An utter loss

This is not Photoshop: a picture from the same spot, taken three years apart, depicts the utter devastation that the Burmese military has wrought across the countryside, on their campaign of rape, pillage, theft, torture, abduction, and murder. Although the outside press seldom reports any more on on the unfolding tragedy, the ground situation has become far, far worse than anyone anticipated.

Soldiers have become maddened by a conflict they cannot win, and they are now finding ways to exact their vengeance on vulnerable populations who have no means to defend themselves. We are hearing from people on the ground that across the Sagaing Division, village after village is being burned to the ground, and inhabitants are having to flee on foot for safety.

This heart-wrenching photo shows a typical Burmese Buddhist rural scene from just three years, which now has been long lost to the point that it can only be a distant memory today. A line of monks and novices line up in front a neighborhood building in which food has been prepared to offer to them. Now, only ashes from the structures exist, the tree scarred thoroughly with burn marks as well. One can only imagine what has happened to the actual humans captured in this photo, and which of them have managed to survive this terror.

Please do not turn away from the reality of this horror and continue to do whatever you may to support the Burmese people at this time of need. There are few left paying attention for a conflict which has gone on for over a year now, but there remain many souls facing unimaginable pain and devastation on a daily basis.