The abbot of a monastery in Kyauk Kwin village, Papun Township, Karen State, passed away after the military council conducted an unprovoked aerial attack on the evening of March 5. According to local residents, Venerable Bhaddanta Visuddha was killed when the military council’s aircraft bombed the monastery without any ongoing conflict in the area. Two other monks were also injured in the attack, which caused extensive damage to the monastery compound.
Local sources confirmed that the military council’s aerial assault was a sudden attack targeting the monastery during a time when there was no active fighting in the area. The attack involved both aerial bombardment and machine gun fire from aircraft. The two injured monks suffered severe injuries and were transferred to Hpa-an city for medical treatment. The funeral ceremony for Venerable Bhaddanta Visuddha was held on March 6, as confirmed by local residents.
This deliberate targeting of a monastery without any military conflict represents another instance of the military council’s violent actions and shows a complete disregard for religious institutions and Buddhist clergy. The local population is experiencing significant fear and anxiety, with concerns about potential future aerial attacks in the area. The destruction of the monastery and the death of the abbot have deeply affected the local community, who view this as a direct attack on their religious institutions and civilian infrastructure.
