True Information: Answer Relating To Death Of Pastor In Thantlang Township

The Leader of Information Team of the State Administration Council Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun gave answer relating to the death of pastor from Christian Church in Thantlang Township of Chin State. The answer says that there are some destructive media broadcasting fake news related to Myanmar. Such broadcasting was started by Khit Thit Media which aired fake news such as setting fires to Kinma Village in Pauk Township of Magway Region on September 19.

In this regard, the broadcasting features a clash that happened in Thantlang on September 18 when pastor Cung Biak Hum of Christian Baptist Church was dead due to bullet-hit by the Tatmadaw.

With regard to the reality, the security troops performed the patrol in Thantlang between 4 pm and 4:30 pm on September 18. During the patrol, some 100 terrorists called PDF taking positions in urban areas and houses ambushed the security troops in Ward 1 of Thantlang. Both sides exchanged fires.

After the clash, it was scrutinized that a fire broke out to destroy 20 houses and a three-storey building of the Department of Highways. Pastor Cung Biak Hum of Village Baptist Church of Thantlang left his house from Ward 2 of Thantlang by motorcycle to the scene of a fire outbreak.

It was reported that he was dead due to a bullet hit on arrival at Htar Htar Pharmacy Shop on Bogyoke Street in Ward 2. The clash started from 4 pm to 4:25 pm. The pastor was dead at 6 pm. So, it was learnt he was cremated at the tomb by Christian religious officials at Thantlang Cemetery of Ward 2 at noon on September 19. Further investigation over the death is being conducted.

Fake news items are being broadcast on the one-sided accusation that the pastor was shot by the Tatmadaw, and his ring and watch were taken. In addition to the broadcasting, Chin Christian Church of Chin State released its attitude dated 19 September.

The Kachin Theological College-KTC also issued its statement on stance. Such a statement comprised accusations of killing and destruction of the religious building. The NUG and CRPH terrorist organizations are committing to undermine the peace and stability of the entire nation.

On September 7, it released an announcement sparking the conflicts. Then, some instability was found in some parts of Chin State. Some 400 terrorists attacked the Lonte camp of the Tatmadaw and the Myanmar Police Force in Thantlang in Chin State.

There were statements of Chin Baptist Church (CBC) and Kachin Baptist Church (KBC). These statements were designed to highlight the reality but derailed religious affairs. It is very dangerous. Such kind of process should not be done.

According to the Constitution 2008, Section 34 gives equal rights of independent faiths to all. Myanmar is a Union formed by various ethnicities and various religions. Based on the event it triggered the instigation to religions as a conflict. It should not be done.

Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on behalf of the State as well as the Tatmadaw has been giving encouragement and aid to all religions before forming the government. In this regard, the Tatmadaw has been assisting the religions and the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services has attended the religious ceremonies.

During his tours to various parts of the country, the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services from his assumption of military duty to date met with leaders of religious associations regardless of religion and social affairs, provided assistance and held talks many times.

There are 3.2 million Christians in Myanmar, account for six per cent of the population. Christians, Muslims, Hindus and other religious members together with Buddhism which is a faith of the largest number of people have been serving the interests of the State in unison for many years.

The Constitution 2008 of the country guarantees the freedom of religion in Sections 362 and 363. So, all citizens need to take care of breaking down the unity by utilizing the religion.” Now, NUG and CRPH organizations and destructive media broadcast fake news. They commit to driving the instigation among the ethnic nationals and then religions. So, people need to take care of their acts.

In the life of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, the Senior General has been amicable with KBC of Kachin State. Such an organization has provided aid and efforts for peace to the Tatmadaw. In this regard, such an organization expressed their concerns and there is no need to blame on them. KBC asked the Tatmadaw at the time of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services of the Senior General for clearing mines in Kachin State.

And, Tatmadaw cleared landmines for enabling the displaced persons to return home. Moreover, the engineering corps of the Tatmadaw repaired Christian Churches damaged in Kachin and Shan (North) states. Concerning prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19, there is a vaccination programme for the people at IDP camps regardless of race and Bengalis in Rakhine State.

Also, there is a vaccination programme for EAOs. Tatmadaw is formed with various ethnic people in religions. Tatmadaw has many ethnic people. The Myanmar Police Force is also formed with various ethnic nationals. They are allowed to believe in various religions. Military units provide assistance to the respective persons to hold their religious ceremonies.

NUG and CRPH and destructive media are always making attempts to instigate the ethnic nations and religions in the country. People and ethnic nationals in various religious should analyze realities of the current events and build the Union in line with the motto “We’ll always unite whoever instigates”.