The Chin State Prime Minister, U Hong Ngai, issued an order on 13th January that a concrete Christian cross erected on Su-Taung-Pyae Hill (a.k.a. Kyat-Kyan-Talan Hill) in the Myothit Ward of Hakha Town, Chin State be removed by 30th January.
At the beginning of January the Chin State Government issued an order saying the cross had been illegally erected and should be moved elsewhere. Religious leaders asked the Chin State Government not to remove the cross and to withdraw their order to remove the cross.
However, PM U Hong Ngai rejected the religious leaders’ request and said to the Township Administration Office on 13th January: “It is not allowed and they should propose another place. If they do not follow the order action will be taken.”
Hakha residents were planning to hold a protest on 29th to 30th January against the Chin State Government’s order to remove the cross.
According to the Chin Human Rights Group 13 crosses have been destroyed in Chin State, four of which were destroyed after the U Hong Ngai led state government came to power.
The cross, which was erected on Su-Taung-Pyae Hill was built by Pu J.P Biak Tin Sang out of reinforced concrete and is 54 feet.
Translated by Aung Myat Soe English version written by Mark Inkey for BNI
