The abbot of a monastery in Kyauk Kwin village, Hpapun Township, Karen State, has passed away following an unprovoked aerial attack by the military council forces. According to local residents, Venerable Bhaddanta Visuddha was killed when military aircraft bombed the monastery on the evening of March 5th, despite there being no active fighting in the area. The attack involved both machine gun fire and aerial bombardment of the monastery compound, as confirmed by local witnesses. The military aircraft targeted the monastery without any military engagement or activities in the vicinity.
The aerial assault resulted in the death of the abbot Bhaddanta Visuddha, who was directly hit by bomb fragments, while two other monks sustained severe injuries. The injured monks were transported to Hpa-an city for urgent medical treatment. Local residents reported that the abbot’s funeral ceremonies were completed on March 6th. The monastery buildings suffered extensive damage from the aerial attack. The incident has caused significant concern among the local population, who emphasize that there was no military activity in the area that could have prompted such an attack.
This incident represents another example of the military council’s brutal attacks against innocent civilians and religious figures. The deliberate targeting of non-combat areas, particularly religious sites, demonstrates the military council’s ruthless approach. The attack has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local residents, who are increasingly concerned about their safety. The destruction of religious buildings and the loss of religious leaders has deeply affected the local community, highlighting the ongoing crisis faced by civilians under military rule. The targeting of monasteries, which have traditionally been places of sanctuary and peace, particularly illustrates the extent of the military council’s disregard for civilian lives and religious institutions.
