Military outposts in Naypyitaw shift to temples and monasteries

Junta soldiers are being reassigned from military outposts around Naypyitaw to religious structures in the regime’s administrative capital, according to local sources. Several monasteries across different townships in the council have been repurposed as army camps, a police source told Myanmar Now on the condition of anonymity, noting that the new quarters were more comfortable for the troops. “Junta troops had to be stationed for months in a single area, so if they stay in nearby monasteries, bathing, resting, and preparing meals is easier. Basic necessities and vehicles are stored in the monasteries,” the former police officer said. Residents have reported seeing soldiers camping at Ngwe Shan Kone monastery near Naypyitaw’s iconic Uppatasanti Pagoda and Lakloattaung Temple, which is often visited by military generals. Policemen are seen near the Uppatasanti Pagoda in Naypyitaw in 2017 (EPA) Locals have also observed troops staying in monasteries in Pobbathiri and Lewe townships. “In the monastery near us, around 40 soldiers arrived this month,” said a resident from a village adjacent to Naypyitaw International Airport. “They patrol in cars, return to the monastery for showers, and at around 6pm they assemble in groups at their designated duty location.” The same resident mentioned that troops had been seen in Pi Tauk Chaung village in Lewe, as well as every three weeks in Yaylekway and Gynehtout monasteries. Another Naypyitaw local confirmed the junta’s incorporation of religious structures in its defences, particularly as resistance forces move closer to the council. “Monasteries are safer for them. Monastery buildings are stronger than bunkers. That's why I think monasteries are being used a lot," he speculated. The Karenni Nationalities Defence Force is active in Pinlaung, a town in southern Shan State near Naypyitaw, and both the Karen National Union and the People’s Defence Forces operate in Bago Region and Karen State, which also border the council. Outposts strategically positioned around junta ministries and other key regime installations reportedly remain intact. According to a civil servant, military vehicles, including those that are armoured, have been stationed at the state-owned Myanma Economic Bank headquarters. Following the fatal shooting of 20-year-old anti-coup protester Mya Thwe Thwe Khaing by the junta’s forces at Naypyitaw’s Thapyaygone roundabout in February 2021, the site remained cordoned off for more than two years, with soldiers encamped alongside military vehicles. The roundabout, which serves as the intersection of three major roads, finally reopened on November 12, with a continued army presence.

Military outposts in Naypyitaw shift to temples and monasteries

Junta soldiers are seen staying at religious sites across multiple townships that have been repurposed as Myanmar army camps

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