Arson at Ancient Temple in Myanmar World Heritage Site Prompts Questions Over Security

via The Irrawaddy, 10 June 2020: Attempted arson at Loka-hteik-pan Temple.

An arson took place early Tuesday morning at Loka-hteik-pan Temple, a Buddhist temple that houses some of the best-preserved murals in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bagan.

Of the 3,822 temples in the east of the Irrawaddy River in Bagan, 462 of them have mural paintings. Loka-hteik-pan Temple, a 12th century temple in old Bagan, is renowned for its well-preserved murals depicting Buddha’s life.

The interior of the temple is kept locked behind an iron gate to prevent damage to the murals; the gate is covered with bamboo blinds. On Tuesday morning, the bamboo blinds were set on fire.

Source: Arson at Ancient Temple in Myanmar World Heritage Site Prompts Questions Over Security