Myanmar’s junta chief has issued a rare apology after security forces killed the esteemed abbot of a Buddhist monastery. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, a prominent Buddhist teacher and critic of the military coup, was shot dead while traveling in central Mandalay region. Initially, the military blamed the abbot’s death on opponents of the coup, but a senior monk present at the scene contradicted this, leading to public outrage.
The junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing, expressed deep sadness over the loss and extended a sincere apology in a letter read at the monastery. The junta claimed that troops opened fire on the abbot’s car as it did not display religious symbols and failed to slow down at a checkpoint. An investigation into the incident was promised, with action to be taken based on the findings.
Despite presenting itself as a guardian of Buddhism, the military has faced criticism for its crackdown on dissent, including arresting individuals accused of undermining the religion. The clergy, however, have a history of involvement in political movements, such as leading protests in 2007 and providing aid after natural disasters.