TIMELINE: post-coup situation updates on political developments in Chin State

February 3, 2021 48530

1 June 2021 – In Tedim, scores of residents amid fear of crackdown and arrests stood in line for the ATM of the KBZ bank, which allowed a withdrawal of 200,000 Kyats per card.

In Falam, six new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the town, according to the General Hospital. The hospital, under the control of the military forces, announced that anyone was allowed for COVID-19 tests everyday from 10am to 11am.

In Tonzang, Falam, Thantlang, Hakha, Lailenpi, Tedim and Kalay towns, residents said that they didn’t see a single student going to school on the first day of schooling as planned by the military council.

In Pyidawta village of Kalay township, there are about 200 students going to school.

In Kanpetlet, the Chinland Defense Force announced that Salai Aung Ling and Salai Ling Shwe, 23, gave their lives while protecting civilians in the armed conflict in villages between the CDF and the military junta’s forces from 28 to 31 May 2021.

In Tedim, an anti-coup education protest was organized at a school in Lawibual Ward by sticking postcards and placards on the walls.

In Thantlang, the Thantlang Revolutionary Campaigner urged Sui Chin Par, of the GAD, to stop giving pressure to CMDers and persuading people to apply for vacant posts in the department.

In Aizawl, Mizoram State of India, Singer Benjamin Sum tested COVID-19 positive and has been isolated in a hospital. Sum fled to India as the military regime charged him with Section 505a (see updates on 9 April below).

In Kalay, hundreds of residents continued anti-coup protests walking along the main roads and lanes as they raised flags, banners and placards.

In Tonzang, 23 new cases of COVID-19 in Tonzang and 29 cases in Cikha were confirmed, making it 134 patients (67 males and 67 females) in total in the whole township.

In Falam, six new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, reaching the total number of patients to 10 who are being isolated in the hospital.

On the road between Thantlang and Hakha near Kio Luai’s farm, the military junta’s security forces established a new checkpoint after the Laipawnglung checkpoint was abandoned following recent firefights.

31 May 2021 – In Kalay at about 6pm, an explosion took place near the security checkpoint guarded by the military junta’s forces near the Bogyoke-Taungphila junction in Tahan Ward.

In Chin State, U Ngo Zam Kam, U Hum Za Thang, and U Soe were transferred to Tedim, Falam and Mindat respectively as the township heads of the education department.

In Kalay at about noon, a skirmish between the military junta’s soldiers and civilian defense fighters broke out near Tharsi village. At about 8pm, 11 military trucks were seen arriving in Kalay town from Minkin as reinforcements.

In Cikha town of Tonzang Township, a 38-year-old mother who was eight months pregnant, passed away because of COVID-19 infection.

In Paletwa, the Chinland Defense Force issued a statement saying that they were not responsible for the explosions reported on 28 May, condemning the arbitrary arrests and detention of youths, and calling on the military council for the immediate release of those detained.

In Kalay in the afternoon, three explosions were reported – one in front of the General Hospital, another in front of CB bank and the last one near the 100-bedded military hospital.

In Mindat township, a group of IDPs taking shelter in E-sa-khan village despite having a while flag planted in the area were attacked by the military junta’s forces. IDPs (estimated to be around 1,000) left the camp and ran away to different places.

Photos of deserted Mindat town.

In Paletwa, the military junta’s forces abducted Salai Aik Khaing Win and his friend at about 11:30 and were taken to the Paletwa police station. Update: Salai Aik Khaing Win was released in the evening.

In Hakha township at about 3pm, skirmishes between the military junta’s forces in three trucks coming from Matupi as part of reinforcements towards Hakha and civilian resistance fighters broke out between Surkhua and Aika villages.

In Thantlang, the Thantlang Revolutionary Campaigner informed residents not to go out after 7pm, not to go hunting and to the jungle unless it is necessary, and to take extra care when travelling.

In Kalay, the People Defense Force (Kalay) issued a statement urging residents in nearby places to stay away from the military council’s forces. It also said that the military troops, estimated to be around 100, entered the village of Tharsi, abducted eight innocent civilians and exacted about 5,000,000 Kyats from villagers. In response to the violent brutalities against the villagers, the CDF started attacking the soldiers in protection of the civilians, leaving at least two soldiers dead.

In Kanpetlet about 7pm, residents heard gunshots between the military junta’s forces and the Chinland Defense Force in the western part of the town.

In Falam, the Falam Nursing Training School Students’ Union said that they would not go to school as they (about 88%) joined the civil disobedience movement.

Principal: 2 (non-CDM)
Tutor & instructor: 13 (6 CDM; 46%)
Final year: 78 (77 CDM; 99%)
Second year: 73 (64 CDM; 88%)
First year: 73 (73 CDM; 100%)
Worker: 14 (4 CMD; 29%)

In Kalay, residents continued anti-coup protests.

In Tharsi village of Kalay township, the military junta’s forces broke in the house of a female CDMer and took over 2,200,000 Kyats after ransacking and damaging belongings.

In Yangon at about 10am, Salai Joseph who was arrested yesterday for taking a photo of the scene of an explosion, was released.

30 May 2021 – In Hakha, an indoors anti-coup protest was organized by holding placards with messages including:

We stand with Kachin, Kayah, Kayin. We all are one!
We support PDF.
Once the plains are attacked, hills do not stay calm.
Let’s fight together, all ethnic peoples. The revolution must win.

In Matupi township, 644 staff of the education departments were suspended from their current posts for going AWOL. The list contained 43 high school teachers, 21 primary school headmasters, 390 middle school teachers, 141 primary school teachers, and 49 office staff.

In Yangon, Salai Joseph was abducted from his flat by the military junta’s security forces. He was arrested as the security saw him taking photos of an explosion at the Total Fitness Gym on the ground floor of the building he lives, when they arrived at the scene. He is originally from

In Kalay, hundreds of residents continued anti-coup protests, marching along main roads and lanes as they held flags, banners and placards.

In Falam, an anti-coup ‘disheartening’ fruit protest was held by displaying placards on fruits with messages including:

No chance ever to be ruled.
How long are we fighting? Till the end.
Never get disheartened.
Falam does not get disheartened. It will fight by all means until it wins.
Our turns will come.

In Kanpetlet, clashes between the military junta’s forces and civilian resistance fighters have broken out since yesterday on the outskirts of Kanpetlet town, Chin State. The military are using heavy weapons. Fighting intensifies in villages on the Mindat-Kanpetlet border. The military troops are seen along the road to Mt. Victoria and also in villages in Magway Region close to Kanpetlet Township.

In Kanpelet, an IDP camp was set up by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (Kanpetlet), especially for elderly, children, disabled, pregnant women and those in need of medical support.

In Mindat, the military junta’s forces entered and occupied the villages of Khuailungthar and Makya on the Mindat-Kanpetlet border. In E-sa-khan village of Mindat township, Salai Thang Ling, male, 20, was killed in a firefight near the village between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta’s forces. It was reported that at least eight soldiers were dead in the armed clashes starting on 29 May and that five innocent civilians were arrested by the military junta’s forces.

In Paletwa, the military council started banning the use of waterways. Only those who obtain a recommendation letter from the GAD head would be allowed to travel.

In Kanpetlet, two villagers namely, Aung Hung and Aung Tun Naing, were arrested by the military junta’s forces as they arrived in the town to buy food items.

In Kanpetlet, firefights between the Chinland Defense Force and the junta’s forces continued near Ma-kya village, Kwaylungthar village and Hle-sung village. It was reported that at least eight soldiers were dead. According to the CDF Kanpetlet, the military junta’s forces abducted five innocent civilians.

In Paletwa, U Dung Pyaing, who was arrested on 18 October 2020 by the Arakan Army, was released. He is originally from Kyat-ma-aing village.

In Hakha, students of the education college (teachers’ training) who went on strike staged an anti-junta protest by holding placards with messages including:

We need federal education.
We will go to college when the civilian government is back as it is the college that trains civil servants.
While some students are in prison, others are in the classrooms.

In Paletwa, four youths, Ko David, Ko Chan Moe, Ko Line Pan and Ko Thiha Aung, who were arrested on 29 May, were released.

In Maypone and Minpya townships of Rakhine State, the Arakan Army soldiers forcibly collected 5,000 Kyats per household from Chin residents. “They collected 5,000 Kyats once a month. They also collected from Rakhine families. The amount is a lot for our families in this difficult time of COVID-19 and political crisis. We are also worried about conscription,” said one resident. The AA soliders did similar collection in 2019. There are about 50 Chin villages in Maypone township alone.

In Mindat and Kanpetlet areas, the military junta’s forces had been seen using a chopper to bring reinforcements since 16 May.

In Surkhua of Hakha township at about 3pm, a firefight between the Chinland Defense Force and the military troops coming from Matupi as reinforcements towards the capital broke out near the town, forcing some residents to flee their homes.

29 May 2021 – In Paletwa, the Tatmadaw imposed restrictions on movements of residents by land and water starting from tonight following two explosions in Paletwa town (see updates on 28 May below). Paletwa is the military base of Burma Army LIB 289 under the command of the Western Command based in Ann, Rakhine State.

The National Unity Government announced that some of its humanitarian aid including medicines, food items and clothes were successfully delivered to IDP camps in Mindat township (an estimated 500 IDPs in 15 villages).

In Kalay, hundreds of residents took to the streets holding flags, banners and placards in protest against the military dictatorship.

In Paletwa at about 8pm, the military junta’s forces raided the house of U Sunny Aung, president of the Khumi Literature and Culture Committee, and arrested him for no obvious reasons. He was a retired high school headmaster.

In Kanpetlet, the Chinland Defense Force issued a letter warning residents to take self-protection and security measures and migrant workers to go back to their places.

In Mindat, Police Corporal Khaw Ke Thang, of the Mindat District Police Forces, went on strike joining the CDM.

In Kanpetlet at about noon, firefights between the Chinland Defense Force and the junta’s forces broke out in the villages of Makya, Khualungtha and Hlehsungyuat around No. 5 areas along the border of Mindat and Kanpetlet.

In Paletwa, two arrestees, Ko David and Ohnmar Hla Myint Htay, were released later in the day.

In Paletwa, the military junta’s forces arrested eleven individuals following the explosions yesterday. The arrestees are:

Ko Aik Tun Min, male, singer
Ko Chian Moe, male, staff of the publich health department
Ko Aung Tun Soe, male, NGO staff
Ko David, male, WFP staff
Ko Aik Tun Min, male, private company staff
Ko Laing Pan, male, staff of the sports and physical education department
U Yar Kyaw, male, NGO staff
Ko Aik Min, male
Ko Aik Tun Min, male, staff of the forestry department
Daw Ohnmar Hla Myint Htay, female, staff of the audit department
Ko Thiha Aung (Rakhine), male

In Paletwa at about 5am, the military junta’s security forces abducted Ko Thiha Aung, 21, while he and his brother-in-law were opening their shop in Myoma market. “They came inside the shop and took him away. The soldiers are from LIB 55,” said Maung Naing Naing Lin, his brother-in-law.

The Chin National Front and the National Unity Government reached a mutual agreement in fight against the military dictatorship and for the federal democracy. The CNF became the first ethnic armed group to formalize its cooperation with the NUG.

In Mindat township, the military council issued a document saying that it has arranged ten places inside the town for sheltering IDPs, including monasteries and churches.

In Hakha, a statement was issued urging non-CDM civil servants from outside of the town to return to their places, naming those applying for vacant posts of CDMers ‘traitors’, calling on residents to boycott products and services related to the military junta, and informing business being operated under the management of the current SAC to immediately stop.

28 May 2021 – In Paletwa at about 7am, two separate explosions occurred, with the first one in front of the office of General Administration Department and the second in front of the Myanma Economic Bank. No casualties were reported. The Chinland Defense Force (Paletwa) said that it was not responsible for the incidents.

In Kalay, residents staged an anti-regime protest at Myoma Bazaar as they held banners and distributed flyers with some messages reading: ‘We all are scared but protests must not stop’, ‘What we have sacrificed is plenty; we should not never retreat; we must win’. Some residents held a night anti-coup rally by lighting candles.

In Tedim at about 8pm, military troops were seen patrolling in the town, especially around Lawibual Ward.

In Kalay, it was reported that only in-bound flights would be allowed in the Kalay airport starting today and that bus services would be stopped starting from 29 May.

In Hakha, multi-denominational prayer services for peace in Myanmar were held at at least eight different churches in the town. Some residents staged an anti-education protest holding a banner that reads ‘We fight against the education system led by the terrorists’.

In Hakha, an indoors anti-junta protest was organized by displaying rhododendrons with placards that read:

Rhododendrons will not be disheartened even if comrades are.
Rhododendrons for Chin hills
In Chin hills are life-giving rhododendrons for handmade hunting guns.

In Tonzang Township and Tamu Township, the military council announced the imposition of ‘stay at home’ restrictions starting from 29 May as new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed and are on the rise, according to the MRTV.

In Chin State, nine deputy staff officers at the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department were dismissed from their current posts for going on strike.

In Paletwa, the military junta’s forces force-entered houses at night and checked the family registration list. Residents said that the group led by local administrator U San Thein asked questions about the fund-raising activities for IDPs in Mindat. Some residents were beaten while being interrogated. One resident said: “They are targeting youths who were involved in raising fund for supporting IDPs in Mindat.”

In Tamu town of Sagaing township near Maynigone Road, the military junta’s forces shot dead a young man who was going home after the birthday party of his friend.

In Paletwa at about 1pm after the two explosions in the morning, the division commander of Burma Army convened an emergency meeting in Kimo Hall and informed the government employees in attendance that restrictions on movements would be tightened.

In Kanpetlet at about 2pm, a skirmish between the military junta’s forces and the Chinland Defence Force broke out near Mount Victoria.

In Gangaw township of Magway Region at about 2pm on the Gangaw-Kalay road between Namkha and Hmaylay villages, there was a clash between the military junta’s soldiers and Yaw People Defense Force. It was reported that five soldiers and two YPDF members died. The military forces launched heavy weapons, killing three civilians and set fire to three houses.

The Kalay Region Defence Association (K.R.D.A) announced that two military trucks retreating from the clash on the Gangaw-Kalay road were ambushed between Tharyargone village and the Technological University. It also said that the military forces launched six heavy attacks but no civilian casualties were reported.

In Lailenpi of Matupi Township, no information regarding an 18-year-old woman who had gone missing in the past week is available as the search continues. Updates: She was found in Pasai village, which is about 18 miles away from Lailenpi but she didn’t remember how she got to the village.

In Hakha at about 11am, the military junta’s soldiers and police abducted seven youths in Auto Ward, including one 15-year-old male and one 17-year-old female, in a daylight house raid. They were taken to the Hakha Police Station. Detailed information as to why they were arrested remains unknown.

In Hakha, residents confirmed that drones were seen hovering over the town at night, almost every night for over a week. “At night, it was very quiet and we all could hear the noises. We peeped out from windows or doors and saw them,” said one of the residents who live on the Hakha-Gangaw road, close to the Mt. Rung military base.

27 May 2021 – In Mindat, there were 23 camps set up for 10,945 IDPs, with 4,851 males and 6,134 females, according to the Mindat Township IDPs Camp Management Committee.

In Kalay, a 70-year-old woman who had returned from Mizoram State via Rihkhawdar cross-border gate tested positive in Myohla Ward. Another four new cases were confirmed, with three in Tahan Ward and one in Myohla Ward.

In Tedim at about 7pm, an explosion went off in the compound of the Township Education Department near the entrance to No. 1 high school, severely damaging the office building.

In Matupi at about noon, residents saw a military chopper landing in the town about five times.

In Kanpetlet at about 8pm, residents heard some explosions and several gunshots (about 50) in the town. Later, residents said that it was the military forces who wanted to intimidate civilians.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-coup protests amid ongoing raids and crackdowns by the military junta’s soldiers. A resident near Taungphila Ward said that soldiers were seen patrolling the area almost every night for weeks.

In Falam, residents staged an indoors protest in support and solidarity with the people in Karenni State. Some placards read:

We pray for KPDF. Save Kayah.
Prayers from the land of rhododendrons for IDPs in Karenni State
Respect and salute to those fallen heroes in Karenni State.

In Cikha town of Tonzang Township, there are seven patients of COVID-19 being taken care of at the 16-bedded station hospital with limited facilities. Since 11 May, 25 new cases were confirmed in the Indian-Myanmar border town.

In Tedim Township, youths staged a jungle rally holding placards with messages reading:

We don’t want the military ‘enslaved education’.
We, students, do not get disheartened.
Don’t you feel a sense of guilt when thinking about sitting in a classroom while other students of your age are in prison?

In Matupi, residents started fleeing their homes to nearby villages and places as there was rumour spreading in the communities about clashes. Some said residents saw choppers flying and movements of soldiers several times while others speculated that soldiers were in full preparation of attacks as reinforcements were sent in. The Mindat-Matupi road has been strictly monitored and most of the time blocked. Soldiers as well as people in plain clothes were seen going looting and pillaging as they broke in houses including shops. Fuel supplies, for instance for motorbikes, have been cut off because of transportation restrictions, making fuel prices sharply hike.

In Mindat, looting and pillaging continued in the deserted town. Shops selling mobile phones and gold were more targeted.

26 May 2021 – In Magway at about 9pm, the military troops opened fire on Dr. Zachhinga, senior consultant surgeon, who was on his way home from the golf club where the district competition was held, and he was hit in his left eye and left hand by bullets. He was taken to hospital in Naypyitaw.

In Hmawbi of Yangon at about 11pm, the military junta’s soldiers raided the house of Rev. Dr. Peter Za Hlun Thang and beat his son, Pa Sui, and three others staying at the house. Pa Sui was accused of sharing posts of Miss Universe Myanmar (Miss Thuzar Wint Lwin) on Facebook. No arrests were made.

In Falam at about 3am, there were two explosions reported, one at No. 2 high school and another at No. 5 high school. The buildings were badly damaged. No casualties were reported.

In Mindat at about 4pm, an explosion of landmine laid by the military soldiers on the outskirts of Pu Kon village killed two CDF members, Tam Ling and Thang Khaw Ke, and injured one member, Thang Tam while they were patrolling for security in the area.

In Mindat, CCTV records showed that the military junta’s forces wearing plain clothes with a bullet proof vest were seen roaming around the town, and going looting and pillaging. Stolen items included invaluable traditional items, motorbikes and alcoholic drinks.

In Tedim township, 11 senior staff of the township education department were dismissed from their current posts for going on strike.

In Falam, the Chin National Defense Force (headquarters) issued a statement, warning local military informants to stop working for and giving information to the military council that kills innocent civilians.

In Cikha town of Tonzang Township, dozens of people were reported to be suffering from what seems to be related to COVID-19. In the Indian-Myanmar border town, there are currently no medical doctors as the military flew two doctors in a chopper on 25 May. Patients are being taken care of at the Station Hospital.

In Hakha, youths staged anti-coup education protest by displaying stickers on walls and lamp-posts across the town. The messages included:

There is a saying ‘Education is the value of human beings’ and so, I don’t want to receive education from people with no value.
Why you should not go to school: 1. You can at any time be used as human shields. 2. They cannot ensure security for children. 3. You will be worried for your life as SAC kills each other. 4. You can get injured as soldiers use grenades anywhere. 5. There is no guarantee of quality education as SAC appoints teachers who have no quality.

In Thantlang, a drone was seen hovering over and surrounding the town twice, the first time around 10am and the second around 2pm. “It was flying low and coming from the north of the town. We don’t know anyone in the town who owns this kind of flying objects. So, we believe it is from the soldiers,” said one of the residents.

In Kalay township, villages staged anti-regime night protest by lighting candles in honour of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in the struggle. Hundreds of Kalay residents continued the anti-coup rallies in different locations holding flags, banners and placards as they marched along the streets.

In Natchaung of Kalaymyo township, entrances to schools were blocked with bricks in a protest against the military ‘enslaved education’.

In Gangaw township, about 60 percent of teachers from 120 schools in total joined the CDM.

25 May 2021 – In Mindat, the military junta’s soldiers broke in and ransacked houses, damaged properties, stool belongings including motorbikes and domesticated animals such as pigs and chickens, and reportedly sold them in Yaw areas.

In Chin State, the State Administration Council announced that seven staff of the department of rural development were promoted from their current posts with a rise in the salary. The staff are:

Daw Biak Hnem Sung, Thantlang to Chin State-level
Daw Vung San Cin, Tedim to Thantlang
Daw Ling Ngin Paing, State-level
Daw Cing Deih Lun, Tonzang
U Biak Za Hung, Matupi to Mindat
U Elijah, Hakha to Hakha
U Pau Kan Lu, Falam District

In Hakha, the Generation Z staged an anti-coup education protest at the No. 4 high school by paint-writing on walls with messages including:

We don’t want any military education.
Don’t go to school; skip school.
We don’t want to go back to the education system where students were forced to plant Jatropha curcas at break time.

In Hakha, it was reported that two teachers who had joined the CDM changed their minds and went back to school. “We know that there are only three teachers who have not gone on strike in the first place. Now that two have gone back, I think there are five teachers at No.1 high school,” said a teacher on condition of anonymity.

In Kanpetlet, the CDMers of the township education department issued a statement saying that they stand in support of the Chinland Defense Force (Kanpetlet) in the fight for the future of our land, our town and our people.

In Kalay, the military regime informed families of Ko Min Min who was arrested on 24 May to claim his dead body. The family found out that he was tortured to death as his swollen body was covered with bruises and cuts, and that there was a stitch on his chest.

In Kalay township, villages staged anti-regime night protest by lighting candles.

In Thantlang township, an estimated 84 percent of staff of the education department including teachers who joined the CDM were suspended from their current posts. It was reported that 906 out of 1,073 teachers went on strike.

In Mindat township, the Mindat Township IDPs Camp Management Committee said that there are over 8,367 IDPs (3,613 males and 4,754 females) currently scattering across 18 different shelters. The numbers included 16 pregnant women, 22 disabled persons, 410 elderly over the age of 60, and 335 children under the age of 5.

In Lumbang village of Falam Township at about 11am, the military junta’s soldiers, estimated to be 28 in total, arrived in the village with a list of gun licensees and collected 18 hand-made guns. Clashes broke out in the village on 21 May (see updates on 21 May below).

In Paletwa, youths staged an anti-coup education protest holding placards with words, some of which read:

Let children go to school when their moms come back home.
No to the military ‘enslaved education’ system.
Let’s go to school once this fight is won.
Be reminded that some children are now hiding in the jungle while you are thinking of sending your children to school.
Let’s go to school when detained and IDP children come home.
We don’t support the military ‘enslaved education’ system in which students are taught to write, read and study ‘this’.

In Kalay, there were two separate explosions reported, one at No. 13 middle school in Taungphila Ward at about 7am and another at a high school in Aungthitsar Ward. No casualties were reported.

In Chin State, U Tam Aung, deputy director of the State-level Department of Rural Department was promoted to director.

24 May 2021 – In Mindat, two private policemen joined the CDM.

The Mro University Students Association staged an anti-coup protest, holding placards with messages including:

Save Chin Peoples. We are brothers and sisters.
Stay strong, Chinland! We pray for Chinland.
Never give up! Keep fighting, Mindat!
We stand with you, Mindat!

In Sagaing town, a Chin private police was said to have shot dead a police captain following verbal arguments.

In Hakha, the official notification signed by Dr. Lian Za Khup, deputy rector and acting principal of the Hakha University, was published with a list of 94 staff being dismissed from their current posts for going AWOL.

In Kalay, the Myawaddy TV (MWD), the military junta-owned television channel, announced that Lalramlawma, a lecturer at the Kalay University, was charged with 505A.

In Kalay, it was announced that the People’s Defence Force (Kalay) was formed with a merger of civilian defense forces including Kalay Civil Army of the Kalay Civil Defence Association and Southern Kalemyo People’s Defense Organization (SKPDO).

In Tonzang, the military security forces and police were seen stopping and checking people at junctions and lanes as well as patrolling the town.

In Kalay at about 9am, there was an explosion reported on the wall of the high school No. 6. Two soldiers were injured. Afterwards, residents said that they heard about 20 gunshots.

In Thantlang, high schools have not received any students who submit their admission application forms. The military council sets the admission dates from 24 to 31 May.

In Hakha today, no students were seen submitting their admission forms to schools.

In Mindat, photos reflecting the town after residents fled their homes into hiding following heavy attacks by the military regime.

In Pauktaw village of Kalay Townhip, an anti-coup education protest was held by writing messages in red colour on the fence of the high school.

In Kalay, a torrential downpour didn’t stop residents from continuing an anti-coup protest as they walked holding banners and placards.

In Chin State, a military chopper was seen landing in Tonzang, Tedim, Falam, Hakha, Kanpetlet towns and Kalay around 2pm. It was reported that the chopper supposedly delivered cash, transported military doctor specialists to each town and carrying patients, mostly injured soldiers, out from the towns for treatment elsewhere. No detailed information was available.

