Burmese authorities organize peace prayer in Kachin State

With the civil war increasing in Northern Burma, all Christian denominations in Manmaw township, Kachin State under the aegis of the township government authorities had to hold a special prayer service for peace in the state on June 26 evening.

The church leaders had to participate in the prayer service organized by the authorities. The churches were unable to refuse the authorities who are Buddhists.

U Maung Maung Nyunt, chairman of the Manmaw (Bhamo) district organized the prayer and at least 14 Christian denominations and over 250 people including top officers from Manmaw township administrative office, Father and Head of villages attended the special prayer service at the township office.

A Kachin Baptist Church in Manmaw, Kachin State.

The special prayer service was meant to pray for peace in Kachin State where civil war is on since June 9 between the the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burmese Army, said Hpaula Kam Hpang general secretary of the Unity Democratic Party for Kachin State (UDPKS), which participated in the programme.

“The prayer service is for peace in our land, country and region,” said Hpaula Kam Hpang.

The head of the Township administration office U Maung Maung Nyunt also said, they requested the Father and Pastor to pray for peace and stability and for the development of the country.

At the special prayer service Rev. Dashi Aung Dun was the chairman and Father Zau Doi preached a sermon based on Matthew 7:7-14.

U Maung Maung Nyunt also paid his respects to Buddhist monks in the monastery and prayed for peace in the country.

Local people from Manmaw said the prayer service meant that a major offensive will be launched against the KIA. It meant declaration of civil war on Kachin state.

The civil war started on June 9 after Burmese troops attacked the KIA post in Sang Gang in N’mawk township, Manmaw district and the war spread to the whole of Kachin State and Northern Shan State.