“We are concerned about the civilians. Because wherever the fighting takes place, villages that are located nearby are always being abused and killed by the Burma army soldiers. We therefore want them to withdraw and to stop killing and abusing the civilians,” (SSA spokesperson Major Sai La).

Shan-Tai prayer month 2011, day 15

Shan State Army 53rd Resistance Day Parade

Despite President Thein Sein’s administration trying to portray itself as reformist, the Burma Army continues to terrorize ethnic peoples throughout Burma.

The Burmese military started operations against the Shan State Army (SSA) on 13 March 2011, ending a 22 year ceasefire. The regime also attacked another ceasefire group, Kachin Independence Army (KIA) on 9 June (Thein Sein was inaugurated as President on 30 March 2011).

Since the military campaign against the Shan State Army (SSA) began in March, at least 31,700 people have been left homeless. Thousands more have recently fled in terror from heavy bombardment of KIA held positions in northern Shan State in late September.

In recent weeks it seems that Naypyidaw has changed tactics and is now seeking to form ceasefire agreements with each of the armed ethnic groups. In return the ethnic forces are cautiously testing the water of this new approach.

What remains is a very tense and dangerous reality for villagers who still live under the capricious control of the Burma Army. This massive army has little direct accountability and high levels of corruption, leaving villagers vulnerable to the whims of small groups soldiers whose actions may never be reported.

Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them.
(Ecclesiastes 4:1 ESV)

Pray for

• God to do a deep work in the lives of those who have taken up arms (Proverbs 11:3).
• Christians within the various military groupings to have integrity and wisdom (Philippians 2:15).
• Those in authority to show mercy as they carry out their duties (Hosea 6:6).

Other posts related to this topic:

• Day 14: I was sick and you visited me
• Day 16: Translation troubles
• Unending civil war

External Resources:

• Shan Herald Agency for News
• The Irrawaddy

Geniro is 13 years old. He carries an assault rifle and has completed basic training to join one of the resistance armies fighting for freedom in Burma (Burma on My Mind).

• Shan human rights abuses (August 2011)

Download the Shan Prayer Guide:

30 Days of Prayer for the Shan
Image: Prachatai