MYANMAR REPORT June 22, 2003 On June 14 we reported that the following Christians were arrested at Kalemyo in Myanmar. Mr. Run Hesh Ling (Pastor) Mr. Sa Tin Khup and his daughter - Cung Hlen Mr. Thongte Mr. Lowib They almost immediately faced a "kangaroo court" and were given the option of life in prison or death. Continue to pray they will be faithful facing the well-known cruelty used by the military. A VOM-Australia associate is now in the area where he has been able to give encouragement and financial help to the families of those in prison. BURNING AND CONFISCATION OF BIBLES IN BURMA It is a well-known fact that the Myanmar-Burma government is anti-Christian. The latest and most accurate estimate is that in 2002 more than 50,000 Bibles were burned along with some confiscated opium in a place called Lashio. This showcase occasion was public and a strong government display of their ongoing repression and open persecution of Christian testimony. And now in the year 2003, more than 30,000 Bibles have been confiscated and are being stored in the Military Hall of the Myanmar Intelligence Department #3 in Rangoon awaiting the suitable occasion to be publicly burned. These precious Bibles in storage awaiting destruction were actually eye witnessed by a VOM representative there. These 30,000 Bibles include Kachin, Karen, Burmese and some English editions of the Bible. It is interesting to note that a former government minister, Tun Kyi Oo also reported these facts and was immediately removed from office and said to be "excommunicated". JUNTA TIGHTENS SCREWS The Military Junta in Burma has tightened its screws. The Burmese Military Junta closed the offices of Mrs. Aung San Suu Kyi's party and ordered all universities and colleges to shut down. Mrs. Suu Kyi's release from 19 months of house arrest had raised hope for an end to Burma's political stalemate. Her National League for Democracy swept the 1990 general election with a 90% victory but was never recognized by the Junta. She and 19 members of her party are now under "protective custody". The situation in Burma for a long time repressive and miserable, has degenerated even further. One wonders how much suffering the nation as a whole and Christian's in particular must yet suffer. [END]
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