The military in Myanmar has confirmed the killing of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, the abbot of the Win Neinmitayon monastery in Tada-U, Mandalay region. The 78-year-old monk died after his vehicle was shot at amidst clashes between the military and pro-democratic militias, according to the military’s account. However, another monk who was present at the scene immediately refuted this claim, saying that soldiers mistook the monk’s vehicle for insurgent militiamen and led to his fatal shooting.
The incident also resulted in injuries to the abbot of another Buddhist learning center in Yangon and the driver of the vehicle. Since the February 2021 coup, ethnic and pro-democratic militias have formed alliances to counter the military’s actions and have achieved significant victories. The country remains in turmoil as violence and human rights abuses continue to escalate.
The tragic death of a respected religious figure like Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the restoration of democracy in Myanmar. International efforts are crucial in addressing this ongoing crisis.
