■ Emerging Insults Against Buddhism in Myanmar’s Ethnic Armed Group-Controlled Areas

■ In areas controlled by some ethnic armed groups, there have been a rising number of incidents that insult and show contempt for Buddhism. These incidents have become more frequent since the military takeover in 2021 and the subsequent Operation 1027.

On January 8, 2024, a video surfaced on social media showing an MNDAA member destroying a Buddhist stupa with a hammer at Point 2202 Hill (SinU Kin Hill) in Laukkai. The footage, which lasts only a few seconds, shows an MNDAA member who appears to be an officer, with a pistol strapped to his waist, climbing the stupa and demolishing it with a hammer. This act of destroying a sacred Buddhist stupa drew strong condemnation from Buddhists.

Additionally, on March 30, more photos insulting Buddhism by MNDAA members spread across social media and Telegram pages. Images of two MNDAA members in uniform standing on some Buddha statues at the Laymyathna Pagoda in Laukkai also circulated on Telegram pages, resulting in intense criticism from social media users.

While these criticisms were ongoing, on September 1, a photograph was posted on social media showing Kachin singer Mai Mai Seng standing with shoes on a stupa in the historic Seinlon Mountain in Kachin State, which sparked further criticism among Buddhists. On September 1, Mai Mai Seng took a photograph standing with shoes on the stupa and posted it on her social media page, drawing severe criticism from social media users.

Under Mai Mai Seng 's post, a social media user named Vamsa Ashin commented, "You should feel ashamed for those Buddhist soldiers who have fought alongside you. It's okay to insult the military, but you shouldn't post anything insulting the images of the Buddha. If you don't like others insulting your own religion, you shouldn't think of retaliating when you have the chance. You've already taken over, so do whatever you like without showing it publicly like this. You should at least understand that no followers of any religion would appreciate such public insults. If you are upset with what the military did to offend you, keep in mind that doing something like this could cause Buddhists to feel hurt as well, and you might have to face similar consequences."

Another social media user, Nilar Oo, also commented under Mai Mai Seng’s post, saying, "I only pray that you don't die a bad death, Mai Mai Seng. You can fight however you like, but if you mock religion in a vulgar way by standing on it with shoes, I just hope your legs won't get cut off."

In response to these comments under her post, Mai Mai Seng wrote, "Don't get overly sensitive and tie this to religion. There are no temples in such a miserable place where those pitiful dogs live. Does every military camp have a temple or stupa beside it as a cover according to the teachings of Buddha? Ridiculous! The stupas built to oppress people of other ethnicities and religions on their historical mountains—where many were cruelly buried in tombs—don’t use the word ‘temple’ lightly. These are not temples and were not built for religious purposes. Before assuming things about me, go read the names on those stones first. I'm not doing this intentionally, but before you start judging me, think about those who shamelessly parade around pretending to be devout on supposedly sacred temples."

Mai Mai Seng participated in Myanmar Idol Season 2, which was held in 2017.

Amidst such numerous acts of insult and contempt against Buddhism in areas seized by ethnic armed groups, the MNDAA issued an apology on January 9, 2024, regarding a video that surfaced on social media on January 8, 2024. The video showed an MNDAA member destroying a Buddhist stupa with a hammer at Point 2202 Hill (SinU Kin Hill) in Laukkai.

The MNDAA stated that the video of a young person in an MNDAA military uniform hammering a Buddhist stupa with an iron hammer was widely circulated online on January 8, leading to misunderstandings and condemnation from the public against the MNDAA. Moreover, the MNDAA announced four points to prevent intentional incitement of religious and ethnic conflicts and to ensure that Buddhists do not suffer psychological harm due to this video.

Firstly, the act of hammering the Pagoda with an iron hammer was not sanctioned by the MNDAA but was an individual action. Secondly, we sincerely apologize for the lack of discipline and competence shown by our subordinates. Thirdly, the MNDAA upholds the freedom of religious worship and does not condone opposition to other religions or the destruction of religious buildings, it said.

Additionally, the MNDAA military committee has tasked the relevant department with handling the matter, including taking action and punishing those responsible. Furthermore, MNDAA officers and soldiers have been instructed to respect religious freedom and safeguard religious buildings.

While the MNDAA has apologized for the video showing a Buddhist pagoda being hammered, the Kachin armed group KIA has yet to address the incidents in Kachin State that insult Buddhism.

According to the 2014 census, Buddhism is the predominant religion in Myanmar, practiced by 88% of the population. The census also recorded 6.2% Christians, 4.3% Muslims, 0.5% Hindus, 0.8% tribal religions, 2% other religions, and 1% non-religious individuals.

According to the 2014 census, Buddhism is predominantly practiced by the Burmese, Arakan, Shan, Mon, Kayin, and Chinese communities, with Burmese people also incorporating traditional beliefs into their Buddhist practices. Among minority groups, Christianity is mainly followed by the Chin, Kachin, and Kayin people, while Islam is practiced by the Kaman, Bengali, Indian-origin communities, and some minorities in Rakhine State. Hinduism is primarily observed by those of Burmese Indian origin.

The 2008 constitution guarantees the freedom to practice any religion. However, in recent times, there have been numerous acts of humiliation and insults against Buddhism, the majority religion in Myanmar. These include the demolition of pagodas, the killing of monks, and other incidents that disturb the peace of Buddhist believers, particularly in areas controlled by armed groups. Additionally, since the political change in 2021, the proportion of non-religious people, which was previously just 1% of the population, may have increased, and there has been a noticeable rise in attacks that insult and demean Buddhism.

"Since the 2021 political shift, attacks and insults against Buddhism have intensified. In Kokang, pagodas were taken over, climbed on with shoes, and hammered down. Similar actions were repeated in Kachin, with photos circulated on social media, which is deeply offensive to Buddhism. Armed groups like the MNDAA and KIA must avoid religious discrimination. In major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, where most are Buddhist, people of all religions are respected and allowed to worship freely. However, there has been a noticeable increase in behavior that insults Buddhism. While the MNDAA has apologized for their actions, no such apology has been seen from the KIA for the incidents in Kachin. Armed groups need to respect religious freedom and avoid actions that insult Buddhism, which is practiced by over 80% of the population," a political analyst stated.