The military regime has allowed Christians to return to the church in Hakha town on the weekend without needing permission.

The situation has improved for churchgoers after leaders of the Hakha Christian Ministry Fellowship (HCMF) called for an end to the blockade during a meeting with the military’s strategic commander in the town.

“We just have to give them information such as the address of our church, the names of the pastors, a contact phone number and the number of worshippers, and they have allowed it,” a local pastor, who declined to give his name, told Khonumthung News.

The regime allows churches in Hakha to hold services on Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 7 am to 4 pm.

Before holding a wedding, event, training or even a funeral in the church, however, one still has to get permission from the government's General Administration Development office.

In most cases, this must be applied for at least five days in advance.

HCMF is helping families who are struggling to get permission for a funeral.

The regime enacted martial law in seven of Chin State’ s nine townships - Hakha, Falam, Tedim, Thangtlang, Tungzang, Kanpetlet and Matupi - on 2 February, imposing a night curfew and restricting gatherings to five people.