Regime boss Min Aung Hlaing has apologized for his junta’s killing of a senior Buddhist monk last week but blamed the victim for allegedly failing to comply with security measures.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa, a retired member of the State Sangha Nayaka Committee, the highest Buddhist authority in Myanmar, was shot dead by junta troops last week near Tada-U Airport in Mandalay Region.
Junta media initially accused resistance groups of killing the abbot of Win Neinmitayon Monastery in Bago Region with a landmine.
The regime finally admitted its troops killed the 78-year-old Buddhist monk on Wednesday after another monk who survived the attack exposed the truth.
Rather than apologize in person, Min Aung Hlaing sent his religious affairs and culture minister Tin Oo Lwin to read his statement to monks at the slain abbot’s monastery in Bago on Monday. Tin Oo Lwin was a classmate of the junta boss at the Defense Services Academy, having graduated from the 19th intake.
The apology reads: “The vehicle transporting Sayadaw was a private vehicle with no religious emblems and was speeding with its windows closed. I sadly learned that Sayadaw was hit and passed away in the shooting when the car drove away after being told to pull over for a security check. I am deeply grieved at the loss of the renowned Sayadaw, who was prized for Pariyatti Sāsana [scriptural theory for Buddhist monks and missionary work], and we offer profuse apologies.”
Tin Oo Lwin said the regime had formed a panel of high-ranking officials to investigate the shooting, and punitive action would be taken based on the result of the findings.
Min Aung Hlaing ended his statement by saying, “I would like to humbly and respectfully state that we will continue to serve the interests of Sasana [Buddha’s teaching] by ensuring harmonious cooperation between Sayadaws [senior monks] and us disciples.”
One monk replied: “We have learned [the truth] now. We can’t forget. We feel sorrowful. That’s we want to say.”
Prominent monk Sitagu Sayadaw, who is close to Min Aung Hlaing, urged the Buddhist clergy “to forget and forgive” the attack during the victim’s wake at Win Neinmitayon Monastery, triggering public outrage.
The Mandalay Sangha (monks association) condemned the shooting on Friday. Former students at Win Neinmitayon Monastery have also called for a boycott against the regime.
The body of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Munindabhivamsa is now lying in state at Win Neinmitayon Monastery. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
