BANMAW (UCAN): Soldiers of the State Administration Council Myanmar’s military junta reportedly burnt down St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Diocese of Banmaw, Kachin state, on March 16, the eve of the saint’s feast, Radio Free Asia reported on March 17, citing local sources.
The latest incident is part of a string of attacks launched against the church and its associated buildings, the source, who refused to be named, fearing government retaliation, told RFA.
“The only thing left [was] the church, which they returned yesterday and burned down,” the unnamed source told RFA, adding that some of the other buildings were burnt down earlier.
The priest’s house, the three-story building that houses the diocesan offices and the high school, had previously been set on fire on February 26, according to Fides.
The Diocese of Banmaw was established in 2006 and is currently led by Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam. The population in the region before the conflict began was estimated to be 407,000, which included more than 27,000 Catholics belonging to different ethnic groups, according to Fides.
RFA reported that the extent of damage inflicted by airstrikes, artillery, and drones on the houses, churches, and schools in Banmaw is unknown.
On March 16, the military council forces launched airstrikes on Talangzar village in Falam Township, Chin State, damaging several homes, including a Christian church, according to residents, RFA reported.
As of March 4, more than 124,500 people, including over 38,200 people displaced by the military coup, have been staying in camps in Kachin state having fled their homes in 2011.
There are 2.7 million displaced people in Myanmar—early 2.4 million following the 2021 coup, according to the UNHCR.