IDPs from Loklung village of Hakha Township, nearly 800 villagers fled to nearby villages, other townships and Mizoram State of India following clashes between junta’s troops and the Chinland Defense Force on 18-19 May. The village was home to 850 persons of about 180 households.

23 May 2021 – In Htinchaung village of Mindat Township, clashes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta’s forces broke out near the village, leaving one soldier dead and three injured. The Mindat local administration body said that some members of the Chinland Defense Force who happened to breathe in smokes or smells coming out from weapons used by the military forces reportedly suffered from numbness of tongues, itchiness of noses, dizziness, repeated vomit and a temporary loss of sight (blackout). There were speculations about the use of chemical elements by the military forces in their weapons. Another recent speculation was reported following the attacks happening on the Mindat-Matupi road at about 40 miles from Mindat town.

In Matupi, scores of residents fled their homes into nearby villages and a jungle as there was widespread rumour of attacks by the military. Residents said that the military forces took control of and kept fuel arriving in the town and that the price had gone up to 6,000 Kyats per gallon with most of the roadside shops being closed.

In Tedim, youths staged a jungle ‘rhododendron’ protest on Mount Kennedy holding placards and banners with words that read:

We will flow, like Manipur river that freely flows together with Chin mountains, to write a new history.
Our land, our nation.
Stop sexual assault.
You try to bury us but you don’t realize we are ‘plant seeds’.
When the military attacks the country, civilians become revolutionists.
Be strong until the revolution is won, Myanmar.

In Natchaung village of Kalay Township at about 9pm, a military informant was shot dead and his/her house was burnt.

In Falam, the Falam CDM Committee warned residents not to go out at night and not to go hunting in the jungle as the military forces were around all over the places.

In Mindat, the Tatmadaw forces raided houses of staff of the Myanma Economic Bank, ransacked, damaged and looted personal belongings.

In Hakha and Kalay, Ngin Kap Thang, an associate professor of the Government Technical Institute, and Dr. Lun Za Cin, a department head of Kalay Technological University, originally from Tedim Townshp, Chin State, were charged with 505A.

In Thantlang, the military council’s members reportedly met with youths after the church services and said that they wanted peace in the town, claiming his members were attacked the previous night. The meeting was convened following gunshots and explosions heard in the town the previous night. However, the Thantlang youth group said that they were not part of the meeting.

In Mindat, some 434 IDPs were seen ending up at a Buddhist monastery in Pan-awh village.

22 May 2021 – In Mindat, the military council’s soldiers broke in houses and shops, looting and pillaging. Motorbikes, cars and house-doors were smashed and destroyed. The military occupied and took control of the town as the majority of residents fled their homes into hiding.

In Phaneng village of Matupi, the military regime’s soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 140 based in the village stopped local travellers between Phaneng and Wai-laung and seized rice from them while on their return journey from Matupi where they had bought food items. Villagers said that some of the roads were blocked by the soldiers.

In Hakha, a backhoe loader parked inside the compound of the Government Technical Institute was set on fire. The Chinland Defense Force said that it was not responsible for the incident.

In and near Thantlang at about 9pm, residents said that they heard several gunshots and some explosions.

In Pu Kon village of Mindat Township at about 1pm, 6-day-old boy Thang Naing, son of Naing Thang and Naing Lee, passed away in an IDP place as residents in the village fled their homes following heavy attacks by the military over the past two days. Because of the attacks near the village, about 500 IDPs recently arriving in Pu Kon fled their temporary shelter under construction into different places – some went to nearby villages wither other ran away to the jungle.

In Congheng village and Falam town at about 11am, the military junta’s soldiers started shooting civilians on sight. Two brothers on a motorbike, who were working as carpenters near the fire department on Vankau Hill were shot but narrowly escaped being killed. Troops were seen having a temporary base between Congheng and Zamual villages.

In Htinchaung village of Mindat Township, the Chinland Defense Force warned residents to be aware that the military junta’s soldiers confiscated robes and other Buddhist clothing and that they [soldiers] would come pretending to be a monk.

In Tedim, a group of about 10 uniformed individuals, who claimed to be members of the Zomi Revolution Army – ZRA) based on the Indian-Burma border, attacked youths. Youths said that the group wearing ZRA uniforms opened fire on us but we escaped. (Source: https://www.myanmar-now.org/mm/news/6864)

The Chinland Defense Force (headquarters) issued a statement warning the military council’s members and their associates to stop threatening CDMers.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-regime protests in various ways at different locations. Some residents staged a dawn protest lighting up candles while some others organized a ‘paper strike’ by scattering placards with messages on the streets. The military based on Kanpale road forcibly collected money from local greengrocers who sell vegetables, fruits and meat in the early morning. The charges range from 500 Kyats to 10,000 Kyats.

In Kalay at about 5am, vehicles, confiscated and parked in the compound of the district court office in Tat-Oo-Thida Ward to be used as part of court cases, were set on fire.

In Pingyaw village of Mindat Township, residents said that they found evidence of drugs used by the military soldiers before reportedly launching the attacks in Pu Kon village on 21 May 2021. The evidence included remnants of marijuana, syringes and plastic packages.

21 May 2021 – In Hakha township, a list of 850 staff of the township education department was published saying that they were dismissed from their current posts for going AWOL.

In Tedim, a notice letter signed by Bi Koo Doo, the head of Chin State Education Department, was issued announcing that 1,087 staff of the township education department were removed from their current posts for going AWOL.

In Chauk-maing village of Kanpetlet Township, the military junta’s forces arrested two youths, namely Salai Naing Ma La and Salai Lueng Kee, who were using their phones by the roadside. The soldiers checked their phones and detained them saying that they had some suspected photos. They were taken to the police station in Kanpetlet town. One of their friends escaped the arrest as he managed to run away when being approached. In Ye-laung-pan village, soldiers checked famility registry documents and interrogated villagers. It was reported that the soldiers confiscated some NRC cards and other belongings including money collected for church services.

In Chin State, the head of the Chin State Health Department issued a notification, urging staff on strike (CDMers) to return to work as soon as possible.

In Kalay, the Generation Z stage an anti-coup jungle protest raising banner that reads ‘We don’t want the military dictatorship’.

In Naypyitaw, at least Chin political parties, excluding the Chin National League for Democracy, attended the meeting between SAC and UEC. No Than Kap, former president of the Chin National League for Democracy, joined the meeting although the party announced that it would not attend. He later said that he had quit the party and that he had attended the meeting of his own accord.

In Tonzang Township, a list of 283 staff of the Township Education Department who were removed from their current posts for going on strike was published.

In Tedim, the Generation Z staged an anti-regime protest by distributing and displaying posters and stickers on the streets, lamp-posts, walls and public areas.

In Paletwa, youths and university students from Paletwa Township staged an anti-coup education protest holding placards that read:

Let children go to school when their moms come back home.
Under the military ‘enslaved education’ system, don’t go to school; skip school.
Every parent has responsibility for rooting out the military ‘enslaved education’ system.

In Yelaungpan village of Kanpetlet Township, the military junta’s forces force-entered and ransacked houses, damaged property and looted belongings including a collection of money saved for church services.

In Mindat, residents said that power outages and phone communication shutdown continued. Heavy rains with strong winds were reported, adding challenges to IDPs.

In Lumbang of Falam Township at about 8am, clashes between the Chin National Defense Force (Falam) and the military junta’s forces coming from Kalay as part of reinforcement broke out on the Kalay-Falam road near Lumbang, leaving six soldiers and one CNDF member, Salai Cung Nawl Piang, dead, and two soldiers injured.

In Falam, youths laid a wreath together with letters of love and condolences in one location in honour and remembrance of Salai Cung Nawl Piang, who was shot dead during clashes near Lumbang.

In Mindat, seven Tatmadaw soldiers reportedly left their weapons and joined the CDM. At about 2pm, there was a fresh clash reported in Pu Kon village where the soldiers were arriving to establish a military base. Residents said that the military used heavy weapons targeting areas where IDPs currently take shelter and that they heard a military chopper hovering over the village. Pu Kon is one of the villages where IDPs take temporary shelter. Villagers fled their homes into hiding in the jungle. Updates at about 7pm, IDPs fled their current shelter as the military launched heavy attacks in the village of Pu Kon of Madat Village Tract. It was reported that one CDF member died and about 10 members injured.

In Matupi, the military junta cut off telephone communications, including Telenor and electric power since 8am. Residents said they saw one military chopper, the arrival of armed soldiers in 11 military trucks and six motorbikes in the town at about 9am this morning but they didn’t know anything where they had come from and would go.

The United Nations issued a statement, saying: “The United Nations in Myanmar is alarmed by the humanitarian impact of ongoing violence in the town of Mindat in Chin State in western Myanmar, following reports of indiscriminate attacks by the security forces against civilians and resulting population displacement and civilian casualties.”

In Sitha village of Kalay township, residents said tha they heard several gunshots in the morning. There was an explosion near Sitha when 11 military trucks were on their way towards Natchaung. They were believed to be going to Chin State via the Webula-Falam road. Then, the military tightened security measures, stopping and checking anyone passing between Sitha and Kyar-inn.

On the Mindat-Matupi road at about 40 miles from Mindat, there was a new clash reported.

In Matupi township, villagers started making dugouts in preparation for possible heavy attacks by the military junta’s forces.

In Kalay at about 11am, Tatmadaw’s soldiers in about ten trucks were seen leaving for Chin State as part of reinforcements. Despite tight security measures and ongoing crackdowns, residents continued peaceful anti-regime protests walking along the roads and observed a minute-silence in honour of the fallen heroes.

In Rezua of Matupi Township, the Chinland Defense Force – Zotung warned military informants and non-CDMers in the town to stop working with the military council that killed innocent civilians.

In Kanpetlet township, it was reported that the military troops arrived in Lawngpan village, forcing villagers to flee their homes into hiding.

In Hakha, multi-denominational pray services for peace in Myanmar were organized in different churches from 10am to 12 noon.

20 May 2021 – In Loklung village of Hakha Township, the military junta’s forces burned over 30 motorbikes parked in the village, which were believed to belong to the CDF members.

In Tedim, hundreds of residents joined the funeral service of 10-year-old Lian Muan Sang, who was killed by an explosion (see updates on 19 May).

In Rakhine State, Chin youths showed their support and solidarity with people in Chin State, particularly with IDPs and those in Mindat, Hakha, Kanpetlet and Tedim where clashes broke out.

In Kanpetlet, the military junta’s forces arrested 23 youths at about 10am, and released them at about 4pm without pressing any charges against them after being interrogated and forcing them to sign a document saying that they would not get involved in any activities related to the Chinland Defense Force.

In Kalay at about 10am, police forces in full gear abducted Thang Mang Kee, the owner of the house where a man from Mindat who came to Kalay to withdraw fund donated for IDP support stayed in Gyotungpin Ward (also see updates on 19 May).

In Mindat, residents said that there were power outages and phone communication shutdown in addition to stopping water supplies to the town.

The Chin National League for Democracy said that they would not attend a meeting scheduled for 21 May by the new election commission of the military council with political parties.

In Hakha township, the Chinland Defense Force imposed a night curfew, warning residents not to go out between 10pm and 5am starting 20 May, apart from an emergency situation for which the CDF should be informed.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-regime protests. Some villagers organized night anti-coup protests.

In Falam, four individuals who stayed in the hospital’s quarters tested COVID-19 positive, according to the General Hospital. Community leaders are concerned that these were intended to change public focus on the current situations by the military junta.

It was announced that U Kyaw Swe, an ex-military township head of Myaungmya, was transferred to Mindat.

In Tanaing Township of Kachin State, Chin MP-elect U Lin Lin Oo aka Thang Kee was abducted around 12 noon by armed soldiers in two trucks and police in one car.

In Hakha, the Chinland Defense Force sent a letter of apology to Loklung villagers for any inconvenience caused as clashes between the CDF and the military junta’s forces broke out from 4pm on 18 May to 6am on 19 May on the road to the village without making any prior notice.

In Mindat, a man and his younger brother, although they carried a white flag as advised, were stopped, beaten and arrested near the fire department when they were going out of the house to go to their village.

In Paletwa, youths in the townships issued a statement, condemning the brutalities of the military council and expressed their support and solidarity with the people in Mindat.

19 May 2021 – In Mindat, U Khaing Nay, a CDM staff of the irrigation department, was shot dead while he was trying to get some clothes from his house in the town. The military informed families to claim his body but it still remained unclaimed.

In Rezua of Matupi Township, the Chinland Defense Force – Zotung urged six military informants including two civilians to stop working with the military council.

In Matupi at about 10am, the military junta’s forces stopped and checked anyone entering the town. Six villagers (two from Shuntui, two from Haltu and two Phanawng) were arrested after their phones were checked. Another villager from Kyaih was arrested at the checkpoint on the road to Paletwa Township and beaten with a metal rod as he didn’t carry a recommendation letter from his village.

In Loikaw of Karenni State, Ko Tin Maung aka Funny Salai was among five individuals arrested at home in the evening during house raids by the military junta’s forces. No information about where they were detained was available.

In Kanpetlet, the military regime’s soldiers, estimated to be about 60, occupied a school and were reported to have met with the Chinland Defense Force. The CDF demanded that the military stopped arresting, detaining, patrolling with guns and threatening CDMers.

In Mindat, a new firefight between the military junta’s forces and the Chinland Defense Force broke out on the Mindat-Matupi road at about 40 miles from Mindat, reportedly leaving three soldiers dead.

In Mindat, Ko Kee aka Ke Thang, originally from Madat village, could not be contacted since 11am when he was going out in the town holding a while flag to buy some food items. Family members believed that he was abducted by the military forces.

In Tedim at about 5:30pm, an explosion was reported in Lawibual Ward, killing a 10-year-old boy identified as Tg. Lian Muan Sang.

In Kalay, hundreds of residents continued anti-coup protests. At about 7pm, seven military trucks were seen leaving Kalay towards Chin State. On a separate occasion, residents in Kalay staged a night protest.

In Mawlaik of Sagaing Region, youths staged an anti-coup protest by holding placards with messages including support for the people in Mindat:

Mindat, be safe and people in Mawlaik pray for you.
We are silent not because we are afraid but because there are many military informants.
We don’t want the military ‘enslaved education’.
Don’t open the schools yet; students are still in prison.

In Tedim, a 28-year-old female patient died allegedly from COVID-19 at about 1pm, the first report of COVID-19-related fatality since the military coup in February. The Tedim Civil Society Support team reminded residents to take precautionary measures to prevent themselves from the virus. Others feared that it might be the military plans to distract people from the current political situation.

In Loklung village of Hakha Township, the majority of residents fled their homes as the military council’s forces arrived in the village (about 150 households in total) following clashes with the Chinland Defense Force on 17 May. Note: There are about 850 people in the village.

In Hakha, Pi Ni Can, female, 33, was reportedly hit by a bullet while hiding in her house as she heard gunshots in Hakhathar Ward. (to be updated)

Scores of Chin youths from both inside and outside of Myanmar/Burma joined a paper rally showing their support and solidarity with the people in Chin State, especially Mindat, Kanpetlet, Tedim and Hakha areas where the military forces used heavy weapons in the attacks on civilians.

In Tamu of Kalay Township, Sagaing Region, clashes broke out near the Indian-Burma border with no casualties reported.

In Matupi at about 9am, two youths, Lawm Thang, male and An Sam, male, were arrested at one of the checkpoints near the entrance to the town after the military security forces checked their phones and accused them of keeping photos of political activities.

18 May 2021 – In Hakha at about 6pm, clashes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military council’s forces broke out in Hakhathar Ward, Cawbuk Ward and near Rungtlang. Residents in Hakhathar said that they heard about 40 gunshots and one explosion. No casualties were reported. On a separate occasion, two youths were arrested:

Joshua Thawng Tha Cung, male, 20
Peter Van Biak Thawng, male, 21

In Mawlaik of Sagaing Region, youths staged an indoors anti-coup protest by holding placards with messages including support for the people in Mindat:

Attacking Mindat is attacking Mawlaik.
‘Stay strong, Mindat. We equally suffer with you.’
Hill region and plain region are homogeneous.
Enslavement or revolution?
An informant gets involved in every killing.

In Mindat, Salai Pee Ming Thang aka Aung Aung, deputy head of the fishery department, who joined the CDM and fled into hiding in the jungle, died at 11:45 pm. On a separate occasion, an 18-year-old male IDP, who had an epilepsy, fell to death from a hill while hiding in the jungle.

Chin youths from both inside and outside of Myanmar/Burma joined a paper rally showing their support and solidarity with the people in Chin State. Messages included:

We stand with you, Chin State.
We don’t want the military dictatorship in Chin State.
Stay strong, Great Hornbills.
Never give up, Mindat. We must win.

In Hakha near BOC in Khuathar Ward, the military junta’s security forces tightened security measures, stopping all vehicles and pedestrians, and checking inside of their vehicles and phones.

In Mizoram State of India, there are more than 15,000 people from Myanmar taking shelter across the region sharing the border (source: Reuters).

In Zee-pauk village of Myepon Township, Rakhine State, the Chin University Students in Rakhine State (CUSR) provided 20,000 Kyats each for ten Chin families whose houses and belongings were burnt to the ground on 4 May.

In Taungoo of Bago Region, residents staged a rally as they walked along the streets holding banners that read ‘We are with Mindat’.

In Hakha, the Generation Z organized a ‘wreath’ protest in remembrance of Salai Van Biak Ling, who was killed during the clashes near Chuncung (see updates on 16 May below). The Chinland Defense Force in Hakha wrote a letter of apology to Chuncung village for any inconvenience made because of the clashes between the CDF and the military junta’s forces without prior notice given to them.

In Chin State, the Myanma Economic Bank said that all its branches across the state would be closed starting from today, apart from the one in Hakha.

In Tedim, hundreds of residents attended the funeral service of Go Sian Mung aka Munglek, 27, father of two young children, who was shot dead at night on 16 May. The Chinland Defense Force gave a letter of condolence. At about 11:30, dozens of armed soldiers on foot and in a truck were seen patrolling and walking along the main road.

In Kalay, the Kalay Civil Defense Association (KCDA) issued a statement condemning the inhumane attacks of the military council on civilians in Mindat, showing solidarity with the people and saying that it would join forces with other allies in the fight against the military junta. It also warned that necessary action would be taken against the military soldiers and informants that arbitrarily arrested and tortured civilians in Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-coup protests marching along the main roads and lanes.

In Mindat, residents said that they faced water shortages as the military cut off the pipeline of water supply to the town situated on a hill at an elevation of 4,860 feet above sea level. In the morning, a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a bullet while hiding in her house and is in a critical condition, was taken in a car to go to Pakokku for treatment.

In Htilin of Magway Region, youths expressed their support and solidarity with the people in Mindat by displaying placards with messages reading: ‘Stay strong, Mindat. Htilin stands with you’, ‘We pray for Mindat’, ‘Stop sexual attack!’, ‘Rest in power, our heroes’.

In Mindat at about 2pm, heavy rains with strong winds hit the areas, giving challenges to IDPs including children, pregnant women and elderly, most of whom had fled the town into the jungle two days ago. There are also scores of injured civilians among IDPs. IDPs are now scattered in at least four different places outside of town.

17 May 2021 – 17 May 2021 – In Tamu, Sagaing Region, Mun Hoi Lian, 52, a nurse working at the Tamu General Hospital, who was taking refuge in India close to the border after joining the CDM, passed away while on her way to Mandalay as she suffered from the complications of her existing diseases including hypertension and diabetes which had become worse.

In Hakha, youths staged an anti-coup protest holding placards with messages reading:

Myanmar women get sexual assaults, sexual harassment and sexual abuses by the military.
Stop sexual attacks!
Free our leaders, protesters and students.
We support CDF.
Give back our people.

In Mindat, clashes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military council’s forces broke out on the Mindat-Matupi road at about 30 miles. The military used heavy weapons including RPG grenades. There were speculations that the military might have used chemical materials as some CDF members suddenly suffered from dizziness, nauseas and fatigue although they were not injured from the clashes.

In Hakha at about 3:30pm until 7pm, there was an exchange of firefight between the military council’s forces and the Chinland Defense Force in Cawbuk Ward, supposedly leaving five soldiers dead with no civilian casualties reported.

In Mindat at about 7am, the military soldiers patrolled the town and opened fire on houses. They reportedly force-entered houses and shops, destroyed belongings and looted items. It was reported that the military council’s soldiers destroyed the water supply to the town, making residents in a difficult situation.

In Moekaung of Kachin State, residents staged a rally in support and solidarity with Mindat as they carried placards with messages reading ‘Moekaung stands together with Mindat’, ‘Stay strong, Mindat’, ‘No discussion for blood debt’, ‘Military dogs, are you not ashamed of launching airstrikes on the town that has only locally made guns?’.

The Myanma Economic Bank (headquarters) published a list of 91 staff working for the bank branches across Chin State, who were dismissed from their current posts for joining the CDM.

In Kalay at about 9pm, there were two explosions at the house of one military informant in Aungmayman Ward. Later, the military soldiers abducted two civilians in Thazin Ward. In a separate location, some youths staged a rally holding placards with messages in support and solidarity with the people in Mindat. At about 8pm in 9-Mile Ward, residents said that they heard at least five gunshots.

The Committee Representing Chin State Hluttaw (CRCH) issued a statement condemning the attacks of the military using heavy weapons by air on innocent civilians including women and children and urging the military to immediately stop attacking innocent civilians and using detainees as human shields.

In Kanpetlet in the early morning, residents said that the military choppers landed in the area more than 7 times.

In Mandalay, a crowd of engineers took to the streets holding anti-coup placards while showing support and solidarity with the people in Chin State with a message ‘Stay strong, Chin State. We don’t feel we are dutiful as we can only support you from a faraway distance’.

In Kalay, hundreds of residents staged a dawn protest walking along the streets holding flags and banners showing solidarity with people in the whole country.

16 May 2021 – In Falam, the Falam CDM supporters showed their solidarity with Hakha and Mindat where the military junta’s forces used heavy weapons in its attacks on civilians. The placards surrounded by candles read ‘We pray for CDF in Hakha and Mindat’.

In Hlaingthayar, Yangon, the Generation Z showed solidarity with the people in Mindat by raising placards ‘Stay strong, Mindat. Hlaingthayar is with you’.

In Hakha, Salai Van Biak Ling, 25, male, was shot dead during a clash between the military junta’s forces and the Chinland Defense Force near Chuncung village on the Hakha-Falam road around 5pm. Casualties of the military soldiers were reported and estimated to be six dead and over 10 injured, according to the Chinland Defense Force.

In Kanpetlet, 12 policemen (1 sergeant, 2 lance corporals and 9 privates) joined the CDM, leaving the town police station. The Chinland Defense Force in Kanpetlet said that they would take necessary action to protect them for their safety.

In Hakha, youth groups took to the streets holding placards in support and solidarity with the people in Mindat as they honoured the fallen friends as heroes.

In Tedim at about 8:30pm, an exchange of firefight broke out at night between the Tatmadaw soldiers and the civil resistance fighters. The military junta’s forces shot Go Sian Mung, 27, in the head while on his way back home from work. He died on the spot and is survived by his wife and two young children. A high school student instantly died after being hit in his head by a bullet. On a separate occasion, a 40-year-old man was hit by a bullet while at home and in a critical condition. The Tedim Civil Society Support said that at least four military soldiers were killed in the clash. Residents said that they also heard some explosions.

In Kalay, the students’ union of the Technological University said that the majority of the students joined the CDM and hence didn’t go to university.

In a village of Kalay Township, residents showed their support and solidarity with the people in Mindat by lighting candles with a message ‘Save Mindat’.

In Hakha, a list of 32 non-CDM staff of the Government Technical Institute (Hakha) was published.

In Yangon, Chin youths expressed their support and solidarity with the people in Mindat.

In Kanpetlet, residents said that they heard several gunshots by the military junta’s forces. They believed that the military opened fire to threaten and intimidate civilians as the Kanpetlet CDF didn’t respond.

In North Okkala, Yangon, the Generation Z showed their solidarity with the people in Mindat by holding placards with messages reading ‘Stay strong, Mindat’, ‘Stop sexual assault’, ‘Save Mindat’.

In Kanpetlet at about 4pm, three military choppers were seen hovering over the town and landing in the football ground, with soldiers and supplies. In Kanpetlet, the military chopper landed around 6pm today at least five times. Residents in Kanpetlet believed that the choppers transported weapons and reinforcements. The Chinland Defense Force in Kanpetlet warned residents not to go out after dark and to buy foods betwen 8am and 12am. But residents said they are worried and get ready to flee into hiding in the jungle if needed. (Photo: military choppers seen in Kanpetlet)

The CRPH (Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw) issued a statement condemning the military council for targeting and attacking innocent civilians by using military choppers and heavy weapons by land.

