A monk from Hteesekha Village, Loikaw Township, Kayah State, was reportedly shot and killed.

Five monks from Hteesekha Monastery, led by Abbot Bhaddanta Panavansa, were attacked with small arms on November 30, while traveling on the Loikaw-Hsisaing road near Aung Kalap Village. 

Among them, U Pinnyobhasa, U Sandhima, and U Pandita sustained injuries from gunfire, with U Sandhima succumbing to his injuries.

According to a statement from the State Administration Council’s (SAC) information team, the five monks from Hteesekha Monastery departed around 8:00 AM on November 30, intending to travel to Mandalay to purchase materials for a new pagoda. At approximately 8:45 AM, while on the Loikaw-Hsisaing road near Aung Kalap Village, they were attacked with small arms by members of the KNDF (Karenni Nationalities Defence Force) and PDF (People’s Defence Force). The attack resulted in injuries to U Pinnyobhasa, U Sandhima, and U Pandita. U Sandhima later passed away due to the severity of his injuries.

U Sandhima’s body was transported to the military hospital in Loikaw. The Chief Minister of Kayah State, U Zaw Myo Tin, along with other officials, paid respects to the late monk and made donations to support funeral arrangements.

The other two injured monks were taken to the military hospital in Taunggyi for medical treatment. East Command Commander Major General Zaw Min Latt and other officials visited them and provided offerings, including monetary donations and robes, according to the SAC’s statement.

Similarly, on October 31, a monk was also reportedly shot and killed in a separate incident at Ohn Nae Paung Village in Sagaing Region’s Ye-U Township.

Including these recent killings, it has been reported that around 100 monks and one pastor have been killed in violent attacks. During the ongoing conflict, while incidents involving the deaths of monks have occurred, there have been no reports of targeted killings of other religious figures. The data indicates that over 90% of the monks’ deaths were due to attacks by PDF forces under various accusations, while the remaining were casualties in crossfire or battles.

The violence against monks has included horrific acts such as beheadings, immolation, and shootings during meals. The oldest victim was a 93-year-old monk.

Since the conflict began on February 1, 2021, it is reported that approximately 100 monks serving religious duties have lost their lives, along with over 10,000 civilian casualties.