Christmas looked very different in Myanmar again this year, as it has each of the last three years since the 2021 military coup.
As fighting between regime and resistance forces have spread throughout the country, many Christians have had to observe the holiday away from their homes and loved ones, living in refugee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps under the constant threat of attack by the Myanmar military, or being uprooted and relocated by their host country.
The Chin Brotherhood seized control of Mindat and Kanpetlet towns, located 120-160 miles (193-257 km) south of the Chinland capital Hakha, from the military on Dec. 21-22. But the looming threat of aerial attacks by the Myanmar Air Force remains a concern.
“Before the coup, Christmas was about family gatherings and church services. Now, we live in fear of airstrikes. We can’t even turn on the lights at night,” a Chinland Defense Force (CDF) Matupi member told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
“Matupi is now free from regime forces, so this year feels slightly better. Still, the sound of aircraft overhead keeps us cautious, especially after the recent capture of Mindat and Kanpetlet,” he added.
Kanpetlet Township, home to Mount Victoria (aka Khonuamthung), located 40 miles (64 km) south of Mindat Township, came under Chin Brotherhood control on Sunday when regime forces fled military outposts.
Fighting over control of Falam Township, located 71 miles (114 km) north of Hakha and 231 miles (371 km) north of Kanpetlet continues between the regime and Chin resistance.
“We cannot attend Christmas celebrations. Since we’ve reclaimed the town, we are on guard duty, maintaining security” a CDF member in Kanpetlet told DVB on the condition of anonymity.
“This marks the fourth consecutive year without proper Christmas celebrations. My Christmas prayer is for peace in Chinland and all of Myanmar,” he added.
Over 300 miles (482 km) east of Mindat Township of southern Chinland, is the Karenni State capital of Loikaw, where fighting for control continues between the regime and the Karenni resistance.
Up to 85 percent of the population of Karenni State is displaced from their homes and celebrating Christmas inside IDP camps.
The Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC), a provisional government set up by the resistance, states the number of IDPs is 350,000.
But this number includes those displaced from their homes in neighbouring Pekon Township of southern Shan State, which the IEC includes as part of Karenniland under resistance control.
“Before the coup, Christmas was a joyous time filled with feasts and laughter at home. Now, we’ve lost everything—our homes, our stability, and even the ability to celebrate properly. We barely manage daily meals. Yet, we hold on to hope and try to find small moments of happiness wherever we can,” said a woman displaced from her home in Loikaw, and currently staying at an IDP camp, on the condition of anonymity.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that there are over 3.5 million IDPs in Myanmar. The World Food Programme states that 18.6 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and 13.3 million people are facing food insecurity due to several factors, including the crisis since the 2021 coup.
