Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is pleading with the international community to "wake up" to the escalating violence in Myanmar after a Baptist pastor was shot dead during military attacks.

Pastor Cung Biak Hum, 31 was killed by junta forces on 18th September as he tried to extinguish fires from military artillery in the Thantlang township, Chin State.

Soldiers proceeded to cut off Pastor Cung's finger and steal his wedding ring.

19 houses were destroyed in the six-hour conflict between military forces and civilian resistance groups.

In recent days attacks by Myanmar's military forces - who pursue a Buddhist national agenda have intensified against religious minorities and civilian groups with aerial bombings, the burning of homes and the killing of civilians.

It comes after the Myanmar military seized power in a coup in February 2021, overthrowing a democratically elected government.

According to media reports, more than 10,000 people from Thantlang township have fled as a result of the violence.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide is urging the international community to step in and provide humanitarian assistance for displaced civilians and an international arms embargo for targeted sanctions.

Speaking to Premier, CSW's East Asia Advisor Ben Rogers gave this plea:

"CSW wants to see the international community wake up to the gravity of the situation in Myanmar.

"Cut the lifeline to the military regime and provide a lifeline to the people of Myanmar.

"My plea is for the international community to give Myanmar the attention and action it needs - an arms embargo, sanctions and humanitarian aid."