More than 10 churches in Hakha town, Chin State, are now unable to hold prayer services due to an order from the General Administration Department under the military council. The order, issued on 22 April, prohibits gatherings of more than five people, according to local sources.
As the order bans gatherings of more than five people in churches, 11 Christian churches in Myo Thit Ward of the town are struggling to hold their weekly worship services, said a resident of the ward.
“We haven’t been able to go to church yet. Around 11 churches have been holding prayer services where they see fit. Some families are going to churches in other wards. The shops are not open yet. They negotiated last week but haven’t reached an agreement yet. We don’t know any further updates. They say this order is stricter than the usual orders they issue,” said the resident.
The regional order, which bans gatherings of more than five people from 22 April to 20 June, was issued after the junta claimed that the Chinland Defense Force – Hakha (CDF-Hakha) had fired on the junta ministers’ convoy on 12 April by taking up positions in homes, stores and churches.
Since the imposition of martial law on Hakha town, public gatherings and worship services in Hakha have been required to obtain permission from the military council troops.
Due to the ban on gatherings of more than five people in Myo Thit Ward, Christian congregants have reportedly been unable to attend church services for about a week.
In late April, pastors and residents of Hakha negotiated twice with the military council to get the order relaxed, but there was no response.
Sent by KMG.