Ashin Munindabhivamsa

Ashin Munindābhivaṃsa (; 13 December 1946 – 19 June 2024), also known as Shindan Sayadaw, was a Burmese scholar monk and chief abbot of Win Neinmitayon Monastery in Bago. Recipient of the title of Agga Maha Pandita, he was a member of the central executive committee of the Shwegyin Nikaya, the second largest monastic order in Myanmar. The assassination of Munindābhivaṃsa, a member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, in June 2024 led to a confrontation between the Burmese military (the Tatmadaw) and founding members of the monastery.

Early life and education The eldest son of Tun Shwe and Kyeyin, Munindābhivaṃsa was born in Thanatpin Township in Bago Division on 13 December 1946. Novitiated under the 5th Kyakhhetwine Sayadaw at the age of 10, he passed his first examination titled vinyānuggaha sāmanera bhāņaka sīla sikkhā at age 11.

He also compiled religious writings under the title of Shindan and was known as Shindan Sayadaw. He received the title for senior instructor Agga Maha Ganthavācaka Pandita from the government in 1992. He was offered the titles of Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja and Agga Maha Pandita in 2006. As he left the Mandalay International Airport, his vehicle was shot at by Tatmadaw soldiers after it allegedly refused to stop at a security checkpoint. The soldiers claimed that they believed opposition PDF fighters were in the car since the windows were closed. They then confiscated the monks' phones and coerced them into silence.

Aftermath Initially, army general Zaw Min Tun blamed an explosion from a PDF landmine on Munindābhivaṃsa's death. Two days later, however, he admitted that soldiers fired warning shots and shouted at his van to pull over before shooting at it from behind: only after Kanthonsint Sayadaw who accompanied Munindābhivaṃsa in the car revealed that they were attacked by the Tatmadaw soldiers. The military junta promised to take action on those responsible for the attack. On 20 June, the chief minister of Bago Region addressed the founding members of the monastery and stated that the ruling junta had been unaware of the actual circumstances, but the monastery officials replied that they wanted an official apology. On 24 June, Min Aung Hlaing's official letter of condolences and apology was read by the minister of religious affairs. The current Kyakhetwine Sayadaw said that it was sorrowful and painful, and at the same time, it was unforgettable [and unforgivable].