ASIA/MYANMAR-A priest in the North: "due to the civil war more than 2,000 Kachin refugees, many in the churches"

Myitkyina (Fides Service) - A furious civil war is underway in northern Myanmar. "The clashes between the national army and the militia of the ethnic Kachin are creating great suffering to the civilian population: there are 2,000 refugees, and many take refuge in our churches": it is the testimony reported to Fides by a priest of the diocese in Myitkyina, who requested anonymity for security reasons. The diocese, in the far north of the country, includes the state of Kachin (one of 14 among states and territories in which the nation is divided), the theater of conflict.
"The war started about a week ago. Bombing is in progress. Our hopes for peace after the recent national elections, were disappointing. We call on the faithful in the world to pray for us", the priest told Fides. "The Kachin Independent Army fighters (KIA) – he continues - have destroyed at least 7 bridges (to prevent the army-their enemy-from moving), and there are more than 2,000 civilian refugees who have fled in order not to be in the middle of the crossfire. Many cross the border with China, others seeking refuge in churches".
"The conflict - says the priest - began with the first skirmishes in the village of Sag Gang Pa, on the way to Prang Hku Dung, but quickly spread throughout the state of Kachin." Life for the population is very difficult: "the dollar exchange rate has dropped to 750 kyat and the prices of commodities remain high. Families are struggling for daily survival". In addition, four volunteers of the Catholic Diocese of Myitkyina, visiting the villages in remote areas, were detained and their boat was seized by the soldiers, “the pastoral activities of the Church are kept to a minimum, in this conflict".
Meanwhile, the non-governmental organization "Christian Solidarity Worldwide" (CSW) has called for an immediate cease-fire on behalf of parties in conflict and the support of the international community for assistance to refugees. In a statement sent to Fides, CSW asks the United Nations and the European Union to put pressure on China and India so they can accommodate and protect displaced people from Kachin who seek shelter from the civil war.
The KIA is the armed wing of the "Kachin Independent Organization", one of the ethnic minority groups which for years has been fighting the Burmese central government for greater autonomy. The truce between the army and KIA stopped last year, when the rebel leaders refused to be integrated into the national army. In early June 2011, the Burmese army ordered the Kachin guerrillas to abandon an area guarded by them. Due to their refusal, hostilities started: the Burmese army launched a massive deployment of heavy vehicles, beginning with the bombing of mortars. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/06/2011)