by Gregory

The regime has ordered churches in the northern state, home to a large Christian community, to celebrate Christmas Mass by 20 December. Any public event related to the holiday is prohibited on the 25th. Officials justify the measure citing logistical difficulties. Anger and frustration are widespread among the faithful. “They oppress us with weapons, and now they try to oppress our spirit,” said one.

Yangon (AsiaNews) – Myanmar’s ruling military junta wants to bring forward Christmas celebrations in northern Myanmar, where there is a significant Christian presence, so as not to hinder elections scheduled for late December or January.

In a decision that has sparked great outrage and deep resentment among believers, the ruling military council has ordered churches in Kachin State to hold Masses, celebrations, and other Christmas-related events to stop a few days before the holy day to encourage voting.

Sources close to the government have confirmed that Christmas celebrations should end tomorrow in the regional capital Myitkyina, as well as Putao, Tanai, and Nawng Mun townships where elections are set for 28 December.

The directive effectively bans public celebrations on 25 December, the sacred date traditionally associated with the holiday.

Local government officials justify the measure as a logistical necessity. “It’s because of the election. If it’s held normally on December 25th, it will be too close to the election,”  a member of the General Administration Department in Putao Township told local media.

For ethnic Kachin, who are predominantly Christian, the junta’s order is not a logistical adjustment, but a deliberate act of control and repression. The military seized power in February 2021 by ousting the democratic-elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, who was arrested.

A Christian resident in Tanai Township expressed deep frustration, comparing the order to a forced and fake birthday celebration.

"This feels like a religiously oppressive act. I have never experienced this in my entire life as a Christian," she said.  "It is like being told to celebrate your birthday party not on your actual birthday, but earlier. Who would be happy if their birthday was treated that way? This is the most sacred festival for every Christian."

The restriction has put the clergy in a difficult position. Fearing repercussions, most churches have complied, scheduling services for 18 or 19 December.

A former district administrator in Myitkyina noted that, while no specific punishment has been announced, the threat is implicit.

“It is certain that if someone holds it close to the election on the 24th or the 25th, they will arrest or block them, citing disobedience or rebellion against government orders," he said.

Mung Aung, a local Catholic catechist, slammed the restrictions as a violation of religious freedom and symptomatic of the junta's broader war against the country's ethnic and religious minorities.

"It is very odd, and deeply painful, that we cannot celebrate Christmas in public on the actual holy day due to this restriction," he said. "The military government treats our faith as an inconvenience to their political theatre.”

In his view, “By forcing us to move the birth of our Saviour to suit their schedule, they show their complete lack of respect for the Kachin people and the Christian minority.

He added: “They oppress us with weapons, and now they try to oppress our spirit by dictating when we can pray. But while they can control the dates on a calendar, they cannot extinguish the faith in our hearts."

The controversy comes as the military council plans to hold elections in "stable" townships on 28 December.

Political parties, including the military proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and the National Unity Party (NUP), have reportedly already begun campaigning in these areas.

By contrast, in townships where elections will not be held, the Christmas holidays are expected to proceed as usual, creating a sharp divide within the state.

Observers stress that the forced rescheduling of Christmas risks exacerbating animosity and tensions between the military regime and the Kachin community, who have long suffered from army attacks and systematic discrimination.

• myanmar
• christmas
• elections
• discrimination
• interference
• civil war
• military regime
• junta
• coup