On February 27, at approximately 8:00 AM, Bhaddanta Nandiya, an 85-year-old head monk of Aung Chantha Monastery in Sarkyin village, Kyunhla Township, Sagaing Region, was fatally shot. He had been a monk for 45 years.
According to local reports, members of People's Defence Forces (PDFs) entered the monastery and opened fire, striking the monk in the head. He died from his injuries. The PDFs reportedly accused the monk of being an informant. A nearby grocery store was also set ablaze before the PDF members left the village heading west.
Residents report increased security operations in the area. One local source stated that the killing appeared to be a form of "exemplary action" due to a perceived lack of support, leading to widespread fear among villagers. The source also mentioned that the monk had spoken in his sermons about the social, economic, and religious hardships caused by road closures allegedly implemented by PDFs in Kanbalu, Kyunhla, Shwebo, and Khin Oo townships. This is believed to be the reason for the accusation of being an informant.
This incident follows the killing of Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, a priest of the Mandalay Catholic Archdiocese, on February 14, 2025, in Kangyitaw village, Shwebo Township. The National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement condemning the killing and stating that those responsible, identified as members of a local defense group, had been arrested and would be tried by a military court. An investigative tribunal was also formed.
The NUG's statement regarding Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win's death emphasized their condemnation of attacks on civilians, including religious leaders, regardless of the perpetrators.
As of this report, the NUG has not issued a statement regarding the killing of the monk in Sarkyin Village.
Reports indicate that over 100 monks and one priest have been killed during the ongoing conflict. A significant majority of these deaths, exceeding 90%, are attributed to targeted killings by PDFs on various accusations, rather than crossfire. Two nuns have also been reported killed.
Since February 1, 2021, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 civilians, including over 100 monks and nuns.
