Nay Pyi Taw March 20
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Ye Aung, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Maung Maung Kyaw, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Nyi Nyi Swe and Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Maj-Gen Aung Soe, paid homage to Kaunghmulon Pagoda in Machanbaw Township, Putao District, Kachin State, this morning.
After paying homage, the Senior General and wife offered fruits, flowers, water and oil lights to the Buddha image of the pagoda. Then, the Senior General and wife presented cash donation to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. An official of the board returned a certificate of honour. After going round the pagoda clockwise, they viewed environs of Malikha River and the precinct of the pagoda. The Senior General made a coordination to designate the religious area and build brick fences for the precinct of the pagoda.
The Senior General and party cordially met with local people of Kaunghmulon Village and posed for documentary photo together with them. Kaunghmulon Pagoda is located on the eastern bank of Malikha River near Kaunghmulon Village in Machanbaw Township, Putao District, Kachin State. It is one of the ancient pagodas built by King Siri Sudhammasoka. The pagoda was renovated by officials in successive eras. During the tour of Kachin State in 2014, U Thein Sein, who served as President, paid homage to Kaunghmulon Pagoda. As the President saw cracks on the platform and at the pagoda while paying homage, he managed major repairs at the pagoda with the cash donations of well-wishers and local people.
The Senior General, wife and party also paid homage to Maha Tezawunta Shwezigon Pagoda and Maha Tezawunta Shwedagon Pagoda adjacent to Kaunghmulon Pagoda and offered flowers and water. After paying obeisance to natural Kyauknaga Pagoda in Machanbaw, the Senior General, wife and party offered flowers and water.
