Abbot Killed by Artillery Shelling in Hlaing Kwe Village, Kawkareik Township

May 12, 2025

A respected abbot lost his life after an artillery shell hit a monastery in Hlaing Kwe village, Kawkareik Township, Karen State, according to local residents.

The tragic incident occurred around 10 a.m. on May 9, during intense fighting between junta forces and joint resistance groups near Kyon Doe Town. An artillery shell landed directly on the Hlaing Kwe village monastery, seriously injuring the abbot, U Thu Zar Ta, who was inside at the time.

U Thu Zar Ta, aged 56, sustained shrapnel wounds to his back and arms. Despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he sadly passed away while being transported.

Due to the ongoing clashes in Kawkareik and Kyon Doe, most residents of Hlaing Kwe village have fled their homes, leaving only a few monks and villagers behind to care for what remains of their community.

Since the fighting erupted on April 14, the situation in the area has worsened significantly. More than 20 civilians have been killed, over 35 have been wounded, and nearly 100,000 people have been displaced, forced to seek safety in increasingly difficult conditions.

The death of U Thu Zar Ta is a heartbreaking reminder of the growing toll that the conflict continues to take on innocent civilians and the deep spiritual wounds inflicted on already struggling communities.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News