Residents of Arakan (Rakhine) State are raising alarms over the deteriorating condition of centuries-old pagodas and historic monuments, many of which were damaged during ongoing clashes. Continued instability has left preservation and restoration efforts at a standstill.
During the fighting, numerous heritage sites across the region suffered heavy damage from junta airstrikes, artillery fire, and troops stationing themselves within sacred compounds. Today, many of these sites remain neglected, exposed to further decay from weather and the passage of time.
“The junta deliberately targeted many pagodas here in Arakan State, and the destruction is everywhere. While junta troops were stationed inside, they dug trenches and built bunkers right in the compounds. If we don’t restore these pagodas soon, they could be lost forever,” said a village elder in Kyauktaw.
Among the worst-affected sites are Thingittaung, Linmwaytaung, and Shwetaung pagodas in Mrauk-U Township; Kyeintaung Pagoda in Minbya Township; and Theintaung and Koyantaung pagodas in Ramree Township, all reportedly damaged during the junta’s occupation.
Other sacred sites also bear scars from months of occupation and repeated attacks. Thoesattabone Pagoda in Buthidaung Township, Guwa Pagoda in Ponnagyun Township, and Rathedaung and Kyauktaungdaw pagodas in Rathedaung Township have all suffered significant damage.
“In Ponnagyun, restoration hasn’t even started because the area isn’t stable. People haven’t been able to return, and the pagodas are taking a beating from wind and rain. We need immediate action before it’s too late,” said a Ponnagyun Township resident.
Residents across Arakan State fear that without urgent conservation work, these historic treasures could collapse entirely. The junta’s relentless air raids on schools, hospitals, religious buildings, and civilian areas are compounding the challenge, effectively blocking any restoration efforts.
“In Kyauktaw, many religious buildings were destroyed, and nothing’s been fixed yet. Pagodas in the other townships are still in ruins too,” said a local.
Arakan State is home to numerous ancient pagodas and historic sites, many now in jeopardy due to the ongoing conflict.
Under international humanitarian law, religious and cultural heritage sites are meant to be protected during war. Yet the junta has repeatedly failed to uphold these protections, with observers accusing it of violating global norms by deliberately targeting such sites.
