Followers of the Buddhist nationalist group previously known as Ma Ba Tha held a ceremony in Yangon last week, pledging to continue their support, despite government efforts to censure them. The government, led by the National League for Democracy (NLD), has taken some measures to limit the activities of the group now known as the Buddha Dhamma Parahita Foundation, after the government last year banned the use of the Ma Ba Tha name. Although the group is best known for the outspoken views of some of its members, it is also heavily involved in grassroots work and has support around the country. Myanmar’s state-supported clerical body, known as Ma Ha Na, has ordered the group to be disbanded, but supporters have remained determined.  “This matter is very important to us. This [protecting religion] is a duty of every responsible person in the country,” U Thein Aung, a leader of the group was quoted as saying in the Myanmar Times. “Every country has the right to protect the religion its people believe; this right begins at birth. So, when people who protect the nation and religion are banned, it’s like telling us to leave our country,” he said.