Aairstrikes on religious buildings across the country—has called on religious communities to unite and resist what he described as “divisive provocations.”

Photo- DSINFO

Public Myanmar News, December 24, 2025.

By PM01,

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing—whose forces have carried out repeated airstrikes on religious buildings across the country—has called on religious communities to unite and resist what he described as “divisive provocations.”

The remarks were made on Tuesday during a Christmas celebration held at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon’s Botahtaung Township. The event was organized by the Myanmar Council of Churches and included a religious service and fellowship gathering.

photo- DSINFO

During his speech, Min Aung Hlaing urged followers of different faiths to maintain harmony and cooperate “as one family,” while also promoting his regime’s narrative of peace, stability, and a so-called democratic transition—just weeks ahead of the military’s planned election.

He also cited the 2008 Constitution, claiming it guarantees freedom of religion for all citizens, provided it does not conflict with public order, morality, or national security.

He also said that in Myanmar, followers of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and other religions have lived side by side for many generations. Regardless of differences in faith, he claimed that there has been no intention among religious communities to insult, discriminate against, or harm one another, but instead to uphold mutual respect, a strong sense of national unity, and familial harmony. He added that the military has acted in what he described as the best interests of the nation.

However, political observers note the contradiction between these statements and the military’s record, including airstrikes on churches and religious sites, as well as its long-standing support for ultranationalist and extremist religious groups.

Photo- DSINFO 

Following the Christmas event, the military leader continued his visit with stops at a naval base, an oil refinery in Thanlyin Township, and a patrol along the Yangon River. Security across Yangon was heavily tightened during his presence in the city.

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