Chin resistance groups clash in deadly battle

Clashes erupted between Chin resistance groups in southern Chin State’s Matupi Township, where junta troops are absent, after a territorial dispute in late January.Fighters from the Chinland Defense Force-Lautu (CDF) and the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) exchanged gunfire and deployed drones, resulting in casualties on both sides. According to sources, the violence stemmed over a territorial dispute. "The most intense clash between them occurred during the last week of January,” said Salai Paul, spokesperson for the Chinland Council (CC). “It escalated when drone bombs were used, resulting in many deaths and injuries on both sides.” Although deaths have been reported, the exact number of casualties is still unknown. Myanmar Now reached out to both the CDF-Lautu and the MDF for comments on the violence, but as of Wednesday, neither group has issued a formal response. The CDF- Lautu is a faction within the Chinland Council, led by the Chin National Front (CNF), one of the oldest ethnic armed groups in Chin State. The Maraland Defense Force (MDF) is part of the Chin Brotherhood, and an ally of the powerful Arakan Army (AA). The Chin Brotherhood Alliance consists of several Chin anti-junta groups, many of which were formed in response to the 2021 military coup. Over the last few years, the majority of Chin State has been freed of junta forces. Out of the nine townships in Chin State; Matupi, Mindat, and Kanpetlet were captured by the Chin Brotherhood, while its ally, the Arakan Army (AA), took control of Paletwa Township. Last year, the Chinland Council seized Tonzang Township in the northern part of the state.A territorial dispute between the Lautu and Mara ethnic groups, ongoing since 2022, escalated in late January, according to the Chinland Council’s Salai Paul. The two groups clashed in Ywar Man Village, situated between Matupi and Thantlang Townships. The village, primarily home to the Lautu people, also serves as the base for the CDF-Lautu, local news outlet Zalen reported. It’s not the first time Chin resistance forces have engaged each other in battle. In early 2024, the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) and Chinland Defense Force-Mara (CDF-Mara), both part of the Chinland Council, engaged in a deadly shootout in Paletwa and Matupi Townships, resulting in casualties.In September 2024, the Zo Reunification Organization (ZORO) mediated talks in Mizoram, India, between top leaders of the Chinland Council and the Chin Brotherhood Alliance. The groups reached an agreement to resolve disputes without further violence. An official from the Chin Brotherhood said in a statement that any organisation disrupting the rule of law is unwelcome. He added that the best approach to resolve disputes should be through negotiations, not violence. In a joint statement released on February 3, the Chin Brotherhood, the National Unity Government (NUG), the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, the National Unity Consultative Council, and the National League for Democracy (NLD) announced plans to discuss state and federal unit formation and border demarcation during the transition, emphasising inclusive political dialogue shaped by the people’s will. Although most of Chin State is under resistance control, junta troops are still active in Hakha, Thantlang, Tedim, and Falam townships. Tensions have escalated between the military and resistance groups near Hakha and Thantlang. At the same time, the Chin Brotherhood has been carrying out offensives to seize Falam Town. Salai Paul of the Chinland Council (CC) hopes 2024 will mark a shift toward peace and cooperation among Chin resistance armed groups, stressing that dialogue, not violence, is the path forward.“The issues among Chin groups need to be resolved through face-to-face discussions, especially after the collapse of the junta dictatorship,” he said. “I urge all organisations to avoid using armed violence to settle their differences during this period.” Members of the Maraland Defense Force (MDF), a group with the Chin Brotherhood Alliance.

Chin resistance groups clash in deadly battle

Calls for dialogue grow louder after latest round of deadly fighting

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