The military regime in Myanmar has declared a cease-fire in the conflict with the ethnic armed groups (EAGs), according to Radio Free Asia reporting on 28 September 2021. However, an attack on the population of Christian majority‚  Chin State may be imminent (Reuters, 8 October 2021). World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller gives some background information: "This one-sided announcement, termed a "˜goodwill declaration", naturally did not include the fighting groups of the People"s Defense Forces (PDF) which sprang up throughout the country following the February coup. It should be kept in mind that not all EAGs support the resistance movement and some are hoping to benefit as government forces now apparently want to concentrate on combatting the PDF. At the same time, the United Nations Human Rights Council warned that a serious attack against the civilian population could be imminent in Christian majority Chin State, since the government has increased its deployment of heavy weapons and troops and blocked all internet communication." Thomas Muller continues: "It does not help that a firebrand monk like Ashin Wirathu, known for his outspoken hatred for religious minorities, was released from prison in September (Lowy Interpreter, 21 September 2021). Wirathu"s militant Buddhist influence may well assist the army in its goal of maintaining grip on power.‚ Meanwhile, the unwillingness of the regime to let the ASEAN Special Envoy meet with imprisoned former leader Aung San Suu Kyi may have consequences: Malaysia is considering setting up a meeting for dialogue with the opposition National Unity Government, and ASEAN‚  member states are considering excluding the military government from the next ASEAN summit at end of October (Benar News, 8 October 2021)."