PUTAO- Vice Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army), Vice Senior General Soe Win, who is currently in Putao, Kachin State, paid homage to Kaunghmulon Pagoda in Machanbaw Township, Putao District, on December 18.

During the visit, Vice Senior General Soe Win was accompanied by Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Commander of the Northern Regional Military Command, deputy ministers, and other officials.

At the pagoda, Vice Senior General Soe Win and members of the delegation offered alms, fruits, oil lamps, flowers, and drinking water to the Buddha image.

He later signed the guestbook and donated cash contributions to support the comprehensive renovation and maintenance of the pagoda. The donations were received by members of the pagoda trustee committee.

In the 244 Sasana era during the reign of King Siridhammasoka, the Kaunghmulon Pagoda, enshrined with three sacred hair relics of the Lord Buddha, was built on the eastern bank of the Malikha River near Kaunghmulon Village in Machanbaw Township of PutaO District in Kachin State. It is the largest and tallest pagoda in the PutaO region, showcasing the evidence that Buddhism has been thriving in the northernmost part of Myanmar in successive eras till today.

Afterwards, Vice Senior General Soe Win and his delegation inspected military units stationed in the Machanbaw and Putao areas. They also met with soldiers’ wives, listened to their concerns, and coordinated with relevant officials to address necessary matters.