To enjoy the freedom of visiting and making pilgrimages during the season of visiting Buddhist temples, the residents are demanding the removal of military camps located within pagodas in Rakhine State.
The Thadingyut Festival is approaching, but Mrauk U residents have expressed their inability to visit the Thin Kyit Taw Pagoda in Mrauk U Township due to the presence of Junta’s troops.
"There are Military Council troops, and no pilgrims dare to visit. We ourselves are hesitant to visit. We've heard that the magnolia trees we planted at the hilltop pagoda have been cut down. We strongly urge the prompt withdrawal of these troops," expressed Daw Thein May from Pauk Taw Pyin Village, Mrauk U Township.
Due to the presence of Military Council troops, the Thin Kyit Taw Pagoda has been unable to hold its annual pagoda festival, and pilgrims have been unable to visit it for approximately five years.
The military have occupied well-known pagodas across Rakhine State, including the Thin Kyit Taw Pagoda and the Lin Mway Taung Pagoda in Mrauk U Township, the Thaylar Giri Mawra Patta Hill in Kyauktaw Township, the Kyein Taung Pagoda in Minbya Township, the Aung Mingalar Pagoda in Pan Myaung Village, and the Taung Phyu Taung Pagoda near the village.
According to residents, Military Council troops remain stationed at the 31 Common Pagoda in Buthidaung Township, the Thayet Taung Pagoda near Gu Dar Pyin Village, and the Maha Zeya Theikdi Aung Taw Mu Pagoda near Zedi Pyin Village in Rathedaung Township.
The Military Council troops have been stationed at these pagodas since 2019, and it has been nearly five years now.
"The pagoda near our village is still stationed by Military Council troops. None of the villagers can visit it. During Thadingyut and Thingyan periods, the villagers used to climb the hill and go on pilgrimages. Now, they are unable to do so," expressed Ko Aye Aung from Zedi Pyin Village, Rathedaung Township.
Pilgrims are permitted to visit the historic Thaylar Giri Mawra Patta Hill in Kyauktaw Township and the historic Kyein Taung Pagoda in Minbya Township.
However due to the presence of the Junta’s camps within the pagoda premises, the pagoda trustees have made a request for the withdrawal of these military camps, as it causes concern among pilgrims.
"At Kyauktaw Taung, there are two groups, one in police uniforms and another in military uniforms. They don't appear to be engaged in any specific activities. Pilgrims are still welcome, but it might make them feel somewhat uncomfortable," explained U Kyaw Kyaw, secretary of the Kyauktaw Taung pagoda trustee.
At the 31 Common Pagoda in Buthidaung Township, the stupas sustained damage from artillery shells during the conflict. Presently Military Council troops continue to be stationed there, making it difficult for pilgrims to visit and for maintenance to take place, as reported by residents.
"The Military Council soldiers are still stationed at the pagoda. The villagers are afraid to visit. They are even afraid to undertake repairs. Our village has been severely affected, with all the houses destroyed. As there are no people left in the village, we are unable to carry out the necessary repairs for the pagoda," shared U Khin Maung Than from San Go Taung Village, Buthidaung Township.
The political community emphasizes that the presence of the Junta’s troops at renowned pagodas in Rakhine State is not only inappropriate but also constitutes a war crime, in violation of international law. International humanitarian law explicitly prohibits the positioning of armed forces at conflict zones, historic pagodas, or cultural structures.
"During this ceasefire, they need to withdraw. Due to the presence of Military Council troops, the local people are no longer able to participate in the annual festivals organized by these pagodas," stated Rakhine veteran politician U Pe Than.
DMG reached out to Rakhine State Security and Border Affairs Minister Col. Kyaw Thura regarding the military presence at the pagodas, but he did not answer the phone call.
