09/21/2021 Myanmar (International Christian Concern) – On September 18, the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) shelled at least 19 homes and a government building in Chin state, before shooting dead a Baptist pastor who came out to help put out house fire.
Thantlang township in the Christian-majority Chin state has been under heavy attack by the Tatmadaw. Thousands of villagers have fled to India’s Mizoram amid intense fighting between the local defense forces and the Tatmadaw.
Youth pastor Cung Biak Hmun of Thantlang Centennial Baptist Church was reportedly shot dead as he tried to help one of his congregants save their burning home. He left behind his wife and two sons.
According to UCA News, the Chin Baptist Convention (CBC) has condemned the attack on civilian houses, the killing of the pastor and removing his finger to steal a wedding ring by the military, saying such acts were “shocking and horrible.”
“The military’s attack on church buildings, occupying churches and destroying church property, and bombing civilians’ homes is an insult to the religion and the believers,” the CBC said in a Sept. 19 statement.
On Saturday, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Tom Andrews, published a tweet condemning the Tatmadaw’s evil act. He said, “The murder of a Baptist minister and bombing of homes in Thantlang, Chin State are the latest examples of the living hell being delivered daily by junta forces against the people of Myanmar. The world needs to pay closer attention. More importantly, the world needs to act.”
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