Christian communities in Myanmar’s Kachin State have been told to bring forward their Christmas celebrations and cancel traditional services, as the military tightens control ahead of elections scheduled for 28 December.

 

Churches in Myitkyina, Putao and Tanai have reportedly complied after receiving orders to finish Christmas observances before 20 December. Local sources say many believers fear arrest for “disobedience” or “rebellion” if they refuse. One Christian in Tanai described the move as “religious repression”, likening it to being forced to celebrate one’s birthday on the wrong day — but with far deeper spiritual significance.

 

The directive comes as tensions rise across Christian‑majority Chin and Kachin States, where ethnic minority communities have long faced targeted attacks. Churches and civilian infrastructure have been bombed, communication blackouts persist, and restrictions on religious practice remain severe.

 

Concerns escalated further after the forced conscription of Reverend Pau Muan Lian, a 23‑year‑old Chin pastor from Yangon’s Assemblies of God Church. He disappeared on 30 November and was later confirmed to have been drafted into military service, despite Myanmar’s own conscription law exempting members of religious orders.

 

Human rights groups say the pattern is clear. Mervyn Thomas, founder of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, argued that the junta is using the upcoming election as a tool of control. Forcing Christians to alter the date of their most sacred celebration, he said, is a blatant violation of freedom of religion, while the conscription of a young pastor “represents the ultimate form of coercion”.

 

Advocacy organisations are now urging the international community to reject the legitimacy of the forthcoming vote, warning that it is being used to intensify pressure on religious minorities.

 

-2025-12-18

Kind of makes sense to bring the celebrations forward to prevent mass casualties if there's a bomb.