Christian churches in Hakha Township recommended for their congregations not to hold Christmas events this year due to the threat of political violence in Chin State during the regime’s military offensive, which aims to crush civilian resistance groups but also targets everyone else.

With so many Christians in Chin State, Christmas is an important holiday and its unusual for religious leaders to advise people not to gather for prayers in churches in the town of Hakha, the capital of Chin State, or hold other events to mark Jesus Christ’s birthday on 25 December.

“We are especially concerned about people’s safety because of the political instability, so we better not hold Christmas celebrations this year,” a pastor from Hakha, who requested anonymity, told Khonumthung News.

Another pastor, who also asked that his name not be published, said that “the revolution is still happening and there are frequent shootings in the town. Our children are still in the jungle struggling to survive, not knowing when they will be able to return home and how their parents will celebrate Christmas at home”.

Christian groups released a statement calling for the cancellation of Christmas and New Year celebrations. At the same time, it pointed to the recent tragedy in Thangtlang, where 10,000 people have fled after the regime shelled the town in northern Chin State nine times, destroying over 350 homes and several churches.

The International Myanmar Baptist Fellowship urged Christians to donate money to civilians affected by the war instead of spending it on celebrations.

“Many have sacrificed their lives for justice and truth in Burma. A lot of people are in need of food aid. It is time for our fellow Christians to help those in need,” the statement said.