Regime imposes restrictions on church prayers in Sittwe

By Admin 07 Nov 2024

DMG Newsroom
7 November 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar's military regime has imposed restrictions on the communal prayer of Christian followers at churches in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State.

Since early October, churches have been required to seek the approval of the local police station for Sunday prayers. They are also required to report how many people will join the congregation.

"They have to report to the police station every week about when the prayers will be held and how many people will join it. They can hold prayers only with police approval," said a source close to Christian followers in Sittwe.

Junta police recently attempted to demolish the cross on the compound of a church in Sittwe's Pyitawthar Ward. Christian followers succeeded in asking them not to do so.

According to the 2014 population census, there were around 7,000 followers of Christianity in Arakan State.

Christians have condemned the junta's latest restriction on their religious freedom.

A Christian and ethnic Karen woman in Arakan State said: "The military regime is committing

religious oppression using security concerns as an excuse. It is an insult to Christian followers."

The regime has carried out indiscriminate air and artillery attacks on civilian populations since its 2021 coup, destroying and damaging religious buildings.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said in a report last month that religious freedom in Myanmar has deteriorated as the conflict between the military regime and opposition forces continues unabated.