In Kaptel village of Tedim Township at about 2pm, a fire believed to have started from a house selling petrol, destroyed two houses.

In Mindat, hundreds of residents including children and women fled their homes into hiding in the jungle.

In Mindat at about 7:30am, residents said that the military junta’s forces operating from within the town started shooting ordinary civilians on sight. The clashes in Mindat from 12 to 15 May have left some ordinary civilians injured and seven civilian members of the Chinland Defense Force dead, namely;

Salai Thang Hung Thang, male
Salai Mang Kee Thang, male
Salai Hung Awm Hung, male
Salai Tam Kee, male
Salai Thang Phep, male
Salai Ha Khui Shing, male
Salai Khui Shing Ning, male
Salai Ling Kee, male

In Phakant of Kachin State, anti-coup protesters raised placards reading ‘Stay strong, Mindat. Phakant is with you”.

In Kalay in the early morning, the house of the headmistress of the middle school No. 1 in the school compound was burnt to the ground. No casualties were reported.

In Mindat, residents, estimated to be hundreds, including children and pregnant women left their homes and fled into hiding in the jungle as the military junta’s forces used heavy weapons attacking civilians in the town.

In Yaw areas of Magway Region, the military forces force-entered houses and abducted youths, mostly men, for forced portering and labour in at least five villages of Ye-shin, Taungtat, Pyin-lay, Kangyi and Ye-yint, which are about 8 to 12 miles away from Mindat town. Residents said: “The soldiers arrived around 9am this morning. They forcibly caught young people. However, youths were running away. They also set fire on some houses.” Others said that these villages could have been suspected of letting members of the Chinland Defense Force hide and take shelter.

In Mindat, those civilians injured in the attacks by the military included a 10-year-old girl who was hit in her left shoulder by a bullet while hiding inside her house. The military patrolled the town and opened fire on civilians and houses.

The National Unity Government called on the international community to take necessary action to end the violent acts of the Tatmadaw while highlighting the urgent need to protect ‘defenseless people of Mindat’.

On the Mindat-Matupi road at about 15 miles from Mindat town, the military force-entered and ransacked houses, damaging belongings. Some houses were burnt down to the ground.

The Zomi Federal Union issued a statement rejecting the use of heavy weapons in the attacks on civilians in Mindat by Tatmadaw, and showing respect for the Chinland Defense Force in protecting civilians against the inhumane invasion of the ancestraln land by the military junta while expressing solidarity with the people in Mindat.

15 May 2021 – In Hakha, Generation Z staged a ‘wreath’ protest in a cemetery where they laid wreaths with photos of Tler Ling and Khamh Bawi by a tree as they demanded justice for the two individuals who died while being detained in the military base.

In Matupi at about 11am, youths were warned to take precautionary measures as soldiers were patrolling.

In Kalay, an increasing number of residents joined the continued anti-coup protests in separate locations as they carried flags, placards and banners.

Mindat updates:

At about 7:30, the military forces started launching heavy attacks on civilians in the town by air and land. They established bases in government-run vocational training schools and the compound of the irrigation department offices.

At about 8:30am, five military choppers were seen landing in the base of Light Infantry Battalion 274. The military forces launched heavy attacks in the town about 15 times. They were seen taking bases in the Na Ta La school and Buddhist monasteries.

At about 11am, there were about 10 military trucks and two trucks carrying supplies were seen leaving towards Mindat.

At about noon, the ongoing fighting stopped for a while. Soldiers were using some 15 youth arrestees as human shields as they walked into the town.

WAR CRIME ALERT: Mindat Town is now under siege and is bracing for an all-out assault by the junta troops from air and by land. The junta has been flying in hundreds of troops by helicopters to crackdown on an armed uprising by local militia known as the Chinland Defense Force (Mindat), after it suffered loss during a three-day long fight as infantry reinforcement convoys were ambushed by CDF fighters on the way to Mindat. The junta has declared martial law in the town since Thursday and has been accused of serious violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Laws. Concerns are growing about possible war crimes against the people of Mindat as the junta troops prepare for an all-out assault. [CHRO posted at about 12noon].

Residents including women and children were forced to flee their homes into hiding in the nearby jungle as the attacks by the military forces intensified using heavy weapons.

In Mindat, military soldiers reportedly committed sexual assaults on one woman and one girl who were abducted while hiding near Oasis Guest House. (Information to be verified and updated)

In Hakha, residents joined the nationwide ‘blackout’ protest against the military coup by putting out all the lights in their houses. Lights could only be seen around the residence complex of the State Administration Council’s members.

A paper protest in solidarity with the people in Mindat was organized with messages reading: ‘Hurting Mindat is hurting us’, ‘PDF is urged to act now’, ‘Only prayers for Mindat may not be enough’.

In Paletwa, heavy rains and strong winds destroyed shelters of about 50 IDP families internally displaced by the year-long conflict between the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army in the township.

In Monywa, residents organized a night rally in solidarity with the people in Mindat, using candles to write a message reading ‘Stay strong, Mindat’.

The K’Cho Brothers International, formed in the middle of February 2021 following the military coup, issued a statement, condemning the violent behaviours and acts of the military junta and urging stronger collaboration and unity among allies in the fight against the the military council.

In Mindat, the K’Cho Chin Women’s Organization (CCWO) issued a statement condemning the Tatmadaw for using heavy weapons in its attacks on civilians in the town and urging the Tatmadaw to immediate stop its violent attacks.

In Hakha, youths organized a night protest in solidarity with the people in Mindat with placard messages saying ‘We stand with Mindat’, ‘Pray for Mindat’, ‘Save Mindat’. At about 10:30pm, Hakha residents said that they heard at least three gunshots near the Hakha Police Station.

The Chin National Front issued a statement condemning the violent attacks on the innocent Chin civilians in Mindat by the Tatmadaw, saying that it stands together with the people of Mindat while highlighting the fact that the Chinland Defense Force was formed in an effort to defense and protect Chin civilians against the violent acts including crackdowns, threats, arrests, torture and killings by the Tatmadaw soldiers.

The Zomi Political Coordination Committee of the Zomi Revolutionary Army and the Zomi Generation Y&Z condemned the use of heavy weapons on Mindat civilians and said that they were together with the people in Mindat in the fight against the military coup.

In Kalay, the Kalay Region Defence Association warned residents not to go out after 7pm and private businesses not to transport goods and make deliveries after 10pm. At about 8pm, residents in Tahan around Naykya building said that they heard gunshots about 10 times.

In Matupi, some youths staged an anti-coup protest by raising placards while sending messages in solidarity with the people of Mindat, including:

Stay strong, Mindat!
Stupid military that uses heavy weapons to attack locally-made hunting guns.
I don’t want to be the generation that completes a university degree but flee to Malaysia.
Let’s fight the military dictators by not sending our children to school.

In Tonzang, the Chinland Defense Force – Tonzang announced that it was formed on 27 April 2021 with the aims of protecting defenseless civilians and fighting in unity with the CDF headquarters and NUG against the military council.

The British Embassy and The US Embassy in Yangon expressed their grave concerns over the attacks on civilians and urged the military to immediately end the use of violence against the people.

In Kalay on a separate occasion, residents staged a night anti-coup protest.

Photos of weapons used by the military junta’s forces and parts of houses damaged were posted as evidence of the attacks on civilians in town.

In Mindat, the Chinland Defense Force managed to seize six military trucks and weapons in an ambush as all the soldiers deserted into hillsides.

14 May 2021 – In Kalay, residents organized a night anti-coup protest using candles to diplay a message ‘Fighting Myanmar’.

In Kalay at about 7pm, there was an explosion at the town centre, injuring at least three civilians – two women and one 10-year-old child and damaging nearby houses. Soon after, the military junta’s forces arrived at the scene. At about 8pm, residents said they heard several gunshots at ordinary civilians by the military junta’s forces. It was reported that three ordinary civilians were arrested and two were injured from gunshots fired by the military.

In Hakha, the Chinland Defense Force said that they had arrested three traffic policemen and one informant, and that the quartet would only be released in exchange of those civilians detained. It also said that they would wait until 8am the next day.

U Soe Lwin, police major of Chin State traffic police forces (Lah 4706)
U Soe Win Than, police captain of Chin State traffic police forces (Lah 7313)
U Sung Kee, sub-lieutenant of Chin State traffic police forces (Lah 23084)
U Sai Tun, a leading military informant

In Matupi, residents said that the military forces appropriated some vehicles parked on the roads for their own use.

On the Mindat-Matupi road, there were landslides reported blocking the road following heavy rains in the area. Later, the military forces commandeered construction machines to clear the road.

In Pyi of Bago Region at about 4pm, Mai Thinzar Maung, from Mon Hein Pharmacy Store, was abducted by the military junta’s forces (estimated to be around 30) reportedly for sharing CDM posts.

In Hakhat, youths staged a peaceful rally in remembrance of Tler Ling and Khamh Bawi, who died in the custody of the military council. At about 2pm, three protesters were reported being arrested on the Hakha-Matupi road by the military junta’s forces as part of the crackdown on the rally. Later, two of the youth detainees were charged with Section 505A of penal code.

Johnson Biak Hlei Sang, male, protester (still detained; charged with Section 505A)
Biak Cung Ling, male, protester (still detained; charged with Section 505A)
Eden Thang, male (Later released after negotiations by religious leaders)

In Pakokku, armed soldiers in two military trucks were seen leaving the Pakokku town towards Mindat.

In Gangaw township at about 8pm, at least four drones were seen hovering over and around Taungkhayan village.

In Mindat, the Chinland Defense Force said that they were able to stop the military forces from advancing from the eastern side of the town and that fighting continued with the military forces in the western side of the town. In the evening, at least three military chopper, one jet fighter and two drones were seen hovering over the town. Three choppers were seen landing in the military compound of Light Infantry Battalion 274. The military forces launched heavy weapons on civilian areas, damaging some houses and snipers shot ordinary residents on sight. Some armed soldiers in plain clothes were seen patrolling while others were lying in wait for both civilians and resistance fighters.

In Mindat, Ko Wai Phyu Thant, an assistant engineer in charge of the Mindat Township Electric Department, was hit by a bullet while working in his office.

In Kyaukhtu, which is about 18 miles from Mindat, in the evening, residents said that they saw jet fighters and planes landing and taking off several times.

At 8pm, the Myawaddy TV (MWD), the military junta-owned television channel, announced that two soldiers were injured in the attacks near the Myanmar Economic Bank in Mindat, five military trucks being deserted and one engineer working [Ko Wai Phyu Thant] for the electric department killed after being hit by a bullet.

In Hakha, the Hakha Christian Ministers’ Fellowship organized special prayer services for peace in Myanmar at eight different churches from 10am to 12 noon.

In Kanpetlet at about 7pm, an exchange of firefight between the Chinland Defense Force (Kanpetlet) and the military council’s forces broke out. Two soldiers were reported being injured.

The Chin Gyi Production released a video interview in English on the clashes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta’s forces in Mindat between 24 adn 27 April 2021. The interview can be viewed on https://www.facebook.com/Chingyiproduction/videos/519449065908605

Johnson Biak Hlei Sang, male, protester (still detained; charged with Section 505A)
Biak Cung Ling, male, protester (still detained; charged with Section 505A)
Eden Thang, male (Later released after negotiations by religious leaders)

In Mindat, the Chinland Defence Force announced that clashes with the military junta’s forces continued since 12 May, leaving dead one CDF member dead as the soldiers used heavy artillery. The CDF seized some weapons and military vehicles left behind by soldiers.

In Mindat at about 3pm, two military choppers were seen hovering in the sky and landing in the compound of the military base of Light Infantry Battalion 274 as firefights between Tatmadaw and the civilian resistance fighters continued in the town.

In Matupi, the military council’s forces were seen using vehicles, confiscated from a local charity organization called Joseph Oxygen, for patrolling the town. The seized vehicles included two Alphard mini-vans, two Pajero SUVs, two light trucks, and two Mark-II sedans, which were used to provide support for residents in emergency situations.

In Hakha, residents issued a statement saying that they didn’t accept what the military council said about the deaths of two civilians, Tler Ling and Khamh Bawi, and urging the military council to return their bodies and to release all remaining detainees.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-coup protests as they carried flags and banners that read ‘We support National Unity Government’.

In Htilin of Magway Region, the formation of the People Defence Force (Htilin) was announced with the aims of protecting civilians against brutalities of the military council.

In Hakha, classrooms of the GTI (Government Technical Institute) were left empty as there were no students attending. A few students gave their names on the registration to go back to classes but they changed their minds, according to one of the students.

13 May 2021 – In Hakha, residents staged a peaceful rally demanding justice for two civilians who died while in the custody of the military council’s forces.

In Matupi, the military council’s forces stopped and abducted a first-year university student identified as Salai Hezekiah Sang, who is under the age of 18, on the Hakha street in Sanbawng Ward at about 5pm. He was detained in the Matupi police station for further investigation although the reasons for the arrest were not known.

In Tonzang Township, a list of 283 teachers and staff of the township education departments was published and were suspended from their current posts for joining the CDM.

In Kalay, residents continued afternoon anti-coup protests marching along lanes as they carried banners and placards, supporting NUG. In a separate location, Kalay residents organized an anti-coup protest on the main road erecting placards with chunks of banana trunks.

In Tonzang Township, 283 staff of the education departments in the township were suspended from their current posts for joining the CDM.

In Mindat, the military council imposed martial law in the township, allowing the commander of the Northwest Command to make necessary decisions based on the local situations.

In Mindat, the locally formed township administration body announced that:

The civilians are forced to resort to finding any possible means to protect and defend themselves against violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters by the illegal military council that seized power on 1 February.
The military council arrested seven peaceful protesters on 24 April 2021. The firefight between the military council and the Chinland Defense Force (Mindat) started as the council didn’t keep its promises to release them.
On the 20th day since the day the firefight broke out, the military council declared martial law in Mindat Township. The local administration body declared that the council’s martial law was no valid in the area and that the township has been under their administration.

In Kanpetlet, skirmishes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military council’s forces broke out around 9pm. No casualties were reported. “We all stayed at home. We heard gunshots from behind No. 2 Myoma Ward,” said a resident.

In Tedim, Generation Z organized an anti-coup protest at the No. 2 high school by paint-writing messages on fences and walls against the education system of the military council.

The department of literature and culture of the Ethnic Affairs Ministry published a list of 43 staff who were dismissed from their posts for joining the CDM. Among them were Thang Kam Lian, Bawi Dawt Sung, Salai Naing Lin Tun, Mai Luih Luih Aung Win, Gracy Siang Hlei Dim, Mai Ci Ci Thluai, Elijah Ngai Thang, and Zung Tial.

In Pakokku, Salai Law Shing Kee and Ko Naing Lin Aung, who were arrested on 19 February (see updates on 19 Feb below), were handed a three-year imprisonment.

In Mindat, Salai Thang Hung Thang, 18, was killed in the ongoing firefight between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta’s forces.

In Thantlang Township, the military security forces have not been seen at the checkpoint in Sopum village on 3 May. There are about seven police and 10 soldiers currently staying in Lungler village, and about 10 soldiers in Vuangtu village.

In Chin State, 22 staff of the Department of Sports and Physical Education (11 males and 11 females) were suspended from their current posts for going on strike.

In Yaw region of Gangaw District, the formation of the Yaw Defense Force on 12 May was announced with the aims of protecting civilians in Yaw region from brutalities of the military council. The YDF said that they would join forces with allies in the fight against the terrorists.

In Saw Township at about 12 noon, there was an exchange of firefight for about an hour between the military council’s forces and the People Defence Force on the Saw-Seihphyo road, leaving one soldier seriously injured in the head.

In Kyaukhtu region, the People Defence Force announced that there were clashes between the military council’s forces and the PDF members on the Kyaukhtu-Pakokku road, leaving over 5 soldiers injured and warned residents not to travel around the area. [Note: The military council is building up forces in Kyauhtu in preparation for attacks in Mindat and Kanpetlet townships of Chin State.]

In USA, Ms Thuzar Wint Lwin, who represented Myanmar in the Miss Universe 2020 national costume competition held in Hollywood, Florida as she wore Chin traditional dresses on the runway, raised a placard that reads “Pray for Myanmar”.

12 May 2021 – In Mindat, a fresh exchange of gunshots between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta’s forces broke out within the town at about 7pm as the military didn’t release the remaining five detainees in response to the demand made by the CDF with the deadline set to 12noon today. No casualties were reported.

In Mindat, the locally formed Mindat administration body said that they didn’t allow 17 military trucks coming from Sami town of Paletwa Township to pass through the town.

In Hakha, residents wearing black clothes started gathering near the house of Pu Tler Ling and staged an anti-junta rally marching along the main road with some placards reading: “We have blood debt to pay”, “Justice for Tler Ling”.

In Hakha, the Chinland Defense Force stated that they were responsible for minor explosions in Hniarlawn village on 11 May and that it was a soft warning to those who were associated with the military council. Targets were:

One individual in Hniarlawn A village who gave information about CDF activities to the SAC members.
One informant in Hniarlawn B village who received 300,000 Kyats from the military council, gave information about CDF activities, and helped them to conduct raids on CDF members.
One informant who rented a place in Khuahlun Ward.

In Khaikam, Tedim Township, the military junta’s forces tightened security measures, conducting a thorough stop-and-search check on people passing the 9-Mile gate.

In Yangon Region, the Chin Rescue Team provided humanitarian assistance including basic food items for IDPs from Paletwa Township, Chin State taking shelter in Myaingtakar on the outskirts of Yangon. According to the team, there are 38 families with about 120 persons at Camp 1, and 18 families with about 130 persons at Camp 2 and 3 respectively.

In Saw township, Magway Region, the People Defence Force (Saw Township) warned residents not to use the Saw-Kyaukhtu, Saw-Seihphyo, and Kyaukhtu-Pakokku roads for security reasons starting from 13 May. [Note: The military council is building up forces in Kyauhtu in preparation for attacks in Mindat and Kanpetlet townships of Chin State.]

The Department of Rural Development issued a list of 82 township staff and six district staff who were dismissed from their current posts for joining the CDM.

The CDM Support for Chin in collaboration with Chin singer David Lai released a new song entitled ‘The Last Battle’ in honour of all CDMers in fight against the military coup. The song is available on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJuCQN7bM8X0kR4TOwE3Ftw ), on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pvtvmyanmar/) and on NUG media channel (https://www.facebook.com/pvtvmyanmar/).

In Kalay, all Electronic Engineering students of the Technological University (Kalay) joined the CDM. Residents in parts of Kalay staged an evening anti-coup protest.

In Hakha, the GTI Students’ Union ‘named and shamed’ two tutors who didn’t join the CDM and six students who submitted their applications.

In Hakha, religious and community leaders met with Colonel Saw Tun, the commander of the Tactical Operations Command based on Mount Rung, regarding the deaths of Tler Ling and Khamh Bawi, both of whom died during the custody of the military forces. The commander said that they died from hypertension and bronchitis at a military hospital in Kalay and that their body were cremated. He also added that they had been ill before they were arrested. However, Tler Ling’s families said that Tler Ling who was arrested at his farm house was physically fit and healthy and that he could work on his farm by himself. Families of Khamh Bawi said that Khamh Bawi was arrested in Hakha where he had just arrived by his motorbike, meaning that he was able to travel on his own as he was physically fit and healthy. Families believed that they had been tortured to death and their bodies incinerated to get rid of evidence. Families also said that they didn’t believe their bodies were cremated but might be buried or still kept in the Mt. Rung military base.

The Chin Human Rights Organization issued a statement strongly condemning the torture and death of two Chin civilians, Tler Ling, 57, and Khamh Bawi, 27, while in custody of the Tactical Operations Command based on Mount Rung in Hakha.

In Paletwa Township, it was reported that the Arakan Army, an ethnic armed group that has been active in the Chin township for years, didn’t allow the formation of the Chinland Defense Force.

The Ministry of Education in Naypytaw released a list of 93 high and middle schools teachers who were suspended from their current posts in Chin State for joining the CDM.

In Tedim, residents said that a military helicopter landed in the military base yesterday and took off at about 5am this morning.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-coup protests and observed one-minute’s silence in honour of the fallen heroes.

In Hakha at about 10:30am, the military junta based on Mount Rung met with religious leaders regarding the death of a farmer, Pu Tler Ling (see updates on 11 May below). The military authorities said that he had been sick with COVID-19 and died on the way while being taken to Kalay for medical purposes, and that his body had been cremated in order to stop spreading the infection. Meanwhile, the Myanmar Alin, a state-run Burmese language daily newspaper, reported that Pu Tler Ling died of hypertension at 2pm and Pu Bawi Aa of severe bronchitis at 2:45pm and that both of them died at the Kalay military hospital.

11 May 2021 – In Falam, families repaired and re-erected the tombstones in a cemetery which were destroyed in late March (see updates on 31 March below). Traditional sacrificial services would also be held on 14 May.

In Kalay, the women group of Leipi Baptist Church provided basic food items for the church members.

In Hakha, dozens of residents took to the streets in continued protest against the military dictatorship, holding banners and placards as they marked the 100th day since the February 1 military coup. Messages included:

When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.
They shoot in the head but they don’t know the fact that revolution is in the heart.
If not us, who? If not now, when?
It’s freedom for everybody or freedom for nobody. – Malcolm X

In Tamu township, there was an exchange of firefight between the People Defense Force and the military junta’s forces in Gun-taung and Panthar villages at night, leaving at least 10 Tatmadaw soldiers dead, one civilian resistance fighter dead and one civilian injured.

In Hakha, the family of Pu Tler Ling, 57, a farmer staying on his farm near Nawi river who was arrested by the military junta’s forces last Sunday, was informed that he had passed away. His body is still in custody of the military authorities.

In Hakha, the Chinland Defense Force issued a statement demanding justice for Pu Tler Ling, who was believed to have died from torture, informing residents to be aware of landmines laid in several places around the town by the military forces, and warning that they would take necessary action against the military forces and their associates including informants as the detainees were not released as demanded.

In Hniarlawn village, Hakha Township, there were two separate explosions reported around midnight, damaging the houses of Pu Phir Mawng and Pu Cung Bik respectively. Pu Phir Mawng had minor injuries in his head. It was reported that two motorbikes and a car parked in front of Phir Mawng’s house were also damaged.

In Mindat, the locally formed administration body said that the ongoing negotiations between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta would stop if the remaining detainees were not released the next day.

In Hakha, an explosion was reported near the house of a military informant in Khuahlun Ward.

The CDM percentage of education departments in Chin State stood at 66% being the highest in the whole country, with 7,274 out of the total 10,962 joining the strike.

In Hakha at night around 9pm and afterwards, there were at least five explosions reported, mostly near the Hakha Police Station in Pyidawtha Ward. No casualties were reported.

In Thantlang, two medical doctors namely, Dr. Tun Pwa, the head of Thantlang General Hospital, and Dr. Aye Chian Aung, a dental doctor, both of whom had joined the CDM, were ‘named and shamed’ as they arrived in the town to resume work at the hospital. U Tin Aung Win, deputy GAD head, was also ‘named and shamed’ as he was mainly responsible for their coming back.

In Tiphul village of Hakha Township, a father identified as Pu Peng Thang and son Thawng Cung Lian, 11, were found dead on the road between Tiphul and Rinpi villages. They were believed to have been killed in a hit-and-run accident by a car.

In Hakha, 107 staff of the Hakha University who joined the CDM were suspended from their current posts.

In Hakha at about 8:45am, the military junta’s forces were seen patrolling in Khuathar and Hakhathar Wards.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-coup protests marching along lanes as they chanted slogans and held placards, flags and banners.

10 May 2021 – In Thantlang, youths expressed their support for Chinland Defense Force by posting messages, including:

We are one in Chin
We support CDF
We support locally made guns

In Matupi, the military junta’s forces stepped up its security checking measures at three entrances to the town on the roads leading to Hakha, Mindat and Paletwa townships. “If someone wants to enter Matupi town, he/she must have an NRC (National Registration Card) and a recommendation letter from the village authorities. If you are a government employee, you don’t need to show two IDs but a government employee card. We hear that if you can pay some money at the checkpoint, they would let you go even if you don’t have the two IDs,” said a Matupi resident.

In Kalay, residents held morning anti-regime protests in at least four different routes.

In Sagaing, the formation of the Sagaing Township People Defense Force (STPDF) was announced with the aims of protecting civilians in the township, saying that it would join hands with other allies in fighting against the military dictators and that it would act in accordance with guidelines of the National Unity Government.

The Mro University Students Association (MUSA) announced that they would resist the unjust coup of the military dictators and that they would not go to university under the military council.

In Hakha, residents shared updates on the movements of the military junta’s forces patrolling the town, especially in Khuathar and Hakhathar Wards.

