Even though the Arakan Army controls most towns in Rakhine, the military junta regulates certain areas and imposes restrictions on religious symbols and practices of minority Christians in Sittwe.

According to a member of the congregation, who wishes to remain anonymous: “Last month, we installed a cross, a symbol of our faith, to identify the Christian church here, but the police came and demanded it be removed. We had prayed before putting it up, so we refused to take it down ourselves and instead asked them to remove it. Our church has an official permit from authorities, yet the police now force us to submit attendance lists and schedules for Sunday services and request authorization at the station. In June, the Arakan Army detained five local Christian pastors in Kyauktaw. Local Christian communities are increasingly worried about their ability to worship freely.”

Based on data from the 2014 census, Sittwe had only 170 Christians from the 147,899 residents, including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. Several Christian denominations were present, including Roman Catholic, Rakhine Baptist, Chin Baptist, Anglican, Independent Evangelism, Mara Evangelism, AG, Seveveth Day, PCM, Free Methodist, COC, Good News, CJC, Dynamic and EFC.

Human rights activist Ko Htoo highlights how dangerous it is when authorities restrict religious freedom: “These actions reflect an attempt by the defeated military council to suppress freedom of belief. The line between religion and politics needs to be respected.”

Law and order have been deteriorating in Sittwe. The number of home break-ins, theft and robberies have increased and people are afraid to leave their homes. Since the 13th November 2023, the military council has blockaded trade routes to Rakhine State, increasing unemployment and soaring prices for locals. The junta also built a six-foot-high electric fence along the Sittwe coastal road in August 2024 to stop the Arakan Army. 

Source: https://www.persecution.org