A historic pagoda in Namhsan town of Shan State (North) was destroyed by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) group using a backhoe, according to the State Administration Council (SAC).

The pagoda, which was built by a former sawbwa (chieftain) and revered by the locals, collapsed on January 20 after being attacked by the TNLA since January 10. The SAC said that the pagoda had been renovated and adorned with gold foils and a golden umbrella by the local military and people over the years.

The SAC also denounced the TNLA and its ally, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), for vandalizing Buddhist pagodas and statues in other areas of Shan State.

The SAC said that the Buddhist monks and the people expressed their strong opposition and criticisms after videos of the MNDAA members smashing a pagoda on Laukkai Point 2202 Hill (Sin Oo Kin Hill) and other Buddha statues surfaced on social media earlier this month.