9 May 2021 – In Hakha at about 9am, an explosion occurred in the compound of GAD staff’s quarters in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank. No casualties reported. On a separate occasion at about 9am, the military junta’s forces conducted a morning raid on the house of Pi Hnem Zing near the Hakha Golf Club, where Khamh Bawi, a Thanzang villager, was staying. The house was ransacked and they arrested Khamh Bawi for no obvious reasons given.

In Hakha, the formation of the interim administration council of the Government Technical Institute was announced, with the aims of establishing an education system based on the federal democracy, saying that it does not recognize the current principal and other staff who work with the military council.

In Matupi, the military junta’s forces imposed new restrictions on villagers near the town saying that anyone entering the Matupi town had to present a recommendation letter from the village administrator. One villager said: “I was stopped by the security forces at the entrance to the town and asked for a letter from the village. Normally, they would stop us, ask for IDs or check our motorbikes. But this time, it’s different. They said that the announcement requiring all villagers travelling to Matupi town to bring a letter from the village authorities had been made three days ago. They said they would not allow anyone without the required document to enter the town.” Residents in the nearby villages, who go to the town for buying basic daily needs such as food items, said that they hadn’t heard of the announcement.

In Kalay at night, residents staged an anti-coup protest, walking along lanes as they resumed banging pots and pans – which had been stopped following violent crackdowns on protesters by the military junta’s forces in recent weeks.

In Tamu at about 8:30pm at night, there was an explosion at the house of one of the junta’s informants on Asia Street in 10th Ward. No casualties were reported.

In Hakha, the Generation Z staged anti-coup protests, particularly targeting the two township-level departments of education and municipal affairs by painting messages including:

We don’t want the military junta’s ‘enslaved education’.
Shame on you, non-CDM.
Don’t go to office.
Join CDM.
Don’t go to the office of the military dictators

In Kalay, Chemistry students of the Kalay University issued a statement urging students to fight against the military junta by not going to university and warning that they would ‘name and shame’ anyone going to university as traitors and killers that accept the terrorist military group.

In Rakhine State, the Chin University Students in Rakhine State (CUSR) urged all Chin university students not to go to university in protest against the military council that had declared to open all universities, colleges and school on 5 May.

In Sagaing, the Sagaing People Defense Force (SPDF) released its records of violent acts inflicted upon civilians in Kani Township by the military junta’s forces and said that they would continue resisting and protecting civilians in Kani and Yinmarpyin townships:

A 16-year-old teen, who was picking mango fruits, was shot and severely injured on 5 May 2021
An elderly woman and a teenage girl were arrested; when they were released, the woman was found to have one of her hands broken and the girl with six injuries in her head on 6 May 2021
A 7-year-old child was shot and heavily injured on 7 May 2021
Mass arrests of elderly, women and children were made on 8 May 2021.

In Hakha at about 5pm, the military junta’s forces raided and ransacked a farm house on the outskirts of the town near Nawi valley and arrested Pu Ro Cung, 65. It was reported that he was suspected of keeping a local-made gun but no gun was found in the house. On separate occasions, the soldiers abducted a farmer on his way home from his farm in Timit, three others near Ngauthutlang, and two individuals near CB Bank in Khuathar Ward at about 4pm. The arrestees were:

Ro Cung, 65, male
Tial Thawng Ling, male
Tler Ling, Male
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
An IDP from Paletwa (details unknown)
An IDP from Paletwa (details unknown)

8 May 2021 – In Sanmyo village of Gangaw Township, the military junta’s forces that occupied the Myaukkhayan Station Hospital and spent a night gave trouble to villagers as they claimed that the village had hidden local-made guns.

In Kanpetlet, the Chinland Defense Force (Kanpetlet) issued a statement warning that they would take necessary action if the military junta’s forces patrolled the town carrying guns to intimidate civilians; blocked the roads, stopped and interrogated civilians, and violated the rights of civilians at night; and threatened, illegally arrested and harassed CDMers in the township.

In Kalay, dozens of residents staged a night candlelit-messaging rally in protest against the military ‘enslaved education’ displaying ‘Don’t go to school; skip school’.

In Rakhine State, the Chin Student Union (Sittwe) issued a statement, saying that they didn’t accept the junta’s ‘enslaved education’ and that they would join hands with the CDMers in protest against the military council, and warning that they would seriously condemn any students going to university managed by the military dictators that kill civilians.

In Hakha, youths staged a peaceful protest holding a banner reading ‘Chin hunters who will root out the military dogs’ as they marched along lanes. One of the placards reads “People will win soon; Tatmadaw is in chaos and soldiers are stealing”. Others read:

CDF fighting! We stand with you.
We will fight until we can determine our own issues by ourselves.
We don’t want to go back to the education system compared to parrots.
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. – Vincent van Gogh.

In Hakha, five out of the six detainees, who were arrested yesterday (see updates on 7 May below), were freed. Than Hrang is still kept in police custody. All of the detainees were detained at the Hakha Police Station.

Pu Ca Kung (60 years, male), released
Pi Ram Iang (Ca Kung’s wife), released
Than Hrang (youth, male), detained
Bawm Hram (youth, male), released
Ram Ceu (50 years, male), released
Ni Tin Thluai (feamle), released

In Surkhua, Hakha Township at about 11am, the Chinland Defense Force said that they took over the military council’s station, burnt four houses and some documents, and kept weapons that could harm civilians. It was reported that 11 soldiers and policemen fled the station but were later detained in Bungzung.

At 8pm, the Myawaddy TV (MWD), the military junta-owned television channel, broadcast news about the take-over of the police station in Surkhua village, where the Chinland Defense Force burnt six houses including an arms storage in the compound of the station.

7 May 2021 – The recently formed Chin National Organization and the Zomi Political Coordination Committee of the Zomi Re-unification Organization (Eastern Command) issued a statement saying that they would work together in the fight against the military dictatorship.

In Hakha, the government department investigation team gave an official letter to each CMDer of the Hakha University, informing them that they had been temporarily dismissed from their current posts, and summoning them to see them between 10am and 3pm from 10 May to 11 May.

The Chin National Front announced that Cadet Thang Bu Loon died in the fight against the military junta’s forces.

In Mindat, the people’s administration body issued a public notice in an effort to thwart the ‘education’ plans of the military council, warning that schools in the whole township should not cooperate with the terrorist military council and that all the people in the whole township should not submit the school application without prior permission obtained from the people’s administration body. If the above-mentioned instructions were not followed, the people’s administration body would not be responsible for the security of those concerned individuals.

In Hakha, mothers of the Generation Z staged a peaceful protest against the military ‘enslaved’ education, saying that they would not let their children go to school under the military control.

In Hakha, the military junta’s forces stole 250,000 Kyats from one house in Hakhathar Ward while conducting house raids and abducting people.

In Hakha at about 7pm, five individuals (see names below) were abducted as the military junta’s forces conducted raids on their houses in Hakhathar Ward. The soldiers also force-entered the house of Pastor Peng Hmung Ceu but no arrest was made as he was not at home.

Pu Ca Kung (60 years, male)
Pi Ram Iang (Ca Kung’s wife)
Than Hrang (youth, male)
Bawi Hram (youth, male)
Ram Ceu (50 years, male)

In Mindat, the military junta requested the local civilian administrative authorities to allow 88 soldiers in 13 military trucks to pass the town as they were travelling from Kyaukthu town to Paletwa Township to change duty stations. It happened only after the approval of the local civilian body following negotiations with the military junta.

In Matupi, five detainees, who were arrested on 7 April (see updates on 7 April below), appeared in court but the court date was postponed to 14 May as judges were not able to turn up. The detainees are Salai Timothy, Salai Titus, Salai Hon Ahtha, Salai Nawng Nawng and U Thun Lin Oo.

In Matupi, the Education Department staff (CDMers) blacklisted seven senior staff (1. U Ro Thang, assistant director; 2. U Tin Hluei, head of the township education department; 3. U Shing Win, high school headmaster; 4. U Peng Tawng, middle school headmaster; 5. U Tui Moe, middle school headmaster; 6. U Lian Kung, middle school headmaster; and 7. Daw Phua Daw, middle school headmaster) for giving pressure on CDMers and working with the military council.

In Hakha, the military junta’s security forces reportedly stole and kept a buffalo. Later, it was reported that the military forces said they had kept it so the owner could come and claim it. At about 11am, armed soldiers were seen walking towards Cawbuk Ward and randomly checking houses along the road.

In Hakha from 10am to 12noon, prayers for peace in Myanmar were held at different churches across the town.

In Tedim at 11am, youths stuck flip-charts of messages on the barbed wires of the Tedim Township Court office’s compound, demanding the immediately release Tg Khai Than Lian, Lia Cing Don Kim and U Naing Oo, who were arrested on 9 April. Messages included:

Immediately release all ‘illegally arrested’ detainees.
Federal democracy coming soon.
We will not sit and watch injustice.
We stand with ZFU.
Behind civilians are civilians.
Blood debt.

In Kalay, hundreds of people continued staging anti-regime morning protests in at least four separate locations.

In Mindat, residents staged ‘silent strikes’ where people stayed at home and all shops were closed.

In Kalay, botany final-year and second-year (hons) students of Kalay University announced that all of them didn’t go to university, joining the CDM.

6 May 2021 – A list of 64 staff working at the Hakha University who joined the CDM was published, saying that they were suspended from their current posts for violating the leave policy by going AWOL.

In Tedim, youths and students staged anti-coup education protest, wearing ‘bloodstained’ school uniforms and holding placards with messages including:

We support CDM.
We will go to school only when we have democracy.
Don’t go to school; skip school.
We don’t need the military dictators.
We don’t want the military’s ‘enslaved education’.
We want justice.

In Hakha at about 12 noon, the military junta’s conducted a daylight raid on one house in Hakhathar Ward, and abducted 12 individuals including a Christian pastor who were near the house. Out of the 12 arrestees, 10 were later released after negotiations by religious leaders.

01. Rev. Sang Awi (62, male) released
02. No He (45, male) released
03. Kaung Htet (29, male) released
04. Maung Myint Oo (47, male) released
05. Julian (63, male) released
06. Thang Hnin (26, male) released
07. Cung Bawi Lian (20, male) released
08. Ngun Kung (42, male) released
09. Rual Mang (35, male) released
10. Lai Cung (25, male) released
11. Thang Ha (17, male)
12. Ceu Thang (22, male)

In Hniarlawn village, close to Hakha town, the military junta’s forces raided a house (known be of Pu Ngun Hup) in the early afternoon and ransacked the rooms. The soldiers took some wedding gifts of the family’s son includng 1,000,000 Kyats, traditional dresses that were used at the wedding and some other bags. No arrests were made as there was no one in the house. It was believed that the raid was subsequently conducted following the arrests made in Hakha earlier.

In Thantlang, the military junta’s forces stopped and arrested two youths for no obvious reasons as they started travelling towards Sopum village. Later at about 7pm, they were released by the soldiers.

In Tedim, eleven senior staff of the township education department and 1,087 teachers in the township were dismissed from their current posts for joining the CDM.

In Hakha about 9pm, armed soldiers (estimated to be around 50) were seen patrolling the town. Some were walking towards Cawbuk Ward while others were in the trucks near the town center. Residents shared messages not to go outside.

In Kalay, the Kalay Region Defence Association announced that they welcomed the People Defence Forces formed on 5 May by the National Unity Government and that they would work together with the newly formed PDF in fight against the military council.

The Kalay University announced that 238 university staff who joined the CDM were suspended from their current posts.

In Hakha, some members of the Hakha District Women’s Committee, which was formed on 23 April 2021, said that they had learnt their names were on the committee’s list only when they received the letter. Some said they got the letter on 5 May and said that they didn’t accept the membership. They said that they didn’t know anything about the committee.

In Yangon, the Believers’ Church under the leadership of Rev. NC Thawng Tha Thang continued providing humanitarian assistance including food items for families in a difficult situation.

In Kalay, residents staged anti-coup education protests in front of schools.

In Hakha, the military junta’s forces stepped up their security monitoring at checkpoints in Hakhathar, on the road to Hniarlawn and at a junction near Tlangzar in Falam Township. Eyewitnesses said thaty they stopped, surrounded with guns, and checked travellers.

In Tamu, residents removed PSI satellite disks after the military authorities announced that any household having the disk on could face imprisonment or fines.

5 May 2021 – In Thantlang at about 5pm, there were clashes reported between the military regime’s forces and the Chinland Defense Force on the Hakha-Thantlang road. There were two military trucks damaged and at least two soldiers lying by the roadside, according to the passers-by.

In Hakha, Generation Z staged an indoors rally in support of NUG (National Unity Government) and CDF (Chinland Defense Force).

In Matupi, the military regime announced a list of individuals charged with 505A, including U Khaing Sa aka U Lin whose arrest warrant had been issued in March (see updates on 25 March below). The 36-year-old was a high school branch teacher at Madu, Matupi Township.

In Tamu, Sagaing Region at about 8pm, there were three explosions and several gunshots reported at the fire department in 9 Ward, which is next to the USDP party office. A resident said that the military’s security forces were seen randomly stopping and checking passers-by near the fire department.

In Mindat, the military regime has not released five detainees despite the request by the Chinland Defense Force. Out of 12 peaceful protesters arrested, the military had released 7. The negotiation continues.

In Hakha, the military regime arrested three individuals namely, Nyein Chian Pau, 22, male; Zung Tin Rem, 18, female; and Tial Sui, 59, female. Following clashes at about 8:30pm near Innwa Bank next to BOC the previous night, the security forces stationed at BOC in Khuathar Ward force-entered one of the houses near BOC and arrested the house-owner, Tial Sui, and a couple living downstairs – Nyein Chian Pau and wife Zung Tin Rem. After the negotiation with the military authorities at the Hakha police station by religious leaders, they were released at about 7pm.

At the Hakha University in Hakha, Pro-rector Dr. Lian Za Khup said that there were no students coming to the university.

In Hakha, the township municipal department filed a lawsuit against staff who joined the CDM and informed them in a written form of the action taken. At about 8:30pm, the military regime’s forces with guns were seen patrolling near No. 1 Basic Education High School and moving towards the town center.

In the announcement letter, the Chinland Defense Force (headquarters) rejected the military ‘enslaved education’ system and plan, urged both parents and teachers to accept the education system managed by the legal government, and warned that necessary action would be taken against those teachers who work with the military regime that killed innocent civilians.

In Sagaing, the Sagaing People Defense Force (SPDF) was formed with the aims of protecting civilians and CDMers in Sagaing Region, and fighting against the military council by all means.

In Kalay, peaceful rallies against the military regime continued amid rains. At about 2pm, there was an explosion reported at the District Education Department office in Sanmyo Ward. No casualties were reported. Later, armed soldiers and police were seen arriving at the scene.

The National Unity Government announced the establishment of People Defence Forces as ‘the forerunner essence of Federal Democratic Armed Forces’.

In Hakha, the military junta issued a list of 46 staff of the Government Technical Institute, saying that they were suspended as they joined the CDM.

Internet failures were reported in Kalaywa and Htilin areas in Sagaing Region.

4 May 2021 – In Chuncung village, Hakha Township, Ral Cung, the administrator of Chuncung village tracts, wrote his resignation letter dated 4 May to the Township General Administration Office.

Mai Je Thawng Em, an officer working for the MRTV/NRC, was one of the four staff being dismissed from their current positions by the military’s Union Information Ministry.

In We-tauk village, Tamu Township, Sagaing Region at about 1:15am, a group of local civilians opened fire on the house of U Than Myint, the military-appointed village administrator, leaving two members (one male and one female) dead and one female injured. At about 4pm in Wun-gyi village of Khin Oo Township, U Nyi Pu, the military-appointed village administrator for Kyi-kan village tracts, was killed.

In Kalay, geography students of Kalay University issued a statement saying that they would go back to university only when the civilian government is in power. Kalay residents staged anti-junta protests in at least four different locations.

In Matupi, residents said that the military junta’s security forces together with police increased security measures at checkpoints following recent clashes in Mindat.

In Hakha at about 8pm, there were clashes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military regime’s forces stationed at BOC near Innwa Bank in Khuathar Ward. According to the CDF, one soldier was killed and another injured. Residents in Khuathar Ward said that they heard sevearl gunshots.

In Thantlang at about 5:30pm, there was an exchange of gunshots between the Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) and the military regime’s force between Hakha and Thantlang towns.

In Hakha, youths including high school students wearing white-and-green school uniforms staged an anti-schooling protest against the military junta’s plans to re-open school on 5 May. Messages on placards included:

We will fight by not going to school for our friends and teachers who gave their lives.
We, daughters, will fight against the parrot-rote-learning system.
We choose local-made guns over the military ‘enslaved education’.

In Htan-pin-gone village, Htilin Township, Magway Region, there was an exchange of firefight between the military regime’s forces and civilians, leaving three civilians dead and over four soldiers dead. About 40 soldiers arrived in the area as reinforcement and occupied the compound of the Htilin Township General Administration Department office.

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) called upon the Indian Government to recognize and support the recently formed National Unity Government (NUG), decided to form a relief committee to take care of the long term needs of the refugees in different camps, and enjoined the people of Mizoram to stand by and support their Myanmar brethren till peace and normalcy is restored in their country.

In Hakha, the University Students’ Union posted on its Facebook page, naming and shaming Tutor Daw Su Ye Phyo, of Myanmar Department; Tutor Daw Khin Mya Aye, of History Department; and Demonstrator U Thant Zin Ko, of Mathematics Department for their promotion to Assistant Lecturer under the military regime that abducted and killed many students.

In Hakha, Generation Z staged an anti-coup protest against the re-opening of schools by writing messages on school walls in red colour and burning school textbooks. Messages included:

Join the CDM; don’t go to school.
We don’t want the military’s ‘enslaved education’.

Near Htilin, Magway Township, the military junta’s forces shot dead two Chin youths namely, Cung Zung Thang, 24, and Jonathan, 17, during their way to their village of Oh-hlah.

3 May 2021 – In Hakha in the evening, there was an exchange of firefight between the Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) and the military regime’s security forces on duty at the checkpoint on the Hakha-Matupi road in Cawbuk, and at about 11pm, at least two explosions and several gunshots were heard at the main checkpoint in the six-road junction in Hakhathar Ward. Casualties of military soldiers were reported. In Hakha, most of the shops were closed in fear of possible attacks following clashes between CDF members and the military forces the previous night.

At 8pm, the Myawaddy TV (MWD), the military junta-owned television channel, announced a list of those charged with 505A, including Dawt Sui aka Milley Sui. She was wrongly described as a high school teacher working in Hakha town. The arrest warrant for her was issued on 23 March with the information saying tha she was charged with 505A (see updates on 23 March below).

In Yangon, Families of Cing Mun Kim aka Cherry Win, who was arrested in Kamaryut on 26 April (see updates on 27 April below) requested support for her well-being and release.

In Kalay, anti-coup protests continued with more people joining the peaceful marches.

At about 5:30pm on the Kalay-Gangaw road near Myaung rivier in Se-taw (Angteng) village of Kalay Township, a skirmish took place between the military junta’s forces and a Kalay-based civilian group – believed to be of the Kalay Region Defence Association). The clash was intended to be blocking six military trucks from travelling as reinforcements to Hakha or Mindat following recent incidents in both towns. Casualties of the military soldiers were reported.

The Myawaddy TV (MWD), the military junta-owned television channel, showed a photo of four protesters (one female and three males) who were arrested for their participation in the protests in Yangon. The list included Joe aka Sit Thway Khaing, a Chin national originally from Sumtu Chin tribe in Rakhine State. They were kept in police custody in Tamwe.

In Hakha in the evening, armed soldiers in six trucks and police in full gear in four police cars were seen patrolling the main road in the town. Generation Z posted stickers in support of CDF and wrote messages on streets and walls.

In Kalay last night, people showed solidarity with Hakha by organizing a candlelit message at night following clashes between the Chinland Defense Force and the military junta’s forces.

In Hakha, car owners and drivers were requested to keep their vehicle’s doors open as plain-clothes soldiers were using ordinary cars, not military vehicles, during their patrols in towns. It was also announced in an effort to identify targeted military informants and to avoid misunderstanding.

2 May 2021 – In Tedim, an ‘anti-coup education’ strike was organized at the No. 1 Basic Education High School, displaying bloodstained-like school uniform and anti-coup writings on the school fence.

In Mindat, community leaders comprised of representatives from the Chinland Defense Force, town-elders and religious groups will inspect a military helicopter landing in the base of Tatmadaw Light Infantry Battalion 274 to ensure security and safety for the civilians.

In Tedim, youths wearing black T-shirts gathered and paid tribute to 22-year-old Felix Thang Muan Lian, who was shot dead while riding a motorbike on his way to work at a gas station at night on 27 April 2021 (see updates on 27 April below).

In Hakha at 2pm, residents resumed an anti-coup protest as part of the Global Myanmar Spring Revolution Day, walking along one of the main roads. It was the first public rally since 29 March when armed soldiers dispersed the dawn protest and arrested six protesters (see updates on 29 March below). From 4pm, a silence strike took place with residents staying at their homes. At about 6:30pm, there was an exchange of gunfire between the Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) and the military security forces on duty at the checkpoint on the Hakha-Matupi road in Cawbuk Ward. At least four military soldiers were reported injured or killed, with no civilian casualties. At about 6:50pm, residents in Khuathar Ward said that they heard gunshots and that they saw military soldiers raiding a house where people played billiards. At least one person was taken away. At about 7:30pm, six military trucks were seen arriving in Khuathar Ward on the Hakha-Falam road.

In Matupi, youths expressed solidarity with Hakha by organizing a candlelit session with messages:

Fight for freedom: We stand with Hakha CDF (#Save Chinland)
Be safe, residents in Hakha.
May CDF be successful.

In Thantlang Township, a warning message to village administrators in Thantlang town and Thantlang township was circulated saying that necessary action would be taken if they continued working with the military council that has killed civilians.

In Mindat, the discussion between Tatmadaw and the Chinland Defense Force will continue (see updates on 1 May below). The Mindat people’s administration body announced the following rules for sellers/retailers in Mindat from Yaw areas:

Only females will be allowed (between 6am and 8am) to travel to Mindat
All goods to be transported by motorbike only
Motorbikes to be checked as needed

In Thantlang, dozens of people joined an anti-coup protest organized outside of the town as part of the Global Myanmar Spring Revolution Day.

The Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) issued a notice statement saying that there are the military council’s plain-clothes members with guns being seen on duty and moving around in the town and warning that necessary action can be taken in the interest of protecting the public.

The Chinland Defense Force (Headquarters) issued a statement saying that it was formed by Chin nationals in nine townships and outside of Chin State to protect innocent civilians from the brutalities of the mlitary council, urging the military council to put an end to 11 lawless violent acts, and warning that necessary action would be effectively taken if the military council fails to do so.

In Kalay, anti-coup demonstrations took place in at least three routes.

In Mindat, youths organized an anti-coup balloon protest in front of the entrance to the town.

1 May 2021 – In Falam, youths in school uniform staged a protest against the planned re-opening of schools with placards reading:

We will go to school altogether when we get federal democracy.
No school until freedom from fear.
What kind of lessons would we learn from schools under the jackboot of the military dictators?
Due respect to school teachers who stand for what is right and join the CDM; stay the course!
Teachers, would you be able to calmly teach students under the leadership of the military junta that kills students?
Parents, don’t feel bad about your children not going to school; there are some parents whose children are not with them any longer.
Teachers, are you sure that you want to teach at a school under the system where students who could afford to give gifts get good marks?
Students, are we in this together?
Do you feel good sitting in a classroom while other students of your age are put in prison?
100% CDM when parents do not submit school registration applications for their children; when teachers do not go to school; and when students do not go to school.

In Mindat, there was a discussion between the military authorities and the Chinland Defense Force and some of the mutual agreements reached included:

Removal of blockades and fortifications made in town by youths
Military not to occupy those fortifications in towns
Removal of military occupations in hospitals and banks
Military not to take action against youths involved in resistance fighting when they come back to town
Reconsideration of sentences to be given to youth detainees on trial

In Kalay at about 6am, the military junta conducted a dawn raid on the house of Daw Yin Yin Mon, and abducted her and her younger sister, a CDM school teacher, for no obvious reasons given. Daw Yin Yin Mon was teaching at a nursing training school in Aungthitsar Ward. Residents held an anti-junta dawn protest.

In Magway, the Magway Federal Army (MFA) was formed with the aims of protecting civilians and property in the region and fighting against the military council to reclaim Magway Region.

A group of Chin State education department civil servants, who joined the CDM, issued a statement saying that they had witnessed and experienced threats, unfounded allegations and dismissals, and secret investigations conducted by the illegal military council and its lackeys, and that they didn’t accept and would not follow the orders given by the military’s servants.

In Thantlang, youths staged an anti-coup education strike, hanging bloodstained school uniforms and posting stickers with messages on the wall of a high school in the town:

No to the education system enslaved to the military.
Don’t submit your school admission; don’t go to school (Generation Z)
We don’t want to go to school that welcomes students, not with the sounds of school bells, but with the sounds of bullets.
No students will go to school as long as students are still in prison.
We will go to school only when the government elected by the people is installed.
We will never study from those ignoble non-CDM teachers.

