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Rights groups concerned over disappearance of Kachin Christians

Two Baptist leaders provided information to journalists on bombing of a Catholic church in northern Myanmar
Rights groups concerned over disappearance of Kachin Christians
Published: January 17, 2017 07:32 AM GMT
Updated: January 17, 2017 07:32 AM GMT

The authorities in Myanmar should urgently provide information on the whereabouts and well-being of two ethnic Kachin Baptist leaders who were apparently forcibly disappeared in northern Shan State, Human Rights Watch and Fortify Rights said Jan. 16.

Langjaw Gam Seng, 35, and Dumdaw Nawng Lat, 65, who had guided journalists reporting on Myanmar air strikes that allegedly damaged a Catholic church, were last seen on Dec. 2 traveling to a military base.

The disappearances raise grave concerns for the safety of the two men and witnesses to the incident, the two organizations said. The Myanmar government and military should immediately address these issues and allow the visiting United Nations human rights expert to visit the area.

"The apparent enforced disappearance of these two Christian leaders has created a climate of fear and terror in northern Shan State," said Matthew Smith, chief executive officer of Fortify Rights.

The Kachin Baptist Church sent a letter to Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw on Jan. 9 asking the government to investigate the disappearance of the two men.

Reverend Hkalam Samson, general secretary of the Kachin Baptist Church, told ucanews.com that he talked about the two missing church leaders when he had a meeting with the United Nations rights envoy last week.

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