Mandalay, Myanmar — Muslim communities in Mandalay Region are struggling to repair or rebuild mosques damaged by recent earthquakes, as local authorities have yet to grant the necessary permits. Worshippers say the delays have left them praying in unsafe structures and exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Many of the affected mosques are centuries-old, built during the reigns of Myanmar kings. Some were royal donations to Muslim communities, while others were constructed under official decrees. Despite their historical significance, the Mandalay regional government has withheld repair and construction approvals, citing the absence of official documentation proving the land is registered as “religious property.”

Community leaders argue that such documents are often missing or outdated due to administrative changes over time. Although authorities have instructed mosque committees to reapply for new documentation, the process is mired in bureaucracy. Applications can take years to be processed, according to members of the Islamic Religious Council.

Religious organizations, including the council itself, have met with regional officials to appeal for urgent action. However, representatives report that discussions have been unproductive and that officials continue to insist on documentation requirements rather than addressing the immediate needs of worshippers.

The situation has fueled frustration among Mandalay’s Muslim population, particularly as other religious groups have reportedly received swift approval to repair their earthquake-damaged buildings. Community members say the disparity raises concerns about equality and interfaith harmony in Myanmar.

Without permits, worshippers are forced to pray in damaged mosques with unstable structures, limited space, and inadequate shelter from rain and extreme heat. Local religious and social organizations are urging the government to recognize the historical importance of these mosques and to expedite approvals in the spirit of human dignity and religious freedom.