The National Unity Government issued a statement signed by Minister Mahn Win Khaing Than, saying that they are with the people in Mindat Township as they have the great respect for those civilians fighting for the release of those innocent youths being detained and against the brutalities of the military council.

In Hakha, the Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) issued a statement urging the military junta’s forces to immediately stop violent acts inflicted upon civilians in Hakha Township and saying that necessary action would be taken in protect of the civilians if all the detainees are not freed by 4pm on 2 May. At about 6:30, an unoccupied small storehouse near the Hakha View Point on the Hakha-Gangaw road was on fire. Information about how the blaze started was unknown.

In Malaysia, people from Burma staged an anti-coup protest in traditional dresses in support of the Global Myanmar Spring Revolution Day as they showed the three-finger salute and held placards, some of which read:

Reject military coup
Respect our votes
Free our leaders and citizens
Free detained politicians
We want democracy
Federal army
We support NUG

In Kalay, dozens of residents staged a peaceful protest on May Day marching on streets as they held up flags and anti-coup placards. On a separate occasion, a ‘bloodstain’ protest against the re-opening of school took place at a high school with messages written on walls in red colour including:

No to bloodstained education
Student CDM
We don’t want education enslaved to the military
We will not go to school
Join CDM
We support NUG
Don’t submit your application; don’t go to school

30 April 2021 – In Hakha at about 4pm, Salai Robert Thang, who was arrested at his home yesterday (see updates on 29 April below), was released by the military junta.

The Chinland Defense Force (Zotung) issued a statement saying that it would join forces with other federal democracy allies in fighting against the military council and re-stating that it was formed out of necessity by all revolutionaries in Zotung area to root out the military regime.

In Tedim, family members of the Tatmadaw soldier who took a photo of the dead body of Felix Thang Muan Lian and gave information to the victim’s family were abducted in retaliation for the shooting of the Tedim youth. (Note: Information to be verified and confirmed)

In Hakha in the morning, prayer services for peace in Myanmar were held at different churches attended by thousands.

In Kalay, Zomi Generation Z provided food items including oil, salt and yellow peas for families in difficult situations.

29 April 2021 – In Matupi at about 11pm, the military security forces and police abducted Mai Van Nei Kim, a staff member of Joseph Oxygen, a local charity organization, at her home in Matupi town. Tun Lin Oo, founder of the organization, has been detained together with four other youth members in Matupi since 7 April 2021. (Source: the Matupi Times)

Mai Van Nei Kim, left, and Salai Robert Thang, right, who were abducted at their homes in Matupi and Hakha respectively

In Hakha at about 9pm, the military junta’s armed security forces and police in full gear in seven vehicles including a prison car conducted a night raid on the house of Salai Bawi Uk Thang, chief editor of the Chinland Post, in Hakha last night. As Thang was not at home, they arrested his brother-in-law, Salai Robert Thang, saying that he would be released the next day.

In Hakha at about 4am this morning, four separate explosions were heard at different locations with no casualties reported:

Near the house of Pu Ngun San Aung, chairman of the State Administration Council, in Pyidawtha Ward
Near the One-Stop government office building in Chin Oo Si Ward
Near the Myanmar Economic Bank in Chin Oo Si Ward
Another in Khuathar Ward

In Kalay at about 8am, about 10 armed soldiers were seen walking with guns in Tahan Ward. It was believed that they patrolled as a follow-up to the incidents last night (see updates on 28 April). Residents staged morning protests in at least three different routes.

In Hakha, Generation Z staged an ‘outside-of-town’ protest holding placards reading:

We want federal democracy
Reject military coup
Immediately release all detainees
We support federal army
We don’t want traitors to the Chin people

In Mindat, most of the shops including those in the shopping mall were closed following recent clashes between the military junta’s forces and the civilian defense group.

The Zomi Federal Union released a statement saying that they held initial meetings with the Committee Representing Chin State Hluttaw (CRCH), the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) and Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government.

In Hpa-an, Karen State, Dr. Lalramzauva, an assistant surgeon working the the Hpa-an General Hospital, was charged with Section 505A of penal code.

In Tedim at about 3pm, the funeral service for Felix Thang Muan Lian, 23, who was shot dead by the military armed forces in Tedim town at night, was held at a cemetery.

The Chin Human Rights Organization issued a press release, condemning the shooting and killing of Felix Thang Muan Lian in Tedim (see updates on 27 April below) by Tatmadaw and demanding accountability for the soldiers responsible for the murder.

In Paletwa, the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) – Paletwa issued a statement, saying that the CDF was formed on 28 April in Paletwa, rejecting the military junta, saying that they would protect the Chin people and Chinland in accordance with Chin customary laws and practices, and warning the military forces that CDF would use necessary means to protect the civilians if the military forces continue its violent acts.

28 April 2021 – In Kalay at about 10pm, residents in Tahan heard gunshots and one explosion. No casualties were reported. The Kalay University Students’ Union (KUSU) requested all students not to go to school on 5 May – the date that the military junta planned to re-open schools, colleges and universities in the country. Points mentioned by KUSU included:

Not to enter the classrooms until the spring revolution succeeds.
Not to follow new ‘one-sided’ rules introduced by the military junta.
Not to attend the school in support of CDM teachers.

In Mindat, Salai Za Ro Ne, 14, Grade 8 student, died at about 4pm from a landslide while digging a hole for hiding from the attacks by the military junta. Families said that he was injured in his head.

In Hakha, a ‘coup education strike’ was organized at one of the high schools by displaying messages including:

Life is bad without education but life is worse being under terrorist organization.
Hakha students will never join illegal administration.
We are future stars. We are not thieves. So, we don’t go to school under coup council. – Clever students.
Respect CDM teachers.
We don’t want education enslaved to the military.
We hope no teacher will come to school.
Students fight for democracy.
Students join CDM.
We are students that fight against guns by using our brains.

In Sopum village, Thantlang Township, the military security forces opened fire at least three times. Villagers believed that the soldiers shot bullets to intimidate them.

In Aizawl, the Young Mizo Association (YMA) organized fund-raising activities for refugees from Burma by putting ‘donation boxes’ at public places including markets and local bazaars.

In Falam, youths staged a ‘black mask campaign’ strike, expressing their solidarity with innocent civilians arbitrarily arrested and detained by the military junta.

Wifi internet shutdown from 1am to 9pm was lifted across the country although internet connection using mobile data still remains unavailable.

In Tedim, families of Tg. Felix Thang Muan Lian (who was shot dead yesterday) were not still allowed to claim his body, which was kept at the Tedim General Hospital.

In Kalay, residents staged a morning anti-coup protest marching along the main road as they held banners, placards and flags including the Chin national flag. Protesters stood in silence with their heads bowed in honour of those fallen heroes.

27 April 2021 – In Tedim at night, there were two separate explosions reported, one near the town center in Myoma Ward at about 8pm and another in Sakollam Ward at about 9pm. No casualties were reported.

In Sopum village, Thantlang Township, armed soldiers, who have stationed at the entrance to the village situated on the road towards Camp Victoria of the Chin National Front, opened fire at least more than 5 times. It was believed to be an act of intimidation and threats intended for the villagers.

The Ministry of Health and Sports issued an official letter of dismissing Mai Aung Nyein from her current post as deputy director for joining the CDM. Ms Nyein was a well-known champion archer.

In Tedim at about 10pm, Tg. Felix Thang Muan Lian, 20, male, was shot dead by the military forces while on his way riding a motorbike to work at the petrol station. Lian was a first-year history student at Kalay University.

In Hakha, armed security forces including traffic police on duty at the roadside checkpoint of the six-road junction in Hakhathar carried out a thorough inspection of all vehicles passing, demanding all required documents. Some arrestees were taken to the Hakha police station where an investigation was conducted to see if they got involved in any activities related to CDM.

In Hakha, some youths resumed a peaceful rally walking along one of the main roads, holding placards that read:

We are against military coup.
We support CDF
We support NUG
We stand with Mindat
We don’t choose this path because I think it will be smooth; we make this path because we believe we will reach our goal.

In Tinthar village, Kalay Township of Sagaing Region, the arrival of a convoy of six military trucks full of armed soldiers forced villagers to flee their homes into hiding in a nearby jungle. It was reported that the soldiers were sent in as a follow-up to explosions taking place at three houses of military informants around 8pm last night, allegedly killing one female. The soldiers arrested two villagers.

In Matupi, The Chinland Defense Force (CDF) – Matupi (see updates on 4 April below), issued a statement, rejecting the military junta, saying that they would protect the Chin people and Chinland in accordance with Chin customary laws and practices, and warning the military forces that CDF would use necessary means to protect the civilians if the military forces continue its violent acts.

In Kalay, the Kalay Civil Defence Association (KCDA), formed in late March by 10 Kalay-based groups in protection of civilians and against brutalities of the military junta’s forces, issued a statement in support of CRPH and NUG, saying that they would tak necessary action regarding Kalay security and safety. In Kalay, a jungle protest was organized with placards that read:

Proud of being Myanmar but ashamed of having such a military.
We don’t want the military that kills citizens.
The day that power is handed into the hands of civilians is the day that we enter the classroom.
We support NUG.
NUG is our legitimate government.
Dear UN, how are you? I hope you are well. As for Myanmar, we are dying.
We are totally against military coup.
Let’s root out all the contaminated trees.
Let’s completely root out the power-addicted group.
We are fighting for the next generations.
Pyidauk flowers have already withered but we, the youth, will not stop.
Min Aung Hlaing, are you crazy when you said schools would be open while sending students to prison?

In Thantlang, a cartoon protest was organized outside of the town, displaying some drawings on trees and walls.

In Tamu, Sagaing Region, one male soldier who joined the CDM was abducted in the evening and was known to have died for no obvious reasons, according to the Tamu Security Group. There were clashes inside and outside of the town reported.

Updates on Mindat situations:

In Mindat at about 7am this morning, a new firefight between the military junta’s forces and local civilian militia started on the outskirts of the town as a convoy of reportedly nine military trucks arriving as re-inforcements following the clashes yesterday that left several Tatmadaw soldiers dead.

As the firefight between Tatmadaw soldiers and the civilian defense group continued and more Tatmadaw troops were reportedly arriving, one of the CDF-Mindat’s leaders called on ethnic armed forces to take more coordinated and simultaneous actions.
One of the military trucks sent in as part of the re-inforcements was attacked and damaged on the road, about five miles from Mindat town. Junta’s soldiers used heavy artillery including RPG (rocket-propelled grenade), which was launched more than five times in the attacks. Some Mindat residents were reported fleeing their homes into hiding in nearby places.
At about 9am, junta’s soldiers travelling towards Mindat as re-inforcements were blocked with piles of tree trunks, and used grenades in the attacks against civilians in Tin-chaung village. They burnt some houses down.
At about 4pm, the deputy commander of the Northwestern Regional Command called for a truce and requested a negotiation through contacts of town-elders with the Chinland Defense Force – Mindat. The CDF demanded three points: 1. To order a retreat of re-inforcements coming from Matupi and outside of Chin State 2. To immediately release all detainees and 3. To withdraw troops currently stationed in Mindat town. The deputy commander also requested to allow re-inforcements that were blocked on the road before Mindat to enter the military base of LIB 274 in the town but the CDF rejected the request.
At about 6pm, an exchange of gunfire started again as the negotiation was not successful. A CDF member said that the firefight then took place in town, meaning the discussion didn’t go well. He said that he didn’t know the reason why the negotiation was not successful. The detainees remained in jail and the re-inforcements were still on the road outside of the town.
At about 7:30pm, residents got worried as Wifi connection became unavailable.
At about 11pm, the military junta released seven detainees (4 females and 3 males).
No civilian casualties reported from clashes over the past three days.

The CDF (Mindat) released a statement saying that there were clashes with the authoritative military council on 24, 26 and 27 April, which left at least 20 soldiers dead and several injured. The Global New Light of Myanmar reported one dead, three injured and one vehicle damaged in the attacks in Mindat, labelling the civilian group as ‘terrorists’.

The Chin Community of Indiana, USA issued a statement, urging Dr. Andrew Ngun Cung Lian, a current legal advisor to Myanmar’s military junta, to immediately resign from his currunt post and stand together with the peoples of Myanmar. “Your action to help develop strategies and provide information to the Junta that has been so evil to the citizens of Myanmar is a betrayal to your community and to the citizens of Burma…You can fight with us or fight against us. It is your choice,” said the statement. As US citizens, Dr. Ngun Cung Lian and his family were based in Indianapolis before moving to Burma.

26 April 2021 – In Matupi, youths created a candle-lit message on the floor reading: ‘Mindat, stay strong’ as they prayed for Mindat.

In Kalay, residents continued anti-junta peaceful protests walking along different lanes.

In Yangon, Cing Mun Kim aka Cherry Win, female, was arrested in Kamaryut by the military forces and was believed to be taken to Insein Prison.

In Hakha, Generation Z staged an anti-junta protest with protesters in a jungle with satirical messages including:

Let’s root out the evil military dictatorship; don’t get cold feet!
People charged with 505 are being arrested; come and arrest me with 1500 as I don’t want to get arrested by these dog soldiers; let’s fight together
Even if the revolution prevails, we both have to continue the fight for our romance.
When Min Aung Hlaing collapses, let him fall down into a pool of shit; as for me, I will fall down into the heart of my love.
Only when the revolution is over will I keep a lover.

Internet shutdown from 1am to 9am continued. MPT connection around Camp Victoria and villages round about remains limited, mostly unavailable.

Updates on Mindat situations:

Chinland Defense Force (CDF Mindat): There was an exchange of gunfire between the military junta’s soldiers and members of the Chinland Defense Force – Mindat, a local civil militia group formed in protection of the people, at about 3:30pm, leaving at least 10 soldiers dead; CDF-Mindat took control of the office of the Special Investigation Bureau; one police truck used by the military forces was destroyed.

CHRO: As many as 15 Burmese soldiers have reportedly been killed in a firefight with local civil militia in Mindat, southern Chin State. According to local sources, one army truck is seen burning in Mindat and as many as 10 soldiers who were coming to Mindat as part of a convoy of three trucks as a reinforcement from Tactical Operations Command headquarters in nearby Matupi town were killed in an ambush. Five other soldiers were reported killed inside Mindat town. Sources further said the army is sending more reinforcements on another convoy in five army trucks from Pakukku town. The firefight is reportedly continuing inside Mindat town as of 5:45 pm. At least three soldiers were killed in a similar battle Mindat last night. No report of casualties on the side of civil militia.

Hakha Campaign For Justice: One military truck was on fire near the golf course but no information about casualties still remained unknown; at least ten soldiers died when a military truck was ambushed at about 38 miles from Matupi on a separate location; firefights continued.

RFA (Burmese): Over 15 SAC soldiers died in a firefight occuring near Mindat town on the road to Kyaukhtu and on the road to Matupi in the evening. One police car and two military trucks were burnt down. A CDF member talked to RFA Burmese on condition of anonymity at about 7pm saying that there were no casualties on their side as of then, that casualties of Tatmadaw soldiers were there and that the firefight had just come to a halt.

Mizzima (News in Burmese): A firefight broke out between SAC soldiers and civilians in Mindat, leaving some SAC soldiers dead, according to a Mindat resident. The resident said that the fighting started following the arrests of seven civilians by SAC soldiers on 24 April and that the fighting had intensified on 26 April. “We stay with all doors locked. We heard that SAC soldiers said they would shoot on sight anyone seen outside,” the resident said. More troops were said to be coming from Monywa towards Mindat.

25 April 2021 – In Hakha, churches organized sessions of special prayers for peace in the country as a whole, and in particular, for families whose members were killed or tortured by the military junta forces, and also for an end to ongoing arbitrary arrests and detention.

In Kalay, anti-coup protests peacefully ended although the military forces made attempts to disperse the protesting groups marching in different locations.

The Chinland Defense Force (CDF), formed on 4 April 2021 (see updates below), issued a statement, rejecting the military junta, saying that they would protect the Chin people and Chinland in accordance with Chin customary laws and practices, and warning the military forces that CDF would use necessary means to protect the civilians if the military forces continue its violent acts.

In Hakha at about 12noon, four police personnel led by a captain came to the office of the Chin Human Rights Organization. As the office was closed, they were seen knocking doors of some neighbouring houses. They left the premises after taking photos. “We learned that they didn’t break in. Since we had been warned several times about possible raids by our networks and sources, the office had been closed for some time. We felt relieved that no arrests were made,” said a CHRO staff.

In major towns across Chin State, leaders of peaceful protests and youths continue going into hiding as armed soldiers and police forces conduct house raids in close collaboration with military informants.

Armed soldiers and police forces continued their presence at checkpoints in Sopum village, Thantlang Township, and Thipcang and Laikua in Falam Township.

The junta’s forces including Chin-speaking personnel deployed at checkpoints stepped up security measures at the entrances to major towns, especially Hakha, the capital of Chin State.

In Mindat, youth groups prepared themselves for possible attacks from the junta’s forces and to take defensive security measures in an effort to protect civilians as rumours of more troops coming towards the town were heard following the shootings yesterday.

Internet shutdown from 1am to 9am continued. MPT connection around Camp Victoria and villages round about is limited, mostly unavailable.

24 April 2021 – In Mindat, the military forces arrested seven protesters (3 males and 4 females) who were putting up stickers in support of NUG in the morning. Two females were released in the afternoon. People gathered in front of the Mindat police station, demanding the immediate release of the remaining detainees. But they were not released by the time requested. It was reported that youths were not happy about one of the female detainees who was kicked and beaten with gun butt. In the early evening, armed soldiers opened fire several times on an old farmer, who was allegedly carrying a locally-made gun, as he was on his way to his plantation. He was not hit by bullets. He had minor injuries from a motorbike accident as he ran away. Later at night at about 9:30pm, there was an exchange of gunfire between armed soldiers and civilians, reportedly leaving at least three armed soldiers dead and two civilians injured. One was injured in his shoulder and another in his right leg.

In Hakha, Generation Z posted anti-junta stickers and vinyl banners on street walls and lamp posts in support of the National Unity Government, and ‘named and shamed’ Dr. Salai Tluang Za Thang, principal of the Hakha Government Technical Institute, who has not joined the CDM, by putting out his printed photos in public and saying that he should stop working for the military authorities.

In Falam, an anti-junta protest without protesters was organized in a nearby jungle with coloured stickers on traditional dresses with messages reading ‘We support Chin National Defense Force’ and in support of the ‘federal army’.

In Kalay, the military junta met business people, community leaders and town-elders in the morning, asking them not to cooperate with civil movement leaders. Residents felt that the military junta was well aware of the negative impacts on businesses as all businesses were partially closed on a daily basis and that they wanted business people to only focus on their own daily activities.

In Tamu, male youths continued their creative protests against the military junta in a jungle by taking off their shirts and having messages written on their backs ‘We don’t want the military dictatorship’.

In Kalay, residents staged anti-junta protests marching along lanes with banners reading ‘We are threatened but protests must continue’, and paper strikes, disseminating sheets of coloured papers on the streets with messages including:

End the dictatorship
We fight for federal democracy
We support CRPH
Will you go to office by walking on the bloodstained road?

In townships across Chin State, authorities of concerned departments continued giving pressure on non-CDM government employees to return to work. It was reported that some CDMers were thinking to go back as they were not only being pressurized but in a difficult situation to support families.

23 April 2021 – In Hakha at about 7pm, there was a round of gun shootings among armed security soldiers and policemen on duty at the entrance to the ministers’ residential complex on the outskirts of the town. It was confirmed that two were dead on the spot and that one was seriously injured and taken to the Hakha General Hospital. Residents near the complex said that they heard shootings more than ten times but were afraid of going out to find out what was happening.

Despite a recent curfew on travels reportedly imposed by the military junta on residents in the five villages of Sopum, Vanzang, Farrawn, Tlangpi and Tlanglo in the Vanzang village tracts, people are seen travelling but in smaller numbers.

The head of Chin State Education Department issued a letter, informing all education department staff to get back to work by 3 May and requesting a list of attendance to be sent to the office of the head of the Township Education Department by 12 noon on 3 May.

In Thantlang, Generation Z staged a protest without protesters using bags and handbags with messages including:

Don’t try to fuck up with our education
Min Aung Hlaing, stop what you are doing now before a hand that holds a pen starts holding a gun.
We don’t want the educational system enslaved to the military.
We will go to school only when the civilian school is open.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

In Kalay, anti-junta protests continued with residents holding flags, placards and banners as they walked along lanes in different locations. School students staged a ‘bloodstain’ protest in schools, wearing ‘bloodstained’ school uniforms and showing three-finger salutes.

In Hakha, multi-denominational special prayer services were held at churches in the morning for peace in Myanmar.

In Chin State, it was announced that final-year students and those starting their Master’s degree courses at universities, colleges, GTIs and GTHSs were to begin the semester on 5 May amid continued protests against schooling under the leadership of the military junta and ongoing CDM campaigns.

Residents in some 30 villages situated along the Kalaywa-Monywa main road have fled their homes into nearby jungle since 20 April because of brutalities inflicted upon them by the junta forces.

MPT connection around Camp Victoria still remains limited, mostly unavailable.

22 April 2021 – In Tamu, the military forces arrested, beat and tortured three youth members after four walkie-talkies were found at their places. One was in a serious condition. They were taken to prison.

In Mindat, residents organized traditional practices where chickens were killed and locally fermented rice wines were provided in an effort to keep evil sprits calm or get rid of them.

In Hakha, Christian pastor Rev. No Thang, 48, father of six, was stopped at the checkpoint on the six-road junction in Hakhathar, detained for hours at the military base of LIB 266 on Mount Rung, threatened and interrogated. Later, he was released in the evening. Rev. No Thang is a pastor of Believers’ Church in Tikhuangtum village, Thantlang Township. He was first stopped and randomly checked at Laikua on his way to Hakha.

In Hakha, a protest without protesters was organized in the field outside of the town by Generation Z using pine cones and pine leaves.

In Kalay at about 5pm, armed soldiers and police forces in eight trucks arrested Pu Za Tuh Lian, ward administrator joining the CDM, at his house in Nyaungpin Thayar Ward. On 8 February 2021, he wrote an official letter of resignation from his post of Nyaungpin Thayar Ward Administrator. Kalay residents continued peaceful protests in at least three different routes despite attempts to disperse the protesting crowds by the military forces.

In Kalay, family of Pau Lun Min (see updates on 17 March below) said: “”We visited him once on 7 April. Since then, we haven’t heard any information about him any longer as no one is allowed to see him. We had given him a package of food for three times through the prison gate although we didn’t know what he needed or wanted. The guards said that he was in good health. But we are so much worried about his health and wellbeing. We are not allowed to get any updates on his conditions.”

In Magwe, Chin residents organized various types of anti-junta protests using traditional objects and materials with messages on them including:

We need CNA/F
Keep fighting, CDM heroes!
Don’t start selling books to us after you have your legs and hands injured
We support NUG
Spring revolution will prevail
We want democracy
Free our leaders
Get rid of the dictators. We don’t want them.
We won’t let you, dog soldiers, rule us
Give back our people to us
Stop killing our people
Reject the military coup
We, civilians, will fight with determination and hope while you, dog soldiers, are attacking us with guns
Save Myanmar

The Chin National Organization issued a statement in support of CRPH and NUG, and in protest against the military junta.

In Hakha, armed soldiers, police forces and traffic police officers increased the security measures at the six-junction checkpoint in Hakhathar Ward, stopping and checking all vehicles (motorbikes and cars). They also demanded license documents. This has been carried out since the start of this week.

21 April 2021 – In Thantlang, youths staged a blue shirt strike with a three-finger salute, demanding the immediate and unconditional releases of all detainees.

In Kanpetlet, a youth member identified as Mai Ei Sandar Mang was arrested by the military forces for no obvious reasons.

In Hakha, two male youths, Andrew Za Chin Lian from Auto Ward and Tha Cung Mang from Khuahlun Ward were arrested at a military checkpoint near the Hakha University entrance at about 4:30. Generation Z organized a ‘scarecrow’ protest, hanging a body-like object from a tree.

In Thantlang, Generation Z staged a ‘blue shirt campaign’ protest with a three-finger salute, demanding the immediate release of all detainees.

In Vanzang village tracts, Thantlang Township, the military forces reportedly gave orders for villagers of Sopum, Vanzang, Farrawn, Tlangpi and Tlanglo not to travel but stay in their respective villages starting from today until 25 April. No obvious reasons were explained to the villages.

In Kalay, anti-junta public protests continued.

In Falam, residents staged a ‘blue shirt campaign’ strike by writing detainees’ names (Za Lian, Bawi Hlei Cuang, Kyaw Kyaw and Mangkuk) on their palms, demanding their immediate releases.

