Military refuses to move from monastery despite request from Abbot and villagers

September 7, 2023

HURFOM: Since August, 2023, a military unit has been stationed in the village monastery in Kan Taw Ni village, Thaton Township, in Mon State.

Villagers said the Chair of Township Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (High-ranking Buddhist Monks Association formed by the State) requested the military move out of the monastery, but the request was denied.

The villagers are worried about the potential for damage to the monastery and the safety of villagers in the event of an armed clash between the military unit and the revolutionary forces.

“They have been stationed in the monastery for more than 40 days. Initially, they said they would stay just for one or two days but they’ve refused to move out as of today. Monastery supporters with tears in their eyes requested the military leave, but they haven’t listened. Their presence is worrisome for the villagers,” said a Kan Taw Ni resident.

The 410th Light Infantry Battalion is part of the 8th Military Operations Command, and their commander is Major Nay Min Soe.

“The military ethics clearly state that there must be no operations stationed at a monastery or religious building, but the Burmese military has broken the ethics code repeatedly since the attempted coup,” commented an official from the Thaton District Karen National Union.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News