It is learnt that the authorities called all the pastors in Gangaw Township to sign up in January.

"They told them that even if you sign the document you can still continue to worship. The main thing is to sign this vow. We only need your signature," said an elder in a church in Gangaw.

The reality is that the authorities are pushing them to sign on a blank paper. After which they will write what they want to about stopping worship by Christians.

There are nine congregations and about 30 to 500 members in Gangaw. Some of the church elders signed given that they are afraid of the authorities but some have not, yet.

A Christian church pastor who refused to sign the paper presented by the Gangaw army unit 50 led by a commander, told Khonumthung, "I understood their plan, so I refused to sing and decided to face the consequences if they take action against me."

Till now the authorities have not initiated any action on those who either signed or refused.

But they are still afraid not sure what the future holds in store. A Gangaw Christian church leader said, "We are continuing to worship. But we are afraid that they will tell us since we have signed we are not to worship."

A majority of the Christians reside in the western part of Gangaw while Buddhists are generally settled in the eastern side where six monasteries have been constructed by the authorities.

In the last few years also the authorities forced Christian church leaders to sign on blank papers. After that they wrote on it "No Worshiping" and then closed some churches. – KNG.