In Mindat, a balloon protest without protesters was organized in front of Bogyoke Aung San statue in the park, with messages including:

Federal democracy
We support NUG
Down with the military dictators
The revolution will prevail
National Unity Government of Myanmar

In Vomkua village, Thantlang Township, fires starting from an unknown source raged the forests, destroying water pipelines and cultivation. Information as to how the blaze started remains unknown.

Village administrators were ordered to attend a meeting in towns on 24 April. The military junta reportedly said that village-level elections should be organized if the current or previous village admins didn’t want to continue his/her work. (to be confirmed)

MPT connection remains very limited, mostly unavailable, in Camp Victoria and its surrounding villages.

20 April 2021 – In Lamzang village, Tedim Township, armed soldiers, believed to be about 20, were seen moving towards Mansawng bridge.

In Hakha, Hakha University Students’ Union issued a statement saying that they would not go to university under the military rule, which planned the re-opening of universities and schools on 5 May, and urging all students not to submit their admissions. Generation Z held a ‘bloodstain’ protest, putting blood-like dots on print-out photos of top military dictators including Min Aung Hlaing.

In Thantlang, youths staged a ‘sticker-on-traditional-dress’ protest with messages including:

Save Myanmar
Rise to the challenges for our country
We support NUG
We support CNA/F
We support CRPH
Save our future
We want federal democracy

Sticker-on-traditional-dress protest in Thantlang

In Aizawl, Mizoram State, NGOs United for Democratic Myanmar issued a statement supporting the National Unity Government.

In Mindat, residents staged a night protest in front of the shopping centre, holding candle lights in prayer. Some protesters organized a protest without protesters in front of Bogyoke Aung San statue in a park, lighting up incense sticks (joss sticks).

In Rihkhawdar, Falam Township, the military forces put up a vinyl poster in public areas with messages warning residents not to carry any items that could be used to harm the lives of others and to submit them to the security police forces.

In Kalay, residents staged a night protest at monasteries, lighting up candles and holding phone torches.

MPT connection remains very limited, mostly unavailable, in Camp Victoria and its surrounding villages.

19 April 2021 – In Hakha, the military forces arrested Tluang Bawi and released at about 8:30pm. Non-uniformed soldiers who carried guns were seen snooping around and stopping people in Hakha at night.

In Hakha, CMDers of Chin State Health Department issued a statement in support of the newly formed National Unity Government.

In Kalay, anti-junta peaceful protests continued at least in three different routes.

In Falam, communities rejected the military security forces occupying the entrance to the town, monitoring people in and out, and setting up a checkpoint. A ‘sticker’ protest was organized in a jungle with messages including:

Will the soldiers cut down trees for us if we submit long and short knives to them?
They talk about ‘security’ in a town where there is security without them.
Let these soldiers, who violate the rule by exacting money and blocking the roads used by civilians with the establishment of checkpoints, be sentenced to 5-year imprisonment.
The dog that guards checkpoints can make money!
We don’t want checkpoints with guns set up at the entrance to a happy town of Falam.
Be warned! Welcome to Falam with guns!

U Maung Ha, a Chin member of the Union Administration Council, was one of the 10 individuals blacklisted by the European Union as part of the bloc’s new move in protest against the military junta.

In Tamu, family raised grave concerns over Thawnpi aka Pawluh, 18, who had been reported missing during his journey from Tamu to Kanan on 15 April.

In Falam at about 2pm, four youths (including Phun Ceu Cin, 19, from Pyidawta Ward, Hakha) were arrested between Tlangzaar village and Laiva dam) and were reportedly taken to the Falam police station. (names to be updated)

In Matupi, CDMers of the township education departments issued a statement in support of the National Unity Government.

18 April 2021 – In Falam, a vinyl poster was posted in public areas with messages warning residents not to carry any items that could be used to harm the lives of others and to submit them to the security police forces.

In Kalay, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Steven Mang. He was charged with Section 505A of Myanmar Penal Code. Peaceful protests took place in different lanes in support of the National Unity Government and in protest against the military coup. Protests continued.

Near Laikua dam in Falam Township, armed soldiers and police forces (believed to be about 10) were seen moving around Tlangzaar village and establishing a military checkpoint at Laikua.

In Hakha, the Generation Z organized a fasting prayer in protest against the military coup, holding candle lights as they wore traditional dresses. Tin Maung, who was arrested on 9 April (see updates on 9 April), and San Mawng, who was arrested on 13 April (see updates on 13 April), were released from their detention.

In Mandalay, Salai Dawt Cung Lian, a Chin lawyer, died reportedly from the explosion of a gas cylinder/tank at his home. He was known to be actively involved in providing legal support for the release of dozens of people arrested by the military forces.

In Hakha, Pu Thla Bik, one of the six individuals invited for the membership of the Hakha town development supervisory committee rejected an offer by the chairperson of the Chin State Administration Council. Now, all the six invitees, namely Pu Thla Bik, Pu Thawng Kian, Dr. Thla Cung, Pu Ral Kham, Pu Cung Hu and Pu Chum Ling rejected the offer (see updates on 13 April below).

In Hakha at about 7:30pm, two males from Zokhua village, Hakha Township, who were on their way to the capital to work, were stopped and detained at the Hakha-Gangaw checkpoint by the military security forces. They were released after the negotiation initiated by community and religious leaders.

In Imphal, Manipur State, the Citizens Committee, Manipur (CCM) organized a meeting entitled ‘The Present Crisis in Myanmar: Possible Humanitarian Response from Manipur’ and agreed to provide humanitarian assistance for refugees fleeing situations in Myanmar. In a statement issued today, they highlighted that they shared the pains and sufferings of the people in Myanmar and said of ‘the long historical, demographic and cultural links between the peoples of Manipur and Myanmar’.

17 April 2021 – In Mindat in the morning, protesters staged a praying rally, sitting on the streets and reading religious texts/verses. In Mindat, a ‘protest without protesters’ took place using A4 colour paper printouts stuck on lamposts along the main road. The slogans included:

All CDMers, hold on. The revolution will prevail soon.
The unfinished turn of ours is yet to come.
If the winning mind is stable, the victory will surely come.

In Hakha, armed soldiers and police forces cracked down on a group of youths from Kanpetlet gathering on the outskirts of the town, and arrested four at about 7pm. They were taken to the military prison on Mount Rung where Light Infantry Battalion 266 of Tatmadaw is based.

In Kalay, protests continued amid recent brutal crackdowns by the military, holding banners in support of the National Unity Government, formed yesterday. Protesters also clapped their hands in honour of CDMers and observed one-minute silence in honour of those killed by armed soldiers.

In Thantlang, youths staged a protest holding placards that read:

We support CRPH
We want federal democracy
We don’t want the military rule
Down with the military dictatorship
Welcome NUG

The Zomi Re-Unification Organization issued a statement in support of the newly formed National Unity Government.

16 April 2021 – In Falam and Hakha, ‘silent strikes’ took place in the towns where residents stayed at home in protest against the military junta. In Hakha, multi-denominational prayer services for peace in Myanmar were organized at different churches under the leadership of the Hakha Christian Ministers’ Fellowship.

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) formed the National Unity Government (NUG) with the following ministries:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Federal Union Affairs
Ministry of Planning, Finance and Investment
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management
Ministry of International Cooperation
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation
Ministry of Women, Youths and Children Affairs

15 April 2021 – In Falam at night, armed soldiers force-entered houses in an attempt to check the family registry lists. As part of the activities, they arrested a youth member identified as Salai Cung Lian Mang aka Mangkuk, 24, at his home reportedly because the military found some protest items (including helmets and shields). They took him to the Falam police station.

In Tamu, Maung Lay aka Lat Min Lun, 20, was arrested during his journey back to Chaung-nat-gyi village from Tamu town. Information about his whereabouts remains unknown. In Tamu, Thawnpi aka Pawluh, 18, was reported missing while travelling from Tamu to Kanan village as he had not returned home.

In Thantlang, Generation Z organized a cup anti-junta protest outside of the town. Messages on disposal cups included:

Save Myanmar
We want federal democracy
We support CRPH
Wanted: informants, military henchmen, neutralists, non-CDMers
R2P
Just 700 people killed in 70 days
We still get millions left
Take your time, UN
Save our future

In Kalay, Sagaing Region, people staged a motorbike protest, holding placards with messages reading:

Free our leaders
Let’s strive together for the betterment of the next generation
We don’t want the military dictatorship
Return people’s power to the people
Immediately release all detainees

An online-based radio program called ‘Federal FM’ was broadcast at 2pm (it can be accessed on https://mixlr.com/federal-fm).

In Chaung-nat-gyi village, Tamu Township in the morning, armed soldiers raided houses, destroying property and taking money (tithe) collected for church offerings. Two individuals were reportedly arrested during the raids. A wooden bridge near Kyun-taung village, Tamu Township was set on fire.

In Hakha at about 10pm, armed soldiers and police rounded up the house of Mai Ni Len, a Chin singer, who was among other Burmese celebrities on the wanted list recently announced by the military junta, and other houses on Taungzalat road. But no arrests were made as most houses were locked and left empty. In Hakha township, farmers staged a peaceful rally in their farm, holding a big banner that reads ‘Reject the coup’ and ‘We want federal democracy’.

In a village near Paletwa town, a 45-year-old man identified as U Aung Myint Myat, from Lawngkadoo village, stepped on a landmine and one of his legs was severely injured. He was taken to Paletwa General Hospital.

In Aibur village, Thantlang Township, three leading members of the village went to Thantlang town and gave gun power as ordered by the military. It was believed that the military got the information about the gun power from a phone belonging to one of the recent arrestees. The military also warned that the village had to submit all the guns in the village to them and that they would burn the whole village if they didn’t follow the orders.

14 April 2021 – In Hakha at about 7:30am, armed soldiers conducted a morning raid on the Haithlaan sports complex but no arrests were made as the building was empty. The soldiers, believed to be more than 20, were seen moving on foot towards Nabual village. At atbout 12 noon, they arrived in Nabual village and met with villagers saying that they would not give trouble to the public but would work for the development of communities. After staying there for about an hour, they got on a road-construction truck and went towards Hniarlawn village. At about 11:30am, Zo Thang and Tluang Thang, who were arrested at their home last night, were released.

In Kalay, people staged a peaceful ‘red colour’ protest, walking along lanes and spraying red paints on roads, despite recent brutal crackdowns by the military. About 20 armed soldiers stopped motorcyclists and checked their motorbikes inside out.

In Kalay, the body of Salai Ezekiel, who had not been seen since 7 April when armed soldiers opened fire on protesting crowds in Kalay, was found. He was reportedly falling to death from Mount Carmel while fleeing from the attacks by armed soldiers. He was a geography final year student of Kalay University.

In Hakha, U Htein Lin Naing, 27, a migrant worker from Hlaing Tharyar, Yangon, died from complications of heart and stomach problems after being detained by the military at Mount Rung and police lockup for four nights. He was arrested, together with other four individuals, in the last week of March. The funeral service took place at 10am. Ko Nyi Nyi Tun (see updates on 13 April below) was released but he was given only 150,000 Kyats. When he asked about this money, the soldiers said: “We have nothing to do with your money.”

The Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) said that since the military coup on 1 February:

As many as 21 Chin civilians have lost their lives, including a mother and her teenaged daughter who were gang-raped and killed by Burmese soldiers in Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.
At least 179 have been arbitrarily arrested by the junta security forces to date.
As many as 67 people are still being detained and are facing various criminal charges, including under Section 505 (a) of the Penal Code.
Many detainees who are now awaiting trials or have now been released reported that they were caned as many as 40 times with wooden sticks during their initial period of detention at Tactical Operations Command military base on Mount Rung, in Hakha.

13 April 2021 – In Hakha at about 9pm, armed soldiers conducted a night raid on Shwe Mann Thu shop in Khuathar Ward, arresting two youths who were in the upstairs storey, a separate flat with family members unrelated to the shop. The two arrestees were identified as Zo Thang and Tluang Thang, both of them being sons of Pu Tuan Ceu.

In Kalay at about 8:30pm, a male youth, who was going out to get an oxygen cylinder to help a mother in a critical condition at a hospital was shot in his stomach near KBZ Bank No. 2 in Sanmyo Ward by armed soldiers. He is known to be receiving treatment at the military hospital. In Kalay, peaceful protests continued in different locations.

Salai Za Hre Lian, who lives in Bokung, Insein, Yangon was arrested by the military forces while on his way back after taking his friend home. No one knows his whereabouts.

In Lawngtlai, Lai Student Association organized a fund-raising event for refugees from Myanmar/Burma.

In Hakha at about 9pm, Ko Nyi Nyi Tun was beaten several times and arrested by armed soldiers and police as he bumped into the miliary car near Aung Aung Petrol Station. Soldiers smashed his car, broke windows and took 1,300,000 Kyats from his car. He was kept in police custody.

In Hakha at about 11am, armed soldiers arrested Salai William Bawi Lian Hup and San Mawng, 22, male, in Hakha, and later raided William’s house, taking some unknown stuff. At about 10am, armed soldiers conducted a raid on Rung Guest House in Pyidawtha, opening all the doors of the rooms and taking some documents belonging to Manager Salai Za Hlei Tlumang. Protesters staged a peaceful jungle strike, holding placards with messages including:

We lost justice
We want federal democracy
We must win
We fight for babies’ future
We fight for next generation
We lost our real voices.

In Tedim at about 1pm, armed soldiers raided the house of Pu Han Khanh Lian, an MP elect in the 2020 election. No arrests were made as he was not at home.

In Hakha, at least five out of six invited members for the Hakha town development supervisory committee rejected an offer by the chairperson of the Chin State Administration Council. They are: Pu Thawng Kian, Dr. Thla Cung, Pu Ral Kham, Pu Cung Hu and Pu Chum Ling.

In Yangon (Wat-inn-poh village, Hmawbi Township), Wai Lu Kyaw Foundation (150 families) in cooperation with a Chin Christian organization (30 families) provided food items for IDPs (180 families) from Paletwa Township, Chin State. Food items included rice, onion, dried fish, yellow peas, dried tea leaves, flip-flops, and clothes. “They [IDPs] fled armed conflicts in Paletwa Township between Tatmadaw and Arakan Army. When they arrived in Yangon, they were in difficult times because of COVID-19, and now because of the political situations. There are more Chin IDPs who are in need of support,” posted the foundation on their Facebook page.

Wai Lu Kyaw Foundation providing aid for Chin IDPs in Paletwa Township

A statement was issued on the formation of ICNCC (Interim Chin National Consultative Council).

In Hnaring and Thantlang, GAD in Thantlang demanded 20 staff of Thantlang GAD and Hnaring GAD, who joined the CDM, to return their two-month salaries and special allowance before 29 April 2021.

In Kalay at about 3:50pm, armed soldiers and police raided the house of U Duai Kung in Aungthapyi Thitsar. In Tamu, at least two youths were arrested and tortured by armed soldiers.

In Thantlang, youth groups organized a ‘black T-shirt’ protest with a three-finger salute.

In Aizawl, Mizoram State of India, two refugees (one male aged 27 and one female 24) arriving from Tahan, Sagaing tested positive of COVID-19. The Mizoram State government stepped up COVID-19 preventive measures, triggering the need to test refugees from Chin State arriving in the Mizoram’s capital city.

In Manipur, India, members of ‘Eimi Riders Manipur’ organized a ‘charity ride’ in protest against the military coup and in support of the people in Myanmar.

The formation of the Chin National Organization and the Chin National Defence Force was declared.

12 April 2021 – In Tedim, Rev. Khup Khen Pau and wife Don Ngaih Lun, who were arrested at their home last night, were still detained by armed soldiers.

Armed soldiers in eight trucks arrived again in a Chin village named Si-thar and burned three more houses. The troops went to Patlaygyi village and occupied a church building for a night. They also spent a night in a private house near the church. They used whatever items they could in the church including a megaphone, announcing:

Villagers were not allowed to go out of their houses from 8pm to 6am.
Those villagers who were hiding outside of the village should come back to their houses within six hours from now. If they don’t come back, warrants would be issued for their arrests.

A villager from Ywathargyi said that they didn’t want to come back as armed soldiers were still at the village. Since most villagers ran away into hiding, a pregnant woman died while trying to give birth as there was no one who could help her deliver a baby.

In Matupi, seven vehicles used for the humanitarian works by Joseph Oxygen, a local charity organization run under the leadership of U Thun Lin Oo (see updates on 9 April 2021 below), who was arrested in Mindat, have been seen being driven by police and armed soldiers after stickiers on cars had been taken off. The vehicles were confiscated by the military junta on 8 April.

In Tamu, Sagaing Region, there was an exchange of fire between armed soldiers and civilians in self-defense for about 5 hours from 6am to 11am. “Armed soldiers force-entered a hospital, and a church building where residents were hiding. Soldiers checked and took away phones,” a Tamu resident said. A 7-year-old kid was reportedly killed (to be confirmed) and at least two individuals were detained.

In Thantlang, youths staged a ‘white T-shirt’ protest, holding placards with messages reading:

Save Myanmar
Justice for Myanmar
Give back peoples’ power to the peoples
Stop military coup
We support CNF/A (Chin National Front/Army)
We support CRPH
We don’t want dictatorship
We must win Sprint Revolution

11 April 2021 – In Tedim, armed soldiers conducted a night raid on the house of Pu Do Sian Pau, a CDMer of the Tedim Cooperative Department, at about 11pm. As he was not at home, soldiers arrested his parents – Rev. Khup Khen Pau, 70, a retired pastor of Cope Memorial Baptist Church, and Don Ngaih Lun. Armed soldiers also raided the house of Saya Cin Bawi, owner of a private boarding school. As he was not at home, they reportedly arrested his wife.

Rev. Khup Khen Pau and his wife arrested in Tedim as soldiers were not able to find their son.

In Hakha, residents staged a ‘Green Day’ strike using leaves with messages written on them including:

We need R2P
Spring Revolution must prevail
We want democracy

In Hakha, residents organized a ‘flash’ strike as part of a nationwide protest against the military coup.

In Mindat, youths organized a dawn protest at about 4am holding flash lights in a park.

In Tamu, Sagaing Region, armed soldiers opened fire on protesting crowds. At about 2pm, they shot a motorbike with two individuals (one male and one female), leaving the male driver dead instantly and the female injured. Fighting continued until about 4pm. At about 8pm, armed soldiers reportedly set fire on a two-storey brick house in town centre.

Lieutenant Corporal Salai Thang Hluk, 21, of the Chin National Army, was shot dead.

10 April 2021 – In Hakha, the name of the Chin State government building was changed into ‘Chin State Administration Council’.

In Falam, a helicopter landed on the military base over Falam town at about 11am.

In Tedim, some shops were not open because of the shootings and night raids last night.

In Matupi, the Chinland Defense Force was formed with the aims of protecting the civilians against brutalities of the military junta’s forces.

In Aizawl, Mizoram State, an event was organized where fund (over 23 lakh Rupees) raised to support people from Myanmar by two well-known cable TV providers, ZONET and LPS, was handed over to organizations working to help those in trouble from and in Myanmar. The fund (23 lakh rupees) was given to United for Democratic Myanmar and Central Young Mizo Assocation. Famous Mizo singer Vanlalsailova also gave 42,000 Rupees to the organizations.

In Kalay, hundreds of people staged a peaceful protest, holding a banner that reads ‘People are in fear but protest cannot be stopped’. In Tamu, armed soldiers opened fire several times on protesting crowds at about 12:30pm and their blockades. No casualties were reported.

In Kalay, families managed to get from the military hospital the body of Salai Biak Lawm Cuang, 26, who was shot dead in Tahan on 7 April 2021 by armed soldiers. He has two young children. “His parents didn’t know where he was although they knew that he was shot on 7 April. Parents went to the military hospital in Kalay after having learned that there was a dead body still remaining unclaimed at the military hospital. Today, they could identify his body.” Salai Biak Lawm Cuang lived in Tahan, Kalaymyo.

In Thantlang, a jungle protest was organized with banners reading: “We want federal democracy”, “Our revolution must win sooner”, “Down with the military dictatorship”.

In Tamu, there was an armed clash between Tatmadaw soldiers and civilians, who were self-defending, from about 11:30am to 12:30pm, leaving 12 armed soldiers dead and several soldiers injured, and two civilians dead.

Ngun San Aung, chairperson of the Chin State Administration Council, reportedly appointed six individuals as members of the Hakha Town development supervisory committee (see below). However, the new appointees said that they had not been consulted and informed of this move, and that they didn’t even know that they were appointed to become a member of this new committee.

Pu Thawng Kian
Pu Chum Ling
Pu Thla Bik
Pu Ral Kham
Pu Cung Hu
Dr. Thla Cung

Sources confirmed that some detainees, especially at the military prison on Mount Rung, were severely tortured different ways. It involved dozens of caning, sources confirmed.

No information about seven policemen CDMers, who were arrested at a checkpoint near Thantlang but have been reportedly detained in Hakha, remains unknown, family members said.

9 April 2021 – In Hakha, residents staged a ‘stay-at-home’ protest, organizing a ‘three-finger salute’ with a Chin traditional blanket in the background. Multi-denominational prayer services for peace in Myanmar were held at eight different churches in the morning.

In Tedim, armed soldiers raided houses and arrested three individuals including Cing Don Kim, a nurse CDMer working at the Tedim General Hospital, at night. Residents in Sakorlam Ward heard shootings about ten times.

In Magwe Region, armed soldiers in five trucks arrived in a Chin village named Si-thar, and burned five houses (of U Aung Thawng, U Maung Than, U Min Aung, U Thawng Nyunt and U Kyaw Htay Hlaing). The main reason why the troops came to the village, according to the villagers, was that some USDP party members reported to the military authorities that villagers had been staging anti-junta protests.

In Kalaymyo, seven out of 18 arrested on 7 April were released around 10am. Hundreds of protesters staged peaceful rallies in at least three different routes. In Tamu, peaceful protests continued.

In Matupi, five arrestees were still kept in police custody:

Timothy
Titus
John Ahta
Naung Naung
U Thun Lin Oo (founder of Joseph Oxygen, a local charity organization)

Armed soldiers in trucks went to the township election commission offices in Tonzang, Tedim, Falam and Thantlang, took all the election-related documents and went back to Hakha.

In Thipcang village, Falam Township, there were armed soldiers arriving in the village and reportedly establishing a temporary base to monitor people travelling.

In Sopum village, Thantlang Township, armed soldiers continued their presence.

In Hakha, Duh Hu Thang, male, and Tin Mawng, 27, male, were arrested while collecting stuff at the Hakha Bus Terminal. They were detained at the military base on Mount Rung.

The military junta issued warrants for the arrests of Myanmar celebrities including Chin artists (list of names below to be updated). They all were charged with Section 505A of Myanmar Penal Code.

Yaw Kee, male singer
Benjamin Sum, male singer
Sung Tin Par, female singer
Chaw Su Khin, female singer
Ni Len, female singer

In Hakhat at the bus terminal, armed soldiers checked every bus and unpacked every items of goods upon arrival.

8 April 2021 – In Hakha, armed soldiers and police stopped and checked any cars entering Hakha from the Kalay-Hakha road at the six-junction checkpoints in Hakhathar Ward between 1:30pm and 6pm. Most of them were not allowed to move for hours. The military-formed State Administration Council invited Ward Administrators and community leaders in Hakha to attend a meeting planned at the government’s kindergarten school at 9am this morning. But it was cancelled as no one turned out. Gen-Z staged a flower protest.

In Tedim, armed soldiers in four trucks, reportedly from LIB No. 17 based in Kalaymyo, arrived at about 11:40am.

In Botahtaung, Yangon, James Pu Thoure, 27, a Mizzima media staff, was arrested at his house in Botahtaung at about 10am. No information about his whereabouts was known. He is originally from Pyin-wa village, Paletwa.

In Kalaymyo, shooting was reported in Taungphila Ward at about 2:30pm. Hundreds of protesters staged peaceful rallies, marching along different lanes. Protesters observed one-minute silence in honour of those killed yesterday.

In Matupi, three university students and four CSO representatives were arrested and were kept in police custody at the Matupi Town Police Station.

In Hakha, Rev. Bual Sang, who was arrested in Cinkhua yesterday, was released in the evening after Hakha-based Christian leaders’ negotiation with the authorities.

In Paletwa, residents and nearby villagers were forced to build stages for water festivals. About 10 young women were forcibly recruited in Chindoh, Dalatmay and Aungbalaing villages to dance at the water festivals. In some villages, AA soldiers also forced villagers to organize water festivals.

In Paletwa, the military authorities ordered residents to stop using PSI satellite disks and said that the deadline was 9 April. PSI satellite is a TV channel through which Mizzima and DVB news were broadcast. The Township Administration Council told residents to submit PSI satellite disks to them by tomorrow, according to the Khumiland News. This was also reported in Matupi.

