September 5, 2024
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has condemned the junta’s airstrike on the Kwan Yin Temple in Lashio, which resulted in severe damage to the historic site. MNDAA stated that Min Aung Hlaing’s military is deliberately targeting historical landmarks, calling it an attack on national culture and religious beliefs.
According to the MNDAA’s statement, the junta has conducted 10 airstrikes on Lashio since the end of August and carried out another strike on the morning of October 4.
“Using heavy artillery against unarmed civilians is tantamount to massacring the people. By targeting historical sites, Min Aung Hlaing’s forces are not only perpetrating violence against the people but are also desecrating the nation’s cultural heritage and religious beliefs,” said the MNDAA.
Local residents reported that the attacked site, known as “Bawn Temple” among locals, is a historic temple in Lashio featuring intricate architectural designs from the colonial era, making it one of the town’s oldest structures with over 100 years of history.
The temple is known for blending Burmese culture and Mahayana Buddhist architecture, and is considered an iconic example of Myanmar’s and Mahayana’s shared cultural heritage.
Since July, continuous airstrikes by the junta have resulted in over 100 civilian casualties and caused significant damage to schools, roads, public facilities, and numerous private homes, the MNDAA added.
