquishment of Nai Rotsa’s long standing service as the vice-chairman. After his body received salutation, guns were fired 19 times by soldiers before cremation services took place.
In attendance were the All Mon Regions Democracy Party (AMRDC) Chairman Nai Ngwe Thein and Vice-Chairman Nai Hla Aung, Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House) representative Dr. Banyar Aung Moe, Joint General Secretary Dr. Min Kyi Win, the Mon Democracy Party (MDC) and several Thailand Mon literature and culture organizations.
Ethnic political parties and armed groups included United Nationalities Federation Council (UNFC) Karen National Union (KNU), Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and others.
In addition, TPP government authorities and National League for Democracy (NLD) members were present at the funeral ceremony.
In honor of Nai Rotsa Mon youth and several civil society groups placed wreaths on the tombs of the late NMSP chairmen Nai Shwe Kyin and Nai Htin at Win-sein Taw-ya monastery during a small ceremony in Mudon Town.
Nai Rotsa joined the NMSP in 1970 first serving as member of central committee. Later he became the NMSP’s general secretary. He served as the vice-chairman until his death.
Besides his long political service, Nai Rotsa composed poetry and wrote articles in both Mon and Burmese.
