Since the military coup in Burma, 95 churches and other religious buildings in Chin State have been destroyed by the Military Council through shelling and bombardments from planes or helicopters, according to the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO).
“They deliberately targeted religious buildings in Chin State, where many displaced Chin people have sought refuge in churches,” said Salai Mang Hare Liang, CHRO’s project manager.
The regime has also targeted other facilities where civilians are present, including five hospitals and clinics, four schools, and numerous villages within the state, he added.
“According to the Geneva Convention, they should refrain from attacking these public places…They have committed war crimes.”
Throughout the country, the Burma army has demolished nearly 200 religious buildings, with the majority of them located in Chin State, which is predominantly inhabited by Christians.
This is significant as Christians represent a minority group in Burma, where the majority follows Buddhism.