Group attacks newly converted Christians

THI TAW, Myanmar — About 150 angry Buddhists and monks recently attacked a group of newly converted Christians in Myanmar (Burma), destroying their homes and property and injuring seven people.

In Thi Taw village in northwest Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, the mob threw stones and broke into houses July 6, two days after two families put their trust in Christ and left Buddhism, a local official said. Four women and three men were hit with stones and sticks and suffered injuries on their heads, faces and backs. Three motorbikes were destroyed.

The Buddhists told local media the Christian villagers held services for three days, singing and preaching late into the night to celebrate and welcome the new Christians. Prior to the attack, a monk in Thi Taw told the worshiping Christians to be quiet and stop making noise late at night.

When they didn’t stop, the Buddhists attacked. (MS)