Naungcho (Nawnghkio) Under Siege: Junta Seals Religious Sites, Arrests Community Members
Date of Report: August 11, 2025
Location: Naungcho (also spelled Nawnghkio), Northern Shan State
References: MMNN Myanmar, Burma News International, FB posts and Shan Hearld for news (SHAN) သျှမ်းသံတော်ဆင့်
Religious and Commercial Properties Sealed
The military junta has placed confiscation notices on at least 10 properties, including houses, gold shops, and grocery stores in central Naungcho, accusing their owners of supporting the TNLA (Ta’ang National Liberation Army) or the PDF (People’s Defence Force) Burma News International.
- Targeting of Religious Institutions
Two significant religious-linked structures were among those shut:- An Islamic wali (religious shrine/leader’s residence), reportedly renovated without prior approval.
- A four-storey building owned by a Hindu temple featuring shops on lower floors and lodging above.
- Arrests of Religious Figures and Locals
Several religious leaders, including local dhammadāsa (Buddhist sermonizers) and community figures, have been arrested under allegations of supporting insurgent groups - Returning Displaced Civilians Also Detained
Displaced civilians returning to nearby villages have faced arrests and interrogations by junta forces, accused of sympathizing with the TNLA, DPLA, or PDF. Over 30 returnees are reported to have been detained
The junta’s recapture of Naungcho on July 16, 2025, marked a pivotal shift in control over this strategically crucial gateway in northern Shan State
- This recovery was achieved through an intense military campaign involving drones, airstrikes, and ground offensives—culminating in junta forces seizing banks, offices, and administrative centers in the town by mid-July
Historical Pattern of Religious Targeting
- The junta has a longstanding history of targeting religious leaders and institutions perceived as opposing its rule. For instance, at least 56 Buddhist monks were detained for opposing the 2021 coup, and numerous religious sites—especially Christian and monastic buildings—have been destroyed in military operations
Summary Table
| Date / Period | Event Summary |
|---|---|
| June 26–28, 2024 | TNLA and PDF forces capture Naungcho and surrounding towns as part of Operation 1027 |
| July 15–16, 2025 | Junta regains full control over Naungcho amidst heavy fighting and drone strikes |
| Early August 2025 | Junta seals over 10 properties and arrests religious figures and locals over alleged insurgent support |
| Ongoing | Detentions of returnees and continued repression of religious communities and displaced individuals |
This is the clear case of:
- Weaponizing Religious Persecution
The junta’s suppression of both Muslim and Hindu-linked institutions—even when no insurrection activity is evident—reflects a broader strategy of suppressing religious identities that challenge its control. - Erosion of Civil Trust
The arrests of displaced civilians and returnees, alongside property seizures, deepen mistrust in the military’s governance and legitimacy—making resettlement or reconciliation increasingly unlikely. - International Human Rights Concerns
These actions align with documented patterns of religious targeting by the junta. Advocacy groups and international bodies like USCIRF have long cited such violations as emblematic of Myanmar’s worsening religious freedom situation
What should we do next?
- Monitoring Detained Individuals
Tracking the fate of religious leaders and returnees through human rights groups and international media remains critical. - International Advocacy
Reinforcing pressure from global organizations may help deter further repression and protect vulnerable communities. - Solidarity Reporting
Encouraging more independent and international reporting on these community-level atrocities will increase visibility and accountability.
