Myanmar conflict having heavy impact on Christians in Chin State

A report released by Myanmar Witness project of the UK-based Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) reveals the heavy impact of Myanmar’s conflict on church communities in Christian-majority Chin state.

The ongoing conflict between the military junta and resistance forces in Myanmar has heavily impacted Christians and their places of worship in the country's only Christian-majority state, according to a report released this week by an independent advocacy group dedicated to exposing human rights abuses and war crimes.

Since the military coup toppling Aung San Suu Kyi on 2 February 2021, airstrikes have been a frequent occurrence across the Asian nation, with schools, villages, worship buildings, and hospitals hit.

Sustained and long-term impact of the conflict on the Christian population

The Myanmar Witness project of the UK-based Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) identified and analysed 10 incidents where churches were damaged – mostly in airstrikes – between March and August 2023, and found that the conflict that ensued the military coup is having a “sustained and long-term impact on the Christian population of Chin state,” who make 85 per cent of the local population.

The state, has been at the forefront of resistance against the military regime, known to have close links with ultra-nationalist Buddhist monks.

The report presents five case studies revealing the extent of damage to churches in Chin’s Thantlang, Falam and Hakha townships. In some instances, photographs shared online showed the buildings with significant structural damage, including caved-in roofs. In several cases, civilian casualties and the destruction of nearby homes were also reported.

Rebel strongholds and townships placed under martial law have experienced more attacks, the report said blaming the Myanmar Air Force, which has “overwhelming superiority” compared to rebel groups, for the attacks.

Matt Lawrence, project director of Myanmar Witness described the destruction of churches in Chin state as “symbolic as well as physical”. “These places of worship are not only protected under international law during times of conflict, but they’re of sacred importance to those who use them,” he said.

At least 100 religious sites destroyed since military coup

According to the Chin Human Rights Organization cited by Uca News agency, since the February 2021 coup at least 100 religious sites, including 55 Christian institutions, have been destroyed.

“The destruction of Christian churches is deliberate to inflict psychological trauma on a specific religious and cultural community. They are not collateral damage,” said to Salai Za Uk Ling, deputy executive director of Chin Human Rights Organization.

Christian leaders have repeatedly appealed for the protection of places of worship, citing the Hague Conventions on warfare, which also calls for the protection of hospitals and education institutions.

Christians make up 6 percent of Myanmar’s population of 54 million 89 percent of which is Buddhist.

Lisa Zengarini
Source: vaticannews.va/en