In Kalaymyo, three members of Kalay Civil Army were arrested, namely:

Lal Kim, male
Lal Zung, male
Thangte, male

In Hakha, especially in Hakhathar ward, armed soldiers took away satellite TV disks (PSI and Tata) from several houses. One resident said: “They [soldiers] came to our house, took our satellite TV disk and other related equipment and ordered us to write our names on a sheet of paper. They said that they would bring them back and they left.”

7 April 2021 – In Hakha at about 3pm, armed soldiers raided the house of Cung Lian Thawng, a Christian pastor, who lives at staff quarters of the Hakha Baptist Association, and took him away as they were in search of his brother-in-law. Later at about 7pm, he was released after being interrogated at the Hakha Town Police Station. But he was taken to Cinkhua village where armed soldiers arrested his father, Rev. Bual Sang, at about 10pm as they were not able to find the brother-in-law, who was believed to be based in the village. Rev. Bual Sang is known to be kept in police custody in Hakha.

In Matupi, four youths were arrested and kept in police custody while on their way home at night. Christian leaders were making an effort into negotiating with the authorities for their immediate release. (1. Nawng Naung, male 2. Taik Tat, male 3. Timothy, male 4. John Ahta, male)

In Falam, armed soldiers force-entered one house to another in parts of the town (especially in Cinmual Ward) at night, checking family members against the family registry list.

In Kalaymyo, armed soldiers and police shot civilian protesters (who formed a team to self-defend) at about 5, ambushing the blockades set up in self-defence by communities and killing at least 8 individuals (believed to be all males). Several others were reported being injured. About 10 individuals were arrested, blindfolded and taken away in military trucks. Media reports also said that at least three dead bodies (one of the bodies is identified as Van Tha Thang) were taken by soldiers. In other parts of Kalay, protesters staged a peaceful rally, organizing a one-minute silence in honour of those killed this morning.

Ar Kar Thu Aung aka Tluang Tin Lian, 22
Van Tha Thang, Hakhalay villager, father of two young children (Originally from Dawn village, Thantlang Township; currently living in Sanmyo Ward, Kalaymyo)
Ngul Sian Pau (shot dead while feeding his pigs in the backyard of his house; originally from Vangteh village, Tedim Township; currently living in Hmunlai Ward, Kalaymyo)
Pu Siama, staff at Wesley Hospital
Thaw Zin Aung
Salai Lal Dan Sang, 25 (whose body was returned to the family at about 4pm and the funeral service took place at about 6pm in Kalaymyo)
Salai Ezekiel, Kalay University student specializing in geography
(to be updated more)

In Kalay, some houses were force-entered and ransacked by armed soldiers. In Kalaymyo, armed soldiers force-entered, destroyed doors and ransacked houses, taking away cashes (estimated to be over 2,000,000 Kyats.

In several towns including Aizawl, Lunglei, Champhai, Serchip, Saiha and Sangau in Mizoram State, India, fund-raising events were organized collecting contributions from the general public. A charity concert was also held in Lunglei where about 40 singers performed.

In Thantlang, the chairperson of the Chin State Administration Council and the tactical commander based on Mount Rung in Hakha arrived to attend a meeting planned with community and religious leaders. But the meeting was cancelled as no one turned out.

In Tedim, residents staged a peaceful protest, walking along the main road. Messages on placards included:

Federal democracy coming soon
We shall overcome
An eye for an eye
We support ZFA (Zomi Federal Army)
Against the military coup

6 April 2021 – In Tedim Township, about 20 armed soldiers arrived in Tongsial village on foot at about 1pm and occupied the primary school. Tongsial, having about 30 households, is a village situated near Manipur river.

In Tedim, hundreds of residents continued a peaceful protest, wearing paper masks with messages reading:

Stop violence
We will overcome
We support ZFA (Zomi Federal Army)
Freedom from fear
An eye for an eye
Federal democracy coming soon

In Hakha, Gen-Z posted A4 anti-coup messages on rocks on hills. Messages included:

Stop killing people
Give back our future
Against military coup
We want justice
We welcome the new government formed by CRPH
Mothers at home, can you swallow the food bought from salaries received for killing people?
We want federal democracy
End police brutality

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, protesters staged a night rally, burning the flag of China in protest against China’s support of Tatmadaw. Hundreds of residents continued peaceful protests at different locations.

In Thantlang, photos of Min Aung Hlaing and books of 2008 Constitution were burnt in a jungle. Pu Tial Ceu and Salai Van Hun Sang (both were arrested on 27 March) were released from detention at about 7:30pm.

5 April 2021 – In Yangon, armed soldiers raided a monastery in Sanchaung, arresting Tg Kam Suan Khai for no reasons, who was walking near the location.

CDM Support for Chin posted that there are at least 14 (to update numbers of males and females) Chin civilians killed since 1 February 2021.

The Chinland Defense Force (Zotung) was formed out of necessity to fight against the military junta.

In Mindat, a ‘protest without protesters’ was organized in a park. Messages of placards planted on the ground included:

Sprint revolution will prevail.
Federal democracy
If there is a will, there is a way
We support CRPH
CDMers, stay the course.

4 April 2021 – In Hakha, Esther Zing Tha Cuai (who was arrested on 2 April) was released. Staff (CMDers) of Chin State General Administration Department staying at staff quarters in Hakha were evicted at about 12:00noon without any prior notice/warning.

In Hakha Township, armed soldiers (estimated to be about 30) arrived in Chuncung village on the Hakha-Kalay road, Tinam and Zokhua villages on the Hakha-Gangaw road, Tiphul and Rinpi villages on the Hakha-Hmandaw road, and Sakta village on the Hakha-Matupi road, ordering villagers not to allow individuals whose arrest warrants were issued, and to give them information right away if they saw them in their respective villages. The soldiers brought photo print-outs of those ‘wanted’ and showed them to the villagers. The soldiers said that necessary action would be taken in accordance with existing laws if villagers allow them to stay in the village.

In Chin State, people organized an ‘Easter Egg Campaign’, writing messages on eggs. Messsages included:

Reject military coup
Federal democracy
We want and need justice
Save Myanmar
CDM
R2P
Never give up
Justice
CRPH
Spring revolution
Three-fingers salute
Federal army
We will win

In Kalaymyo, protesters held up a flag reading ‘Kalay Civil Army (KCA), which was formed in defence of the communities and civilians.

Chin actress Mai Zung Cer Mawi, aka Thet Mon Myint, was among 20 other celebrities who were charged with Section 505A of Myanmar’s Penal Code for their support of the public by the military junta.

Chin nationals from nine townships of Chin State and Chin diasporas formed ‘Chinland Defense Force’ to protect civilians from the brutalities of the military junta forces.

In Tamu, armed soldiers opened fire on public at about 3:30pm but no casualties were reported. Explosions were reported at two locations, killing one civilian.

3 April 2021 – In Hakha at about 10am, armed soldiers and police as well as non-uniformed military intelligence conducted a raid on the premises of the Hakha Post, taking some documents. Gen-Z burnt photos of Min Aung Hlaing and other military leaders as well as books of 2008 Constitution, and organized a ‘cardboard scarecrow’ protest in a jungle near Hakha town. Messages included:

We fight until we win
MAL, rest in hell
Messages condemning ‘informants’ as public traitors.

In Tedim, ‘Ngeisok Art Festival’ was organized on Mount Thang Mual where artists sang songs, read poems, made drawings and erected some posters in protest against the military coup from 10am to 3pm.

In Tahan, Kalaymyo, residents staged a sit-in protest. Salai Thang Sang, 26, Thanpho villager, who was shot in his belly by armed soldiers on the Kalay-Gangaw road on 1 April, died around 2pm.

2 April 2021 – In Kalaymyo, anti-coup protests continued amid intensified tensions between armed soldiers and police and protesters.

In Hakha, armed soldiers and police raided houses at night and during the day, and arrested 8 individuals:

Siang Tha Cem (at his house at about 7pm)
Siang Ling
Van Dawt Thawng
Bawi Cung Nung
Tum Cung
Thar Aye (at his house at about 8pm; CDMer of Hakha Municipal Department)
Esther Zing Tha Cuai (at her house at midnight)
Aye Maw (at her hous at midnight; CDMer)

In Congte village, Falam Township, villagers found out that Christian crosses erected on tombstones were destroyed.

In Tamu, Kalay Township, armed soldiers shot a police CDMer identified as Mr. Thong Hao Gin at about 2am.

Armed soldiers shot a 13-year-old boy, identified as Mg Nyi Naing Phyo, to death when the soldiers opened fire on houses near Natchaung and Chaungkhuah in Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.

In Hakha, armed soldiers and police forced shop-owners and sales staff to erase anti-coup writings (eg. CDM) and posters stuck along the main road. Photos of military leaders and Union/State Administration Council members, and books of 2008 Constitution were burned in a jungle near Hakha town.

1 April 2021 – In Hakha, Prayer services in commemoration of Maundy Thursday were organized at different churches from 11am to 1pm. Soldiers occupied the Hakha Town Hall. Armed soldiers and riot police conducted daylight raids on houses and shops having CCTV cameras, demanding owners to delete and destroy all the devices. At least six individuals (3 males and 3 females) were detained at the police lockup in Hakha while more than two house-owners – where CCTV cameras were found facing the streets – were summoned to the Hakha Police Station to sign a document saying that they didn’t know about the devices but were not detained.

In Thantlang, armed soldiers conducted night raids on two houses (of Headmistress Ni Len Tial and Headmaster Joshua – both of them are CDMers) and demanded family registry lists in an attempt to make more arrests. However, no arrests were made.

In Kalay Township, two villagers – Pu Ram Hlur, 68, and U Aung San Oo, 45 – were killed when armed soldiers opened fire in Chaungkhuah village, and Salai Maximin No Cin Thang, 28, in Webula town, Falam Township. At the Kalay Industrial Zone, armed soldiers shot an 18-year-old youth named Van Biak Thang to death at about 9pm. In Tanphu village, soldiers force-entered the house of the village administrator and demanded that all guns be submitted to them, triggering the majority of villagers to flee their homes as soldiers said that they would come back to collect the guns.

In Matupi, Thang Ling, of the town municipal department, informed all shop-owners to run their businesses as usual starting from tomorrow. It was the directives of the head of the General Administration Department (GAD).

In Mizoram State, India, Pu H. Lalramhluna aka Valpuia, president of Mizo Zirlai Pawl, and his friend Zirsangliana died in a road accident between Champhai and Aizawl at about 2am. Another friend identified as Lalthanfela is taken to a hospital. Mizo Zirlai Pawl is a Mizo civil society organization that has been vocal for protecting refugees for Chin State, Myanmar.

In Khaikam town, Tedim Township, a road checkpoint on the border between Kalaymyo and Tedim Township was burnt down at night.

In Tedim, a group of Tedim security members went around the town at night to ensure security for the public. The Tedim Civil Society Support group publicly put out a list of 37 non-CDMers in the Township Health Department. Youth groups organized a dawn protest and also staged a music protest, playing guitars and singing songs.

31 March 2021 – In Falam, residents found out that some tombstones were destroyed. It was believed to be a direct consequence of the ‘ghost protest’ recently organized in the cemetery. The official letter signed by Ca Awi, head of the Falam Township General Administration Department, was issued, dismissing 14 GAD staff CMDers (6 females and 8 males) from their current posts.

Chin youths denounced the following individuals as ‘traitorous enemies of the Chin public’ in their statement issued on 21 March 2021:

Dr. Ngun Cung Lian (Advisor to Union Administration Council)
U Maung Ha (Member of Union Administration Council)
U Ngun San Aung (Chairperson of Chin State Administration Council)
U Kyaw Nyein (Member of Chin State Administration Council)

Three policemen in civilian dress making a reconnaisance of the area where civilians put blockades for self-protection against military attacks in Tahan, Kalaymyo were caught and detained.

In Matupi, staff of the education department were forced to sign a document declaring that they were not CDMers when they withdrew their salaries.

In Hakha, a ‘scarecrow’ protest was organized in a jungle. Messages stuck on the scarecrows included:

It’s time for the military authorities to end decades-long dictatorship
The Chin are an ethnic people that hold a license to own guns.
There is no place for Army who don’t protect the people.

In Tahan, Kalaymyo, a sit-in protest took place at about 9am.

30 March 2021 – In Mindat, a poetry protest was organized at Vom Thu Maung Park.

In Thantlang at night, armed soldiers and police force-entered the house of Dr. Dawt Hlei Zing and Rev. Dr. Tawk Lian Bawi in an effort to arrest Dr. Zing, who joined the CDM. No arrest was made as she was not at home.

In Hakha, residents in Hakha threw out rubbish onto the streets as part of the ‘rubbish’ protest without anyone going out. Armed soldiers and police reportedly surrounded the house of Lalawmpuia, the chief executive officer of the Hakha Times, at about 4pm. They left without making any arrest as the house was locked and none of the family was there.

In Yangon, Dr. Lal Cung Luai, who was arrested on 27 March, was released in the afternoon from Shwepyithar No. 1 military prison.

29 March 2021 – In Hakha at about 5am, a dawn protest was held in front of Carson Hall and six peaceful protesters (4 males and 2 females) were arrested on their way back home on the road near No. 1 Basic Education High School. Some arrestees were not protesters but customers eating at a nearby restaurant. Armed soldiers and police opened fire at least five times, used batons when arresting people and force-entered any nearby houses to make random arrests.

Biak Tha Thawng, male
Sui Cin Par, female
Ruth Dawt Len Zing, female
Ngun Sui Chin Par, female
Cung Bik Thawng, male
(to be updated)

In Thantlang, placards were posted on rocks along a river. Messages included:

To take revenge
We support CRPH
Those who give trouble to the people are our enemies.
Give back people’s power to the people.
We will never give up until we reach our destination.

In Matupi, an anti-coup ‘guerrilla’ protest was organized by different groups of people at different locations.

In Mindat, protesters staged a morning sit-in demonstration in front of the Myoma shopping mall.

In Lawngtlai, Mizoram State, India, hundreds of people staged a peaceful sit-in protest holding a banner that reads ‘We stand with the people of Myanmar’.

28 March 2021 – In Thantlang, two arrestees (Pastor Ngun Thawng Lian & Pu Tial Cung who were arrested at their homes yesterday) were released.

In Kalaymyo at about 3pm, civilians opened fire in self-defense on armed soldiers and riot police, who used teargas and bullets. Four soldiers were reported killed and about 20 soldiers injured. Three civilians were shot dead, namely:

Akhu, female (Director at Kalay-based Women for Justice)
Zosangliana aka Sangtea, 19, male
Maung Thar Chit, male
Thang Hawm Lian, 25, male

In Matupi, the military base of Tatmadaw’s Light Infantry Battalion 304 was engulfed by a bush fire.

In Hakha, armed soldiers and police surrounded at least two houses and conducted daylight raids in search of Ruth Suhpan and Van Tin Lian. Security measures were heightened at checkpoints and junctions where people were forced to show mobile phones, IDs and open motorbikes.

In Naypyitaw, 15 staff working for MRTV/NRC (National Races Channel) and Radio in Laizo and K’Cho languages were sacked from their current posts as they joined the CDM.

27 March 2021 – An explosion was heard at about 4am near Innwa Bank in Hakha this morning. Armed soldiers and police tightened security measures and looked for youth leaders in the surrounding areas. Most youth leaders were in hiding. Soldiers used barricades to block main junctions (especially, entrance to the town near Mount Rung, town center and in front of Myanmar Economic Bank) across the town.

In Mindat, hundreds of people joined a “dawn protest” around 5am. In Kalaymyo, a public protest started around 8am.

In Yangon, Dr. Lal Cung Luai was arrested during a peaceful protest.

In Hakha, armed soldiers and police on duty at the bus terminal arrested the driver and his assistant when they found one of the parcels sent through their bus contained some protest equipment such as anti-teargas masks and goggles addressed to Ms Sui Li Par. Ms Par was contacted by the police to pick up the parcel. However, Ms. Par managed to get information before she went to the bus terminal and to run away without getting arrested.

U Kyaw Zin Hein (driver)
U Saing Kyaw Kyaw Htun (assistant driver)

In Thantlang at about 8pm, armed soldiers and police broke in the office of Thantlang Youth Association, took some documents and a laptop, and ransacked the room. They also arrested two (a father and a son) who were in an upstairs flat and thought to be the owner of the house. In the same night, they were reportedly looking for a youth leader in his house but he was not there. However, one of his elder brothers – a Christian pastor – who was sleeping there at his brother’s house was arrested and an elderly man next door was also arrested without any obvious reasons given.

Pastor Ngun Thawng Lian
Pu Tial Cung (neighbour of the house where Pastor Lian was sleeping)
Pu Tial Ceu (falsely accused to be the owner of the house where TYA rented a downstairs flat)
Van Hun Sang (son of Pu Tial Ceu)

In Tedim, a ‘protest without protester’ using anti-coup placards and other materials was organized. Messages on placards included:

Spring protest must prevail
Anti-military coup

26 March 2021 – Armed soldiers and police raided a house near IBC church around midnight and arrested Ram Hei and his wife for no obvious reasons given).

Ram Hei, male (former headmaster of High School at Sakta village, Hakha Township)
Tang Kuai, female (wife of Ram Hei)

Bawi Iang (female), a Christian pastor of Hakha Baptist Church, was arrested at night after her house was raided using forces. Armed soldiers took three bags of rice and some breads.

In Falam, a peaceful protest was organized at Vaar on the Manipur River. One of the writings near the river included ‘We fight for federal democracy’.

In Thantlang, prayer services were held at different churches (mainly at Thantlang Baptist Church and the Assembly of God). In Hakha, multi-denominational prayer services were organized at different churches.

Villagers in Vomkua, Thantlang Township staged a peaceful protest.

In Kalaymyo, ‘bottle protests’ were organized where people washed their legs with Myanmar Beer.

In Kanpetlet, riot police and armed soldiers dispersed the protesting crowd and arrested four individuals. They later freed the detainees as the public demanded their immediate release.

In Hakha, residents stopped the casserole protest as armed soldiers and police arrested people at night for banging pots and pans.

25 March 2021 – Van Lian Thawng aka Thawngpi was arrested at his house when he was out to take a pee. It was said that riot police and armed soldiers came to his house as they heard a banging of pots and pans.

In Hakha at about 4pm, riot police and armed soldiers raided a restaurant (Shwe Myo Daw) and arrested five individuals (customers). Only the following names were confirmed as of now:

Van Tha Peng, male
Cung Khua Hnin, 26, male
Salai Isaac Khung Ling Naung,, male
Nun Herh Bik aka Min Chit Thu, male
(to be updated)

In Hakha, a sit-in protest was organized in Hakhathar, one ward of the town where protesters covered themselves with umbrellas. A peaceful public protest was held but later dispersed by armed soldiers and riot police using rubber bullets. One male was hit in his left leg by a rubber bullet.

In Matupi, a warrant for the arrest of two persons (Ngo Daw, 29, female, public healh supervisor 1 at Matupi General Hospital); Khaing Sa, 36, male, a high school branch teacher at Madu) was issued. They were charged with Section 505A of Penal Code.

In Falam, a ‘ghost protest’ was organized where people wore ‘Halloween-type’ dresses and staged a protest at cemeteries. An A4 sheet of paper was posted, announcing the formation of Civil Armed Forces in an effort to protect civilians.

In Kanpetlet, police and armed soldiers put barricades at the entrance and exit of the town, stopping people in and out, and seizing traditional knives.

In Thantlang, a peaceful protest using poems and verses was organized in town.

In Mindat, silent and ‘protest without protesters’ protests were organized. Messages on placards included:

End dictatorship in Myanmar
Don’t go to office
Joining CDM are our heroes
We don’t accept the military coup
Reject the military coup
Respect our votes
We support CRPH

Seven out of 12 who were arrested yesterday were released.

No Val, male (released)
Van Za Uk, male (released)
Thawng Bik Cem, male (released)
Sang Bik Lian, male (released)
Daniel Biak Tha Ceu, male (released)
Thawng Tha Thang, male (released)
Naing Min Oo, male (released)
Ngun Uk Thang, male (still detained)
Mai Ni Iang Len aka Nana, female (still detained)
(to be updated)
(to be updated)
(to be updated)

24 March 2021 – In Hakha at about 8:30pm, some youths who were on the street were stopped near Innwa Bank by armed soldiers and riot police. Tension between two siders developed and more people, especially, youths came together to the scene. Soldiers used teargas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Soldiers also opened fire three times on the crowd but no one was hurt. One male youth was hit in his right arm by a rubber bullet. Riot police and armed soldiers roamed around the town, conducting night raids from house to house, arresting 12 persons (males and females). Some were accused of taking photos and videos of the incident while others were arrested because of coming out at night near the incident. Soldiers broke in houses, destroying door locks and using forces at night after 10pm. The following individuals were arrested during the night raids:

No Val, male
Van Za Uk, male
Thawng Bik Cem, male
Sang Bik Lian, male
Daniel Biak Tha Ceu, male
Thawng Tha Thang, male
Naing Min Oo, male
Ngun Uk Thang, male (his house was raided and he was arrested as he was accused of taking photos and videos of the incident at night near his house).
Mai Ni Iang Len aka Nana, female (she was arrested near Innwa Bank while walking on the road)
(to be updated)
(to be updated)
(to be updated)

In Mindat, a peaceful sit-in protest was held. A warrant was issued for the arrests of six individuals including two MP-elects:

U Nay Lin Aung, Pyithu Hluttaw
U Hung Naing, Pyine Hluttaw
U Law Thang, of Forestry Department
Dr. May Thu Aung, a medical doctor of Mindat General Hospital
Salai Manar Om, civil society leader
U Htein Khin, civil society leader

In Mindat, SAC (State Administration Council) planned to inject COVID-19 vaccines.

In Hakha, Falam, Kanpetlet and Thantlang, ‘silent strike’ protests where everyone stayed at home were organized.

In Falam, a local obituary notice board where details of Min Aung Hlaing were written as if he were dead was put out in public.

In Matupi at about midnight, one ward administrator and a tactical commander together with about 20 armed soldiers conducted raids on houses of those in the wanted list. No one was arrested.

In Chin State, there are an estimated 20,000 civil servants. Out of it, over 14,000 joined the CDM (about 72%).

In Kalaymyo, indoors anti-coup protest were organized.

23 March 2021 – Cung Bawi Thawng, 19, male, a university student in Kalay, was arrested at his work place in Kalaymyo.

In Aizawl, Mizoram State of India, ZORO (Zo Re-unification Organization) staged an anti-coup protest, denouncing the decision of the Indian Central Government (Home Ministry) not to allow refugees from Myanmar.

In Thantlang, hundreds of people staged an anti-coup protest marching along the main road. In Mindat, a peaceful sit-in protest was held. Villagers in Zokhua, Hakha Township staged a peaceful rally.

In Hakha, a warrant was issued for the arrests of Dawt Sui aka Milley Sui (24, female, a high school teacher at Sakta village, Hakha Township), and Dr. Sharon Par (36, female, Assistant Director, Chin State Health Department). They were charged with Section 505A of Penal Code.

People in Hakha organized a night protest using the phone lights.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, multi-denominational prayer services were organized at churches from 22 to 23 March.

22 March 2021 – In Hakha, a night prayer service was held at Carson Hall where people lit up candles. Some youths (estimated to be five – two females and three males) who were on their way home from the prayer service were stopped, arrested and beaten near Myanmar Economic Bank by armed soldiers and riot police at about 8:30pm. They were freed after a while as people gathered at the scene and demanded their immediate release. A peaceful anti-coup protest was organized in Hakha.

Christian pastors in villages of Hakha Township held prayer services.

In Mindat, a ‘protest without protesters’ was organized in front of Myoma Market using placards, which included:

People’s Tatmadaw, stand with the people.
Down with the military junta
We don’t accept the military coup
We don’t hate the soldiers but we hate military dictatorship.

In Thantlang, hundreds of people continued their peaceful anti-coup protest marching along the main road.

In Kalaymyo, people organized ‘protest with protesters’.

Pi Ngun Fam, 85, mother of Colonel Solomon Thang Ding of the Chin National Army/Front, passed away in Hakha yesterday. However, Col. Solomon could not attend the funeral service reportedly because of security issues.

21 March 2021 – In Hakha, hundreds of people joined a sit-in peaceful protest at Carson Hall with candle-lights at night.

In Mindat, a ‘stay-at-home’ protest was organized for the second time.

In Tedim, a huge writing was made on the wall of the independence monument, reading ‘Federal democracy must prevail’.

In Yangon, armed soldiers and police shot 34-year-old Lianzualli was shot dead.

20 March 2021 – In Thantlang and Hakha as well as at Camp Victoria, the 33rd Chin Revolution Day was commemorated.

In Kalaymyo, night anti-coup protests were organized across Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.

In Hakha, a public peaceful protest was held where hundreds of people marched along the main road, commemorating the 33rd Chin Revolution Day.

In Mindat, people staged a ‘music protest’ where protesters played guitars and other musical instruments as they sang songs.

