Chins Call to Pray for Kachins in Burma

01 January 2013: A special prayer has been called among Chin communities across the globe for the Kachins as Burma Army intensifies attacks on KIA (Kachin Independence Army) during the Christmas season.

Leaders of Chin churches, communities and individuals alike circulated a request to pray for Kachin victims at the height of ongoing military offensive in Burma’s northern state.

Pastor Shwekey Hoipang, a leader of Dai Chin community, said: “We share the sufferings of our brother Kachin and remember them in our prayer. Burma Army have stepped up its attacks against KIA and it is clearly an indication of the continuation of the old military ideology.”

Over 10,000 people have been internally displaced due to the ongoing conflict between Burma Army and KIA since June 2011, according to the Kachin reports.

Last week, Burma Army soldiers launched heavy attacks near Laiza, the headquarters of KIA, using fighter jets and helicopters bombarding the Kachin positions.

Making a request to the Chin community, one individual said: “We were peacefully celebrating Christmas and New Year with our families and friends. But we should also remember that our Kachin brothers are now fleeing, being attacked and killed, and defending themselves against air strikes by Burma’s government.”

Another individual named Salai Chin called for more support for the Kachin, saying other ethnic groups should not keep silent while the ethnic Kachin are being attempted for elimination by Burma Army soldiers.

In Washington DC, USA yesterday, some Chin leaders and individuals joined a protest in front of the Burmese Embassy against violent military attacks in Kachin State.

Salai Thang Hei, who participated in the demonstration, urged other Chins to turn up in their traditional costumes and support the Kachin protest scheduled next Saturday.

A joint statement released yesterday by 11 Kachin organizations said over 50 Burma Army battalions are sent to attack Laiza and to destroy the lives of Kachin civilians including women and children along the front-line.

The Kachin IDPs (internally displaced persons) are now living in fear as numerous artillery weapons and shells are fired near the IDP camps by the Burmese troop, the statement said.

The Kachin organizations called on President Thein Sein to immediately halt the military attacks against KIA and to implement political talks with ethnic armed resistance groups after withdrawals of Burmese troops.

Van Biak Thang
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