In regard to the passing of Venerable Bhaddanta Muninda Bhivamsa, the head monk of Win Neinmitayon Monastery in Bago, it has been reported that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Administration Council, sent a letter of condolence and apology.

On June 24, Union Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, along with officials from the Bago Region Government, visited Win Neinmitayon Monastery. They met with senior monks and presented the Chairman’s letter of condolence and apology, which was read by Union Minister U Tin Oo Lwin.

In the letter, the Chairman expressed profound sorrow and respect over the passing of the esteemed head monk, Venerable Bhaddanta Muninda Bhivamsa. The monk held numerous honorary religious titles and had served in the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee for eight years. The letter emphasized the significant loss felt by his disciples and extended heartfelt condolences.

The letter also mentioned the volatile situation in the region due to the presence of PDF insurgents disguised in civilian attire, engaging in kidnappings, extortion, and frequent attacks on security forces. Specific incidents included the hijacking of a vehicle on June 19. The State Administration Council's Information Committee provided detailed explanations of these events.

The incident leading to the venerable monk’s death was described: the vehicle carrying Venerable Bhaddanta Muninda Bhivamsa, lacking religious markings, was traveling at high speed. Security forces attempted to stop it for inspection, and when it did not stop, gunfire ensued, resulting in the monk’s tragic death. An investigation involving high-ranking officials is underway, and necessary actions will be taken based on the findings.

The letter concluded with a respectful plea for continued support for religious activities by the disciples and laypeople in memory of the late monk, emphasizing the invaluable contributions he made to the Buddhist community.

After the Union Minister’s statement, a senior monk addressed the gathering, acknowledging the profound sadness and irreplaceable loss. He urged the congregation to focus on the preparations for the monk’s final rites and maintain the monastery’s traditions and disciplines. The ceremony ended with reflections on the monk’s significant contributions to the monastic and lay communities at both Win Neinmitayon Monastery and Kyakhawine Monastery.