Military Attacks Religious Sites Amidst Escalating Myanmar Conflict
On March 20, a monastery in Katha, Sagaing region, northern Myanmar, was bombed by the military. This attack reportedly killed monks and civilians.
This incident is identified by rights groups as part of a pattern of military attacks on religious sites.
Broader Attack Pattern and Civilian Impact
Following the Katha incident, a monastery and school in Kani township were bombed the next day. Another monastery in Karen State was reportedly attacked this week. Since the military coup in February 2021, which overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government, armed resistance has increased. Sagaing region is a stronghold for this resistance.
Pro-democracy activist Thinzar Shunlei Yi stated that the military appears to target areas associated with resistance forces, including monasteries.
She indicated that the military treats individuals sheltering in these sites as enemies, indiscriminately attacking civilians and religious sites used as shelters.
These attacks are seen as an attempt to instill fear and consolidate control.
Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Restrictions
The Myanmar military continues to implement blockades in Sagaing region, restricting essential supplies to conflict and earthquake-affected areas. These restrictions include menstrual products, with the military alleging they might be used by the opposition People's Defence Force (PDF) to cover wounds.
Rights groups, including Karen Human Rights Group, have documented attacks on religious buildings as part of the military's post-coup campaign against civilians.
International humanitarian groups report difficulties in accessing conflict-affected regions.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose additional dangers to displaced people returning home.
Post-Earthquake Challenges and Economic Strain
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake approximately one year prior to these events caused significant damage across six regions and states, destroying thousands of homes and infrastructure, including an estimated 8,300 religious monuments and temples. Rebuilding efforts are hampered by ongoing military attacks on civilian infrastructure.
UNESCO noted that the damage to sites like the Kuthodaw Pagoda affects communities' cultural anchors.
Compounding these issues, disruptions from global instability have led to fuel, food, and fertilizer shortages. Transportation disruptions, fuel rationing, and rising black-market prices increase the cost of food. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that an estimated 12.4 million people in Myanmar are struggling with food insecurity. Fuel is tightly controlled by the military regime, leading to long queues and alternate-day driving restrictions for private vehicles.
Many monasteries have become emergency shelters for people displaced by conflict and affected by the earthquake. Community support initiatives face challenges due to rising costs and declining donations.
Individuals like Ma Myint Myint, a street vendor, are experiencing significant debt, while displaced persons, such as Ma Zin Mar Wai, express a desire to return home amidst difficult living conditions and reliance on continued aid.