Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Statement No (10/ 2025)

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission Statement No (10/ 2025)

   It has been learned that the Gokteik Viaduct, located on the Mandalay–Lashio road linking Nawnghkio Township and Kyaukme in northern Shan State, was destroyed on 24 August 2025. The Goteik Viaduct, a railway bridge with a lifespan of 125 years, has long been preserved and maintained by the State and local people as one of the country’s most prominent and historic landmarks. This act of destruction has caused not only severe impacts on public transportation, security, and the daily lives and economic activities of local communities, but also damage one of Myanmar’s historic heritages.

   According to the Bridges Law, it is prohibited to deliberately destroy or damage major bridge structures, or to engage in any acts that may affect the durability and long-term stability of bridges. The destruction of the Gokteik Viaduct constitutes an act intended to damage or cause the loss of vital public or private infrastructure, and therefore amounts to an act of terrorism under Section 2 (c) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

   The international community, including the United Nations, has recognized that all acts of terrorism as criminal offenses that threaten the rule of law and security and lack any justification, must be explicitly condemned. The terrorist act of destroying the Gokteik Viaduct has caused a great loss to the nation and its people, and is regarded as an act that threatens peace, the rule of law, and human rights.

Myanmar National Human Rights Commission