Looting and destroying, junta declares war on Myanmar’s cultural sites and artifacts

via Radio Free Asia, 24 May 2023: The military junta in Myanmar isreportedly looting and destroying historical sites and cultural artifacts, as part of their efforts to break the spirits of locals.

In Myanmar, junta troops aren’t just terrorizing villages and committing atrocities – they’re looting and destroying historical sites and cultural artifacts, villagers say.

Ever since soldiers set fire to scores of houses and church buildings in Thantlang, in the northern Chin region, in late 2021 and early 2022, they’ve been raiding homes to steal jewelry, shaman ropes, handwoven bags and drums, said Yaw Maung, from the civilian administration office in Mindat that’s linked to the anti-junta opposition.

“Soldiers knew they were significant and precious,” he said.

Source: Looting and destroying, junta declares war on Myanmar’s cultural sites and artifacts — Radio Free Asia