Christians in Karenni and Chin states celebrate Christmas under threat of airstrikes

The Karenni Army, the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), ordered people in Karenni State on Dec. 19 not to gather in large groups for prayers or celebrate at churches throughout the Christmas holidays, from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5, 2026.

“We’ll still go to the church [for prayers]. But we heard nothing about celebrations,” a resident of Hpruso Township, who was displaced from her home due to fighting between regime and resistance forces, told DVB on the condition of anonymity. She added that she agreed with the Karenni Army’s order not to allow festive gatherings in fear of regime airstrikes.

Hpruso is located 22 miles (35 km) south of the Karenni State capital Loikaw, and is contested between regime and resistance forces. DVB has documented that 83 civilians were killed in 53 aerial attacks in Karenni State since March 28.