Myanmar | May 14, 2024
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As reported by The Diplomat on 25 June 2024, the targeted killing of two Buddhist monks (one being a highly influential abbot) earlier in June has escalated fears of religious conflict adding a new dimension to the ongoing civil war. It appears that the military regime carried out the targeted killing, hoping to pit Buddhist clergy against anti-regime forces, by blaming opposition forces for the assassination. However, the regime had to backtrack and apologize after video footage and a surviving monk’s report became public (AP News, 28 June 2024).
World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller comments: “The assassinated abbot was a revered figure in Myanmar, known for his peacemaking efforts, and the Army felt obliged to issue a rare public apology in response to the outcry from the Buddhist community. For Myanmar's Christian minority, this development exacerbates an already precarious situation. In the civil war, Christians have frequently become targets of aerial attacks by regime forces. The increased military aggression and the potential for broader religious conflict could lead to heightened discrimination and violence against Christians, who often find themselves caught between the Army and various ethnic insurgent groups. The instability may also disrupt humanitarian aid and support networks critical for Christian communities, compounding their struggle to survive.”
Thomas Muller continues: “The Army’s public apology illustrates the regime’s attempt at putting on a show of piety to stay in the good graces of Buddhist religious leaders. The fact that the Army first tried to squarely blame the assassination on opposition forces, shows that the military regime will do anything it deems necessary to stay in power. It only backtracked, when it realized the smokescreen had failed. For Myanmar’s Christians, this incident shows something which they were already painfully aware of: If not even Buddhist dignitaries are spared, they will not be spared either.”
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