By Kantarawaddy Times.
The Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State announced on July 17 that the cultural heritage items in the Loikaw Cultural Museum are being preserved to prevent their loss.
The statement mentioned that traditional artifacts, instruments, weapons, ornaments, and a bronze drum have been relocated to a secure location for safekeeping.
The statement further indicated that this relocation was undertaken due to concerns about potential loss from conflicts during anti-regime Karenni forces launched operation 1111 in Loikaw.
A cultural heritage enthusiast emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage items as they reflect the identity of every ethnic group.
“There is something called the heritage convention. If armed conflicts arise, immovable objects like churches and temples should be designated as demilitarized zones by both sides. Movable artifacts need to be properly relocated and stored in secure locations. Since the Union of Myanmar signed this agreement in 1956, all ethnic groups within the country have a responsibility to comply,” he shared.
The IEC highlighted the responsibility of all Karenni ethnic groups and people to protect these ancestral Karenni cultural artifacts.
During the operation 1111 that began on November 11, 2023, aerial attacks, artillery shelling, and arson by the military council resulted in the destruction of civilian homes, public buildings, and religious sites, as well as the theft of property.
Currently, the military council is conducting clearance operations in most areas and neighborhoods of Loikaw, including the cultural museum, as announced by the military council on July 13.
