Chin Brotherhood begins reconstruction in areas under its control

The Chin Brotherhood, a coalition of armed groups battling Myanmar’s military in Chin State, announced last week that it has begun efforts to rebuild areas under its control. Since their formation in the wake of the country’s 2021 coup, the groups comprising the Brotherhood have captured four of Chin State’s nine townships, while their ally, the Arakan Army, has taken control of Paletwa Township in the southern part of the state. The four townships—Mindat, Matupi, Kanpetlet, and Falam—have all suffered extensive damage after four years of fighting, but efforts are now underway to rebuild, the armed groups said at an online press conference held on June 18. One of the hardest-hit towns is Mindat, which has been largely depopulated since fighting began soon after the military takeover. The town finally fell to anti-junta forces in December of last year. According to Salai Yaw Man, who is spokesperson for both the Chin Brotherhood and the Chin National Council (Mindat), residents have begun to return, but many remain wary. “People are gradually coming back, but many are not sure due to the threat of airstrikes. Many are also waiting to see if there will be fighting in [neighbouring parts of] Magway and Sagaing regions,” he said. Despite these concerns, however, work is already underway to clear mines in Mindat and restore basic services, he added. “We are carrying out municipal work. It will take time to restore electricity. We are working on water supply to every house, cleaning water tanks, digging ditches, and clearing weeds in the town,” he explained. Locals have also been encouraged to cultivate coffee and avocados, and thousands of cattle raised in the area have been vaccinated, he added. In Matupi, which has been under the control of resistance forces for a full year, around half of the population has already returned, according to Bwe Oak, spokesperson for the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) Matupi Brigade 1. Workers repair water pipes in Mindat (Photo: Interim Mindat Township People's Administration) He told reporters that many bombed houses have been rebuilt, and the road linking the town to Mindat is now under repair. A police force and departments for trade and taxation have also been established, and residents affected by junta airstrikes have been given humanitarian assistance, he added. Reconstruction efforts are also making progress in Kanpetlet Township, according to Peter Than Shwe of the CDF Kanpetlet Information Department. Resistance forces control two towns in the townships—its administrative centre, Kanpetlet, and Kyindwe, which was 90 percent destroyed during the months of fighting leading up to its capture in April of last year. Tents and small buildings have been erected in the town for returning residents, and a reconstruction committee has been formed and is providing food supplies. Arrangements are also being made to resume agriculture, said Peter Than Shwe. However, fear of airstrikes and landmines continues to keep many away, he added. In Falam, which has only been under the control of the Chin National Organisation for three months, efforts are being made to repair roads damaged by landslides, according to the group’s spokesperson Salai Salai Tin Mi Htut. Two hospitals capable of performing surgeries and 15 clinics have also been established in the township, he added. A basic administrative law has also been drafted to prevent conflicts among the 12 Chin ethnic groups in Falam Township, he said. Speaking on behalf of the Chin Brotherhood, Salai Yaw Man told reporters that international assistance would be needed to fully restore health, education, and other services. He added that war refugees who had fled to India’s Mizoram State could now return to their homeland.

Chin Brotherhood begins reconstruction in areas under its control

Despite concerns about airstrikes and landmines, residents have already begun returning to their homes in resistance-held areas

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