It was a tragedy.
On February 14, 2025, Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, a Catholic priest from Myanmar’s Mandalay Archdiocese, was tragically stabbed and killed at Ludmal Thawma Church in Kangi Taw Village. The incident took place at around 7 p.m., prompting authorities to arrest 10 individuals associated with a local resistance group. These arrests were carried out by the National Unity Government (NUG), which leads the opposition to the military regime in Myanmar. This marks the first reported killing of a Catholic priest since the country’s civil conflict escalated following the 2021 military coup.
The NUG identified the arrested individuals as members of a local defense force and has promised a thorough investigation into the case. While the specific motive for the killing remains uncertain, there are reports suggesting that Father Ye Naing Win was suspected of collaborating with the military as an informant. The NUG has condemned any form of violence against civilians, including religious figures, and pledged to address the issue appropriately to ensure justice is served.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a UK-based organization that advocates for religious freedom, expressed concern that this killing is part of a broader pattern of rising violence against religious minorities in Myanmar. The group highlighted how religious leaders and places of worship, particularly churches, have increasingly become targets of attacks and harassment in the conflict-torn country. The ongoing civil war has heightened concerns about the safety of religious communities in Myanmar.
In response to the tragedy, Charles Cardinal Bo, head of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Myanmar, expressed profound sorrow and urged authorities to seek justice and prevent similar attacks in the future. Mervyn Thomas, president of CSW, also called for a thorough and independent investigation into the murder, emphasizing the importance of accountability. He further stressed the need for international involvement to safeguard religious freedom and human rights in Myanmar amid escalating violence.