Historic St. Patrick’s Church in Bhamo Set on Fire by Military Forces

Pajau Media

March 17, 2025

A historic Catholic church in Bhamo, the second-largest city in Kachin State, was intentionally set ablaze by forces of the State Administration Council at approximately 4 p.m. on March 16, according to a local resident.

“The church fire didn’t burn because of fighting. It didn’t burn because of bombing or artillery. It burned because the military council deliberately set it on fire,” a local source stated.

The church, known as St. Patrick’s Church, is a significant religious landmark located in Pauk Kone Ward, Bhamo.

“In addition to the main church in the compound, there is also a four-story monastery where the priests reside. Next to the church, there is a dormitory for bishops, as well as a two-story dormitory. Adjacent to it are the No. 2 seminaries and religious halls, all within the same complex. Since no one was present, there was no one to stop the fire, so everything may have burned down together,” the resident further explained.

Since December 4, 2024, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been launching attacks in Bhamo, with ongoing clashes escalating. As fighting intensifies, many residents have fled to safer locations, including forested areas. Reports indicate that Bhamo is now nearly abandoned, with heavy combat continuing around Military Command (21).

News – Zaw Mai