Burma Human Rights Network condemns the Burmese military’s attacks on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Most recently, the military shelled the town of Thanlang and set fire to homes and churches. As of now 163 homes and three churches were destroyed. Local residents blamed the Burmese military for starting the fires, a tactic that is part of the “Kill all, burn all, and destroy all” strategy they are documented using against other ethnic and religious minorities. Tensions in Chin State have dramatically escalated over the past month with the junta building up their troop presence in the state and attacking civilians regularly. Chin State is majority Christian and ethnic minority and the junta has a longstanding history of targeting religious and ethnic minorities.
“The regime’s campaign against the Chin people is an atrocity unfolding before our eyes in real time. Not only does the regime wish to diminish any popular support for the self-defense group, but they want to punish the Chin people for their religion and ethnicity as well. The destruction of churches is a clear indication of the regime’s intent to cleanse another region of Burma of non-Buddhists and non-Bamars. The world has been too slow to prevent these tragedies and must act immediately to prevent another genocide from occurring,” Said BHRN’s Executive Director, Kyaw Win.
The military has been building up their troop presence in Chin’s major cities and townships, including the capital Hakha. While increasing their presence in the state they have been met with resistance from locals who have formed self-defense groups. Several ethnic armed groups also maintain a presence in Chin State in opposition to the junta. In the fighting the Burmese military has regularly shelled civilian areas, arbitrarily arrested civilians, burned down properties, tortured captives, and stolen property. On top of this the junta has intentionally killed, beaten, or detained Christian pastors, destroyed churches, and caused a massive humanitarian crisis of displaced civilians. As the conflict continues, a refugee crisis in India is likely to emerge.
The international community must act immediately against the Burmese Military before the violence and destruction worsens. Every effort needs to be made to cut off the military from revenue and weapons. Sanctions and arms embargoes need to be globally enacted and the regime completely isolated. At the same time it is vital that the international community recognize the National Unity Government as the legitimate representation of the Burmese people and offer them as much support as possible to help restore them to power. Burma is already on a trajectory for a country-wide civil war and time is running out to prevent it.
Organisation’s Background
BHRN is based in London and operates across Burma/Myanmar working for human rights, minority rights and religious freedom in the country. BHRN has played a crucial role in advocating for human rights and religious freedom with politicians and world leaders.
Media Enquiries
Please contact:
Kyaw Win
Executive Director
Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN)
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T: +44(0) 740 345 2378
BHRN's Press Release PDF File
