Up to 70 Buddhist Monasteries in Arakan Destroyed by Myanmar Junta Airstrikes
Up to 70 Buddhist Monasteries in Arakan Destroyed by Myanmar Junta Airstrikes
Border News Agency
Maungdaw, November 15.
The Arakan Army (AA) announced on November 13 that during the one-year period of the final decisive battle in the Arakan region, the Myanmar junta's forces had destroyed or severely damaged up to 70 Buddhist monasteries.
The Arakan Army (AA) reported that among these, 18 monasteries were destroyed in Mrauk U, 12 in Maungdaw, 11 in Thandwe, 8 in Taunggoke, 3 in Ponnar Kyun, 3 in Myebon, 3 in Minbya, 3 in Gwa, 2 in Rathedaung, 2 in Buthedaung, 2 in Kyauk Taw, 1 in Kyauk Phyu, 1 in Ann, and 1 in Pauktaw.
The displaced monks, who have sought refuge due to the destruction, have stated that in addition to the monasteries being destroyed, residential areas, villages, and towns have also been ravaged. As a result, the monks are facing difficulties not only in finding a place to meditate but also in obtaining offerings that are usually provided for their daily sustenance.
"Even though the monks and the civilians are facing similar hardships as refugees, the monks are finding it even more difficult. While ordinary people struggle to meet their basic needs for food and clothing, the monks also face challenges in obtaining alms. In addition, they are constantly worried about airstrikes. We and other monks, who are unable to receive alms or teachings, are concerned about not being able to attain Nirvana due to the ongoing aerial bombardments," said a displaced monk from Maungdaw Township in an interview with Border News Agency.
Local residents from Maungdaw reported that on November 2, the Myanmar junta’s aircraft launched an airstrike with bombs targeting the Buddhist monastery in Pyathar village, Maungdaw Township. As a result, one displaced monk was injured in the attack.
Residents of Buthidaung reported that on November 10, the military junta's forces carried out an airstrike on the Lanma Buddhist Monastery, located in Ward 2 of Buthidaung Town, which had been under the control of the Arakan Army (AA). The airstrike resulted in severe damage to the monastery's Dhamma hall.
Residents of Buthidaung also reported that on November 10, the Myanmar junta targeted the Mrasein Raung Buddhist Monastery, located in Ward 5 of Buthidaung Town, with a deliberate airstrike. As a result of the attack, one monk was injured.
Monks have stated that during the final decisive battle in Arakan, the Myanmar junta has been intentionally targeting and attacking Buddhist monasteries, and also deliberately carrying out airstrikes on areas where large numbers of displaced people are taking refuge. They emphasize that these actions are an attempt to destroy religion.
A monk from Buthidaung Town told Border News Agency, "They know it's a monastery. They know there are monks. They know there are displaced people taking shelter here. Yet, they came with fighter jets and dropped bombs. The junta's military is deliberately destroying religion and has no regard for any faith."
People in Arakan have reported that during the final decisive battle, the Myanmar junta not only targeted and destroyed Buddhist monasteries but also attacked and damaged ancient historical pagodas and stupas. Additionally, they have used heavy artillery and airstrikes to destroy Mrauk U, an area rich in ancient heritage.
In its statement, the Arakan Army also reported that, in addition to the destruction of Buddhist monasteries, a Christian church in Gwa Township and two Islamic religious structures in Maungdaw Township were also destroyed.
Groups monitoring and documenting the situation have reported that since the military seized power, Christian churches, Buddhist monasteries, and Islamic religious buildings have frequently been targeted and destroyed across Myanmar.
(Photo - A Buddhist monastery in Maungdaw destroyed by an airstrike from the Myanmar junta / BNA)