A few weeks ago, a teenager selling Mont Phet Htok was beaten and arrested.
That boy was only around 16 years old. So I asked around why he was arrested and found out something honourable. Let me tell you.He went out to the night market carrying his Mont Phet Htok basket like he usually does.
“Hot Mont Phet Htok for sale.”As he went by selling, someone called him, “Come here, Mont Phet Htok.” “Yes, coming,” he replied. He went to where the voice came from. It was soldiers and polices taking security.
But it was like they were hiding in the dark so he only noticed when he got close. He didn’t want to sell to police and soldier. He had a grudge against them because they have beaten and tortured people. So he just stood there doing nothing.
“How do you sell your Mont Phet Htok?” they asked him.
“I am not selling my snacks,” he replied. “Ha, aren’t you shouting Mont Phet Htok for sale?”
“Yes, I was going to the night market for my sale,” he said. “Yeah, but sell your stuff to us too. Why not?” The soldiers asked.
“I just want to sell in the market,” he said politely, trying to avoid a confrontation.
“We will give you money too.” “I don’t want to do business with you.” “What do you mean? Is there something wrong with us?
Are we disgusting?”, the soldiers asked furiously. It was clear the soldier was angry. “Tell me, it is the same money in this country. We are not robbing you. We are buying fair and square.
What is your mont pet hook made of?”, he asked again. “Yes, it is the same money and you guys are buying legitimately. My mont phat hook is normal too. I can’t sell it because you guys are soldiers and polices. You guys were torturing people and I don’t want to do business with you.” It was quiet for a while after the boy said that.
Then, “What? What do you take us for? You won’t sell us because we are soldiers and police? Torturing people? Well, you will no if it is true or not. Take him to our station. We will teach him a lesson. Get him.”, they cursed and took him. On the road, the mont phet htok basket sat still, not able to help its master. This young man stood proudly in front of his enemies showing no sign of fear.
Even in a disadvantageous position, he has will power to face his fear. I was asking questions, “Didn’t he know this would happen?”, “Why was he ready for this unthinkable situation?” Bravery, a love for truth, determination, and doing whatever he can for resistance were the answers I was looking for. I am sure this kind of person was taken away but with a smile. His valour could be seen clearly through the blood on his face. In his mind, he would be thinking, “I am doing my duty. I have a clear conscience for my actions. I will face my fate.” I am sure this boy will bring fear, anger and resentment into the hearts of those wrong-doers. Those people will be having doubts about whether their actions are justified or not. This is still a good result for us. Instead of thinking about rewarding the little kid for his courage, we should follow his actions and his spirit. We should stand up for the truth, taking part in bringing justice. We need to be like this 16-year-old mont phet htok seller boy. We still can do a lot. This is not just about politics, this is about the fate of the country. We need to have a mindset like that little boy. “Fearless Mont Phet Htok” is ringing in my ears instead of “Hot Mont Phet Htok”.
Thank you.
Htet Myat (CDM)
Translated to English by Anonymous
Julysu
ma thet