In Hnaring, Thantlang Township, a male village-tract administrator joined the CDM.

19 March 2021 – In Hakha, multi-denominational prayer services were held at different churches from 10am to noon. A ‘stay-at-home’ protest started from 12noon to 5pm.

In Hakha at about 1pm, riot police and armed soldiers with some non-uniformed informants conducted a daylight raid on the house of Salai Van Biak Thang and Dr. Sharon Par in Pyidawtha Ward, and took some documents and devices (One Ipad, one laptop and one desktop). Once alerted, people gathered in Pyidawtha and blocked roads to prevent police and soldiers from arresting and attacking them. Soldiers entered the Hakha Town coffee shop and arrested three waitresses who were working at the shop, and arrested two male individuals (from Chuncung village, Hakha Township) who were walking on the platform. Tension developed as riot police and armed soldiers confronted the public protesters who demanded the immediate releases of those detained. After the negotiation between Tatmadaw and the protesters (with the support of some Christian pastors), five detainees were freed at about 7pm.

In Hakha, four peaceful protesters (two males and two females who were arrested on 1 March) appeared in court. The next appointment is on 31 March.

In Tedim, individuals who gave pressure on CMDers and were responsible for other violent acts were named and shared with their photos spread on the main road. These included:

Than Lin Oo, deputy head of the Tedim police station
U Hla Soe, Township GAD, who gave pressure on CMDers
U Lan Khan Do, headmaster of High School in Suangpi village, who gave pressure on CDMers
U Thawng Hel Mang, headmaster of Middle School in Nginno village, who gave pressure on CDMers
Dr. Zaw Myint Naing, head of the Tedim General Hospital, and family – who gave pressure on CDMers
U Lam Khanh Sum, headmaster of Post-Primary School, Sezang village, who gave pressure on CDMers

18 March 2021 – In Hakha and Mindat, hundreds of people continued anti-coup peaceful rallies. In Thantlang, a sit-in protest on the main road near town center was organized.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, five workers at a butcher’s shop were arrested for no obvious reasons.

In Matupi, parents of L Thang Shing Aung, who was arrested yesterday, and communities requested for his release but the local authorities said that he would be taken to court.

In Falam, peaceful protesters held a sit-in rally at night and so did in Mindat.

In Hakha, three individuals from the Chin State Health Department and the Townshop Post Office, were ‘named and shamed’ for giving pressure on CDMers:

U Aung Ngwe San
Daw Om Awi
U Nang Shian Mang
U Peng Zun

17 March 2021 – At about 2pm, all members of Chin State Election Commission (estimated to be 25) arrested across Chin State on 10 February 2021 were released. Uk Nawl, the chairperson of Chin State Election Commission, said that all members in the country were freed and that seven of us who were detained on Mount Rung were also released.

In Tedim at about 11:30am, Kanpetlet and in Hakha at about 2:30pm, hundreds of peace staged peaceful rallies in protest against the military coup. Slogans chanted included:

Weapons that you have: Are they for killing civilians?
Military knowledge that Bogyoke taught: It’s not for killing civilians.

In Falam, a night casserole protest – banging pots and pans – was organized.

Movements of troops in trucks were seen in Hakha. It is believed that some of the troops were transferred to Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region where the situations was getting worse. Sources from Thantlang said that troops temporarily stationed at Sopum village, Thantlang Township – to prevent police CDMers from fleeing to India – were transferred to Hakha.

Pau Lun Min, 20, male, was injured in his left thigh when armed soldiers and police forces opened fire on protesters. He was arrested and taken to a military hospital where his leg had to be cut off on 17 March. He is a second-year university student and lives in Hmunlai Ward, Kalay. He was charged with Section 505A of Myanmar Penal Code. He was discharged from hospital on 6 but was not allowed to go home. Instead, he was kept in custody at Myoma police station for one night and was transferred to the Kalay prison.

In Matupi, three youths (male) were arrested and reportedly beaten at about 10pm while they were on their way home. Later, two were released and L Thang Shing Aung, 25, was detained. The reason given was that he had in his phone some photos of his participation in protests.

Four staff from Naypyitaw reportedly arrived in Thantlang to work at the Myanmar Economic Bank.

In Hakha at about 10am, police and armed soldiers picked up and cleaned photos of some SAC members and military authorities distributed on the main road in Hakha.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, riot police and armed soldiers opened fire on protesting crowds. Later, they shot anyone on the streets, killing at least three Chin males.

Salai Cung Lian Ceu, 25, who was shot in the head.
Cin Khanh Mang, 29, who was hit in the head while on his motorbike; survived by his wife and three young children as well as his mother.
Do Suan Kim, 20, originally from Theizang village, Tedim Township; shot in front of the Assembly of God church in Tahan.

In Kalaymyo, grave concerns were raised over the whereabouts of four peaceful protesters who participated in the rally:

Lia Mang San Nuam, female
Tg Lian Sian Muan, male
Tg Cin Zuun Kim, male
Tg Pau Min Lun

In Kalaymyo, Mang San Nuam, a female B.E (Civil) graduate from the Kalay Technological University was arrested at a peaceful protest. Information about where she is detained still remains unknown.

Cardboards were posted on pine trees in a forest near Hakha town. The cardboard messages included:

How many dead bodies are needed for the UN to take action?
Rest In Peace: All fallen heroes.
They who have nothing but weapons versus we who have nothing but each other.
We don’t want the military rule.
CDM
We need R2P.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

16 March 2021 – Two CCPR staff members, who were arrested on 9 March 2021, appeared in court in Hakha for the first time after being transferred from Mount Rung Prison to the Hakha Police Station. They were charged with Section 505A of Myanmar Penal Code. The next court appointment is on 23 March 2021.

In Mindat, a peaceful demonstration was organized in the town. Hundreds of people staged a peaceful public protest in the town.

In Hakha, a sit-in protest was held on the main road from 7pm at night, singing Christian hymns and chanting slogans such sh ‘We reject the military rule’, ‘We are all in this together’, ‘We will fight until we win’. The casserole protest – banging pots and pans – continued as all sit-in protesters brought their own pots and pans. Earlier in the day, anti-junta posters and placards were stuck on pine trees in the nearby jungle of the town. The sit-in protest peacefully ended with a closing prayer by a Christian pastor at about 8:30pm.

In Hakha, an estimated 10 staff members of the bank from Naypyitaw arrived in Hakha to run the Myanmar Economic Bank. All banks were still closed and so were ATM machines.

In Falam, local youths on motorbikes surrounded the town, lighting their pine-wood torch light in an effort to ensure security and safety for the public.

Anti-junta cardboards were posted on pine trees in a forest near Hakha town.

The driver, who was arrested together with CCPR staff and five CDM policemen on 9 March 2021, was released in Thantlang.

WiFi internet connection is on but still very limited across Chin State.

In Aizawl, Mizoram State, a memorial service for the fallen ‘Heroes of Myanmar’ during the Spring Revolution was organized at Vanapa Hall, where hundreds of people put up posters and photos of those who died or killed as they held their candles.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

15 March 2021 – In Hakha, armed soldiers patrolled the town, mainly along the main road, and destroyed anti-junta stickers and posters around 10:30am. Hundreds of protesters continued a peaceful rally, marching along the main road starting from 2pm.

Since this morning, Internet access via mobile data services (not WiFi) is restricted.

In Mindat town, Thantlang town, Ngalang village, Thantlang Township and Hungthar village, Mindat Township staged peaceful anti-junta rallies.

In Falam, arrest warrants were issued for two youth leaders, Salai Biak Lian Sang (Pa Biak) and Salai David New, with their photos being posted in public. The caption says that they were charged with Section 505A of Myanmar penal code.

In Hakha, the locally formed township-level administrative body issued a statement condemning the brutalities of the military junta against peaceful protesters and supporting the CDM, and warning that necessary action would be taken against informants, who were mixing with protesters.

In Hakha, two CCPR staff members (Salai Peter Thian Bawm Sang and Salai Van Ceu Thawng) and one driver [see updates on 9 March 2021 below] were transferred from Mount Rung Prison to the Hakha police station. It is expected that they would appear in court in Hakha tomorrow.

Dr. Sasa was charged with high treason (Section 122B of the Penal Code at Dakhina District Court. His arrest warrant was issued.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

14 March 2021 – In Matupi, warrants were issued for the arrests of six individuals:

U Pa Thang (MP elected in the 2020 election)
U Aung Thang (Chairperson of the Matupi Township NLD party)
Sayarma Daw Hla May
U Yan Paing Phyo
Daw Cho Cho Zin Mar Nyunt
U Myat Min

In Matupi and Tedim, multi-denominational prayer services for peace in Myanmar were held while Mindat saw a movement of ‘protest without protesters’ where everyone stayed at home the whole day. In Mindat, a bush fire started near Pyi village near Mindat town, surrounding the military base of Light Infantry Battalion No. 274. No injuries or casualties were reported.

In Matupi, four individuals (Pastor Van Biak Thawng, Sai Nawlar, David and Salai Amon), who were arrested on 10 March, were released around 11am.

In Hakha, a sit-in protest was staged in front of Carson Hall, where a mini-concert mixed with a prayer and a short speech by a religious leader was organized between 2pm and 4pm.

In Hakha, five CDM policemen who were arrested in Thantlang Town (see updates on 9 March 2021 below) were reportedly transferred from Mount Rung Prison to the police station.

In Thantlang, hundreds of people staged a peaceful rally marching along the main road. At night, youth groups rode motorbikes together and went around the town to ensure security and safety for the public.

In Khuahrang village, Thantlang Township, about 1,000 villagers staged a peaceful march.

In Yangon, Chin university student Paul Lian Uk Bawi who was arrested together with other five protesters while hiding inside the compound of Ywama Baptist Church in Insein (see updates on 12 March 2021 below) were reportedly released.

In Tonzang, medical staff (CDMers) vacated their staff quarters.

In Paletwa, the Paletwa Township administration body was formed by communities, the last township to join the rest of the State – now making it nine bodies. It comprises:

Three Pyidaungsu Hluttaw MPs
Two Pyine Hluttaw MPs
Five town-elders/leaders
Three youth leaders
Four representatives of civil society organizations
Four others

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

13 March 2021 – Riot police and armed soldiers occupied the General Hospitals in Thantlang and Kanpetlet towns, and ordered medical staff (CMDers) to evacuate their staff quarters.

The military authorities gave pressure on the senior staff of the Hakha General Hospital to return patients, who were evicted yesterday, to the hospital. Sources said that some military medical staff arrived and stayed at the Hakha General Hospital. Another source confirmed that soldiers occupied the staff quarters of the Hakha General Hospital and that some flats were used for storing weapons. Patients who were advised to remain at a church-based clinic managed by CDM medical staff were suggested to go home in fear of possible raids by the military soldiers following the pressure given to the senior staff of the General Hospital.

In Tonzang, new arrivals of trucks with armed soldiers were seen in the town. In Tungtuang village, a multi-denominational prayer for peace in Myanmar was organized. Later in the afternoon, the military entered the hospital’s compound and gave an order to medical staff (CMDers) to leave their staff quarters if they don’t change their decisions to join the CDM.

In Hakha, Corporal Aung Lin Tun, 26, of the Chin National Front, and originally from Sami, Paletwa Township, died from stomach problems at about 5am this morning after being evicted from the Hakha General Hospital yesterday. He was one of the 30 patients evicted by the military without any warning given in advance. The funeral service was held in Hakha today.

In Hakha, bush fires starting yesterday in the compound of the military base of Light Infantry Battalion No. 266 on Mount Rung continued. Information on how the fire started could not be confirmed.

In Hakha, an arrest warrant was issued for the following individuals, who were charged with Section 505 of Myanmar penal code, and their photos were publicly posted on walls and lamp posts in the town at night:

Salai Ngun San Aung
Salai Elishma
Dr. Biak Cung Lian
Salai Van Tin Lian
Pu Ni Ceu (of the Hakha Fire Department)

In Mindat, Kanpetlet and Hakha, peaceful protests continued. In Hakha, the protesters chanted slogans demanding the immediate evacuation of the hospitals.

About 400 people in Zephai village, Thantlang Township staged a peaceful protest against the military coup, and at night, they organized a candlelight prayer with villagers standing up and forming three letters – CDM. In Surkhua, villagers from both Dinlaupa and Surkhua villages in Hakha Township came together and staged a peaceful rally against the military coup.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

12 March 2021 – In Hakha at about 11:15am, riot police and armed soldiers entered the Hakha General Hospital compound and gave an order to CMDers (medical staff) to evacuate their staff quarters by 3pm. Similar incidents happened in Tedim, Matupi, Falam and Mindat, evicting all CDMers (315 staff and 115 households) from their current staff accommodation. Communities help move stuff and find places for them to stay. In Hakha, all current patients (30 patients) were also forced to leave the hospital. Some patients were taken to a clinic run by CMDers.

Medical staff evacuating their quarters and patients being evicted from Hakha Hospital by communities

In Hakha, communities pad-locked the gate of the Hakha General Hospital after riot police and armed soldiers left the compounds following tensions developed as people gathered in front of the hospital. Some medical doctors and staff returned to their native places while others still remain here at locally-arranged places. At around 2pm, bush fires started in the compound of the military base of Light Infantry Battalion No. 266 on Mount Rung. Information on how the fire started could not be confirmed.

In Tonzang, Tedim, Matupi and Mindat, hundreds of people staged peaceful rallies against the military coup in the town marching along the main road. In Hakha, all shops were closed as multi-denominational prayer services were organized at churches across the town. People from Ro village, Mindat Township staged a peaceful protest. In Falam, protesters clanked empty condensed milk tins in protest against the military coup.

In Yangon, Paul Lian Uk Bawi, a Chin university student, was arrested at about 1pm together with other five protesters who were hiding inside the compound of Ywama Baptist Church in Insein. Originally from Matupi town, Paul is a third-year law student at North Dagon University, Yangon. They were running into the compound when riot police and armed soldiers dispersed the protests earlier today.

Ms Hau Dim Kim, a Chin university student who was arrested during a protest in Yangon on 3 March, is still detained in Yangon. She is a Master’s student in anthropology.

The 8pm casserole protest – banging pots and pans – continued across Chin State.

11 March 2021 – Youth and protest leaders went into hiding as there was reportedly an arrest warrant issued by the authorities (arrest warrant yet to be confirmed). However, one of the youth leaders was visited several times by the authorities to see if the leader was at home. Because of the news of threats of arrests, there will be no public protest in Matupi.

In Hakha at about 3pm, hundreds of protesters started marching from Carson Hall towards the main road via the Vom Thu Maung Football ground where riot police and armed soldiers blocked the way. Both sides are now negotiating. After negotiating with the riot police and armed soldiers, the protesters went back to Carson Hall to stage a sit-in protest where they sang songs together and banged pots and pans. Slogans chanted included such as:

We don’t want the military rule.
We will fight until we win.
Give back people’s power to the people.
This cause will succeed.
Are we in this together? (Yes, we are).
The military knowledge that Bogyoke gave is not for killing people but for protecting people.

Protesters being blocked by riot police and armed soldiers in Hakha

At about 11am, the military intelligence visited the Hakha KMSS office and conducted an investigation into their works from 10am until 5pm.

In Thantlang, an anti-junta peaceful rally were organized while a sit-in protest took place in front of the General Hospital in Mindat town.

In Thantlang, fire started from bushes in the western part of Thantlang Town, surrounding the CNF liaison office but it was put out on time by local residents. And another blaze began from below a circular road in the afternoon while a public protest was happening. But it was also extinguished by local residents. No one could confirm who started the fire.

In Thantlang, Salai Cung Bawi Lian, who was arrested yesterday, was released around 6pm following negotiations and communications between community and religious leaders and the military authorities in the town.

In Sopum village, Thantlang Township (close to the CNF-controlled area), about 20 armed soldiers still remained reportedly in an effort to prevent police CMDers from trying to go to India.

In Falam, communities demanded the immediate release of the three youth leaders (who were arrested on 28 Feb; see updates on 28 February 2021 below) but the authorities still detain them.

Mizoram State, India said that they would welcome and provide shelter for those fleeing the situations in Myanmar and protect them.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

10 March 2021 – Hundreds of protesters started a peaceful rally marching along the main road in Hakha but were blocked by riot police and armed soldiers with a fire engine and a prison van near the Chin State Government building. As tension developed between both sides, three leading members of protesters and the military authorities negotiated for three times, and eventually, the protest peacefully ended. During the negotiations between both sides, armed soldiers beat and arrested an unknown individual, who was later taken to the Hakha police station. Immediately, community and religious leaders communicated with the police authorities regarding the arrest. At night, the person was released without being charged. When asked about the reason why he was arrested, the police said that he had been stopped and told not to pass the barricades but he didn’t follow the instructions.

At about 6pm in Thantlang Town, Salai Cung Bawi Lian was arrested by riot police and armed soldiers and taken to the military base. The reason given was that they had some questions to ask him. Soon after the arrest, over 500 people gathered near the military camp until 11pm. The authorities asked the public to go home and said that they would release him the following day.

In Falam, protesters staged a peaceful anti-military rally holding up umbrellas while Mindat had a different approach by organizing a musical rally where protesters brought and played guitars and other musical instruments. In Matupi, the casserole protest was organized by hundreds of people in traditional dresses banging pots and pans. Normal anti-junta peaceful rallies continued in other parts of Chin State, apart from conflict-affected Paletwa town.

In Matupi, at least four individuals (Pastor Van Biak Thawng aka U Pawluh; Sai Naw Lar, an engineer working at the Rural Development Department; David aka U Lian Cin Thang and Aa Bawi aka Salai Amon, son of U Pai Hung Ta) including a male Christian pastor were arrested at night by police and armed soldiers. It is believed that there can be more arrests.

The Chin National Front and the military junta based in Hakha met twice – one in a CNF-controlled area in Thantlang Township and another at the military base of Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion No. 266 in Hakha.

In the afternoon around 5pm, the military intelligence met a senior staff of KMSS in Hakha.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

9 March 2021 – Police and armed soldiers in two trucks as well as some in civil uniform surrounded the office of the Chin Center for Peace and Reconciliation (CCPR) early this morning. They carried out a morning raid around 9am, arresting one staff member identified as Van Ceu Thawng, who was responsible for COVID-19 prevention activities, and ransacked the office. The soldiers reportedly took some documents.

At about 11am in Hakha, the police and armed soldiers carried out a similar raid on the house of Dr. Cungpi (Dr. Biak Cung Lian) in Pyidawtha Ward and arrested a local medical doctor, Dr. Ngun Cung Lian, who was helping at a CDM clinic next door. Later, the authorities said that they had arrested the wrong person as Dr. Lian was in the kitchen of Dr. Cungpi’s house. People in the area started banging pots and pans but the soldiers went around and stopped them.

Hundreds of Hakha residents came out minutes after the arrest, and followed the trucks up to the entrance to the Light Infantry Battalion No. 266 stationed on Mount Rung over the town. The public said that they would wait until the doctor was released and that they would otherwise do something violent (if he was not freed). A group of doctors and religious and community leaders intervened by phone communication with the top military leaders in Hakha. And at about 6pm, the doctor was released.

The five policemen, who joined the CDM, and two individuals (one driver and one staff member of CCPR, Salai Peter Thian Bawm Sang), who were arrested at a checkpoint near Thantlang Town yesterday were transferred to the military base on Mount Rung, Hakha today.

The Committee Representing Chin State Hluttaw (CRCSH) issued a statement today saying that 8 out of 9 townships had already formed a local township-level administrative body.

In Hakha, residents started the casserole protest at 10am, 2pm and 8pm – banging pots and pans – against the military coup.

All (eight) of the Ward Administrators in Hakha joined the CDM today.

Peaceful protests against the military coup continued across Chin State, with an increasing number of civil servants joining the CDM. At least 13 Chin youths were among protesters stranded in Sanchaung as riot police and armed soldiers blocked all roads in Yangon.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, two Chin youths – Van Lian Ceu, 26, male; and Sung Chin Tial, 25, female – were arrested.

Internet shut down from 1am but back on at 6am.

8 March 2021 – Five policemen (CDMers) together with two individuals were arrested at a checkpoint near Thantlang Town last night. The policemen were reportedly on their way in search of a safer place after joining the CDM.

In Kanpetlet, Falam, Mindat, Thantlang and Hakha, protesters led by women in traditional dresses staged peaceful rallies while commemorating the International Women’s Day.

In Mindat, about 10 soldiers entered the Mindat General Hospital for the military encampment. Later, the soldiers left the hospital as communities collectively intervened but with no violence occurring.

In Hriphi village, Thantlang Township, villagers continued their peaceful protest today. In Laitui village, Tedim Township, villagers started staging a peaceful protest.

The chief minister of Mizoram State, India said that they would give temporary shelter to refugees fleeing the situations in Myanmar although the central government indicated that any refugees be sent back.

Internet shut down from 1am but back on at 6am. The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State.

7 March 2021 – Peaceful public protests continued across Chin State.

The military troops occupied the Hakha University campus in Hakha and hospital compounds in Falam and Tedim towns. In Hakha, students and activists locked the entrance gate to the university at night in protest against the military encampment.

In Congthia and Hriphi villages, Thantlang Township, peaceful public protests against the military coup were organized with hundreds of people, chanting slogans and holding placards reading “We reject dictatorship”, “We want federal democracy”, “R2P”, “Get off our way”, “Help Myanmar”, “Stop killing my sisters”, “Destroy 2008 constitution”, “We support CDM”, “Defend the people”.

In Hakha, a sit-in protest was organized inside Carson Hall, which was followed by a peaceful march up to town center. At night, a candlelight prayer service was held at Carson Hall.

In Hakha, six Ward Administrators, 81 civil servants from Mindat Township GAD, one policeman who is assigned at Laipawnglung checkpoint near Thantlang Town, and 23 policemen in Lailenpi, Matupi Township joined the CDM.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, Lalrammawia (male), 34, was arrested.

6 March 2021 – Peaceful protests against the military coup continued across Chin State.

The body of Mang Suan Khai, 27, who was hit in his thigh by a bullet on 3 March 2021 during the peaceful protests in North Okkalapa Township, Yangon was found at the North Okkalapa Hospital on 6 March. When the family arrived at the hospital, Khai had other injuries in his body including the head. The family went to the hospital when they heard that there was a dead body unattended and unclaimed.

In Tlangzar village, Falam Township, a group of Christian women fasted and prayed for peace in Myanmar.

40 policemen and civil servants joined the CDM.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

5 March 2021 – All shops and businesses in Hakha are closed like Sunday as prayer services for Myanmar are organized at different churches from 10am to 12noon.

There was power cut in the afternoon for nearly three hours – believed to be across the whole country.

In Thantlang, gun shots believed to be more than 10 times were heard at the hilltop over the town at about 9pm. Residents in Thantlang believed that the military had opened fire in an attempt to intimidate people.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

4 March 2021 – In Hakha, Tedim, Mindat and Thantlang towns, thousands of people continued peaceful protests, marching along the main roads.

A truck full of soldiers (estimated to be about 30) is seen on the Hakha-Gangaw road and is believed to be arriving in Hakha today. An internal source confirmed that they would be deployed to “restore law and order”.

Soldiers reportedly arrived in Paletwa Township and told IDPs to leave their camps and go back to their villages. Some IDPs have already left their camps while others still remain confused and worried.

The Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD) issued a news release yesterday, re-affirming that U Kyaw Nyein, CNLD vice-chairperson-4, was granted his request (dated 16 February 2021) to leave the party. U Kyaw Nyein is said to have accepted an offer by the State Administration Council.

In Matupi, photos of Min Aung Hlaing stuck on sanitary pads were scattered on roads.

One policeman in Tedim and five civil servants from the Fire Department in Hnahring, Thantlang Township joined the CDM today.

CHRO briefed Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights and Head, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in New Yor and Bangkok on the situations in western parts of Myanmar.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

3 March 2021 – As of today, CHRO learned that 32 out of 70 Chin detainees have been released and that there are currently 38 being detained in Chin State and Rakhine State.

Four protesters (two males and two females) who are still detained after being arrested on 1 March together with other 19 protesters in Hakha were charged with Section 505A of penal code and will appear in court on 12 March.

In Hakha, an A4-size poster reading ‘We will not sell any items to police, soldiers and non-CDMers’ has been distributed and stuck on shops.

In Tedim and Hakha, peaceful public marches continued but was organized in a way to avoid violent confrontation with riot police and armed soldiers. In Hakha, protesters divided themselves up into three groups taking three separate routes.

In Tonzang, hundreds of people staged a peaceful rally against the military coup and a sit-in protest as leaders of the protests negotiated with riot police to avoid confrontation at about 10:30am.

In Mindat, people in traditional dresses continued the daily peaceful rally.

A peaceful demonstration took place in Tamu, an Indian-Myanmar border town in Sagaing Region where the majority of the residents are Chin.

A civil servant of Myanmar Economic Bank in Tedim, one policