THANTLANG, Myanmar — Soldiers in Myanmar’s military shot and killed a Baptist pastor who was trying to help put out a fire caused by an artillery attack, according to a Barnabas Fund report.
The Tatmadaw soldiers’ Sept. 18 artillery attack is part of an intensifying conflict in Chin State, which is predominantly Christian. As many as 19 homes were destroyed, stated Barnabas Fund.
Cung Biak Hum, 31, was shot and killed on his motorcycle heading toward the blaze. Barnabas Fund stated soldiers also reportedly cut off his finger to steal his wedding ring.
Four days earlier, Tatmadaw artillery hit a Thantlang church. Early in September, all of Taal village in Chin State fled after soldiers ransacked houses, destroyed valuables, Bibles and hymn books and killed animals, Barnabas Fund reported.
The ongoing violence in Chin State has displaced thousands, with some taking refuge in neighboring India. Tatmadaw soldiers have persecuted Christians in Chin State for years, stated Barnabas Fund.
Myanmar is No. 18 on Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
