Release International

The Burma Army has adopted a 'shoot on sight' approach to driving this mainly Christian ethnic minority out of their homelands in Karen State, according to Free Burma Rangers.

FBR, an aid agency working in the region, reports that more than 24,000 Karen civilians are in hiding, in fear of ongoing military assaults, and at least 6,000 have fled to the Thai-Burmese border. Much of the population of northern Karen State is now displaced.

FBR has broadcast an impassioned plea from Karen civilians: 'If the Burma Army is not stopped, or we do not get help, when you come to Karen State in the future, there will no longer be Karen people. Please tell the rest of the world to help us.'

Repression by Burma's military junta often has a religious dimension. Buddhism is promoted as 'the national religion' and Christians are often pressured to recant their faith.

The Burmese Army is systematically clearing areas to make way for its own construction projects. Displaced people, especially ethnic minorities, have been forced into slave labour.

The Burmese regime recently outlined plans to hold a referendum on the proposed constitution next year and a general election in 2010. Burma's elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.

Act: Join in with the Global Day of Prayer for Burma on Saturday 8 March. Christian Solidarity Worldwide is holding an event at the Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3DW, 10am to 4pm (nearest tube: Victoria & Westminster).

Pray: Ask God to protect our Christian family suffering under Burma's military regime. Pray that God will extend His kingdom and add to His church in that land.

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