Scarred but Sacred: Sagaing's Fight for Survival
This piece has been written by our team leader to provide a heartfelt account of the ongoing crisis in the Sagaing Region. Thanks to the generous support from Better Burma donors, this essay aims to shed light on the unimaginable atrocities being committed and highlight the importance of continued support during this critical time.
The situation on the ground, particularly in Sagaing Region, remains dire, with widespread atrocities inflicted by junta forces. I am deeply grateful to support the people of Sagaing Region, where the world's worst atrocities have recently taken place, with only limited humanitarian relief reaching those in need. The devastation in Budalin and Depeyin townships is profound, with recent attacks by junta forces leaving a renewed trail of destruction and suffering.
The Budalin area, located north of Monywa, holds historical significance as the birthplace of many revered Buddhist scholars and national figures. This includes scholars like Nyaung Kan Sayadaw U Bud, Maung Htaung Thathanabaing Sayadaw, and Maung Htaung U Kyaw Hla, as well as national icons such as Maha Bandoola and Queen Me Nu. It also neighbors the native land of Maha Ledi Sayadaw, with Kyaung Ban Sayadaw, a notable disciple of Ledi Sayadaw, residing there alongside his contemporary, Mohnyin Sayadaw.
Tragically, on the Thadingyut Full Moon Day, a sacred Buddhist festival, junta troops brutally killed six men, including an 80-year-old, in Si Par Village, north of Budalin. Three of the victims were decapitated, with their remains grotesquely displayed on fences. Local news media described the atrocity as "Hell in a Sagaing Region Village," illustrating the brutal and grotesque nature of the killings. Words fail to capture the heartbreak. Among the chaos stood a replica of Bagan’s Aloedawpyae Buddha, beneath which was inscribed “Aloedawpyae Buddha”—the 'Wishes-fulfilled Buddha.' An archaeologist poignantly noted, "When I read the inscription beneath it, it reads – Aloedawpaye Phaya. In fact, it seems they don’t have many wishes: they just wished to be free from all dangers. But... it seemed their wishes were not fulfilled."
Throughout late October, junta troops continued their attacks, raiding villages, setting homes ablaze, and taking innocent lives. In Budalin and the surrounding villages of Si Par, Myauk Kyi, and Tat Hlaing, 20 civilians—including children—were killed. Local records indicate that 500 homes were destroyed in villages west and north of Budalin, including Eain Paung Chaung, Se Wa Ywar Thit, Ywar Haung, Si Par, and Saing Pyin Lay (not to be confused with Saing Pyin Gyi, the birthplace of Ledi Sayadaw, though the two villages are not far apart). On October 30, Myanmar Now reported that junta forces continued burning down villages east of Budalin—Pe Pyit Taw, Hnaw Yin, and Inn Te—taking 50 villagers, including elderly individuals, as human shields.
With the situation worsening each day, your continued support is more critical than ever. Please consider contributing further to Better Burma to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those suffering under these ongoing atrocities.