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Conflict continues in Myanmar's Kachin state

Violence and bombings are continuing in Myanmar's Kachin state straining the civilian population as fighting continues between Kachin ethnic groups and the Myanmar military forces.
Conflict continues in Myanmar's Kachin state
Published: June 28, 2011 10:25 AM GMT
Updated: June 28, 2011 10:25 AM GMT

Violence and bombings are continuing in Myanmar's Kachin state straining the civilian population as fighting continues between Kachin ethnic groups and the Myanmar military forces. Caritas Myanmar (Karuna) is organizing solidarity for the affected mainly Christian Kachin ethnic group, Fides says. The problem for the displaced is to abandon their crops, which means hunger, suffering, and see the work and sacrifice of one year fade away, a Myitkyina priest told Fides. "The churches are open to receive refugees, Caritas has been mobilized and all dioceses are organizing aid for the diocese of Myitkyina, affected by the conflict. The news is fragmentary, but we know that the suffering of civilians and displaced persons continue rising, over ten thousand. All this is made more difficult by the rainy season," the priest said. At present,there are at least 800 displaced people camped in Myitkyina: 220 displaced people in the Catholic Church of St. Joseph, 330 in the Baptist church, and others in Buddhist temples scattered around the villages. To reach refugees and civilians who find themselves in conflict areas, isolated from communication, are the waves of Radio Veritas and Radio Free Asia. Radio Veritas turns to the refugees encouraging them and also informing them about the fighting, sometimes inviting them to leave the territories for their safety. Myitkyina Bishop Francis Daw Tang launched an appeal to the people saying: "I pray for you, my little flock, and I will not leave you alone. The Church is ready to help you, our churches and the faithful will welcome you with open arms, to dry your tears and console your pain. Stay united, bring the weights of each other, the Lord is near you. Have faith in Him, all of us continue to pray for peace". Meanwhile, international pressure is growing with the U.S. government has called for an end to hostilities and a UN investigation for human rights violations that occur in the current conflict. SOURCE Bishop to the Kachin people, in the middle of the conflict: "Have faith in God, little flock" (Fides)

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