via BNI, 28 January 2020: A temple in Mrauk U is reportedly damaged due to shockwaves cause by artillery in the ongoing conflict between government forces and the Arakan Army.
Some parts of ancient Koe- thaung Temple in Mrauk U township are reportedly damaged due to the vibration of artillery shillings by Myanmar Army personnel around the locality, alleged local residents.
Many parts of roots & wells in north and north-western direction of the pagoda were cracked, said Daw Khin Than, chairman of Mrauk U heritage preservation association.
“The damage may augment if heavy shelling of artilleries nearby the pagoda is not stopped by the authority,” she added.
Koe-thaung Temple was built by Arakan’s great king Min Dikkha during 1553 -1556 where 90,000 Buddha images are placed. The large-size pagoda faced devastation in the past. However the archaeology department has started renovating it. Some parts of the pagoda are already renovated, but it is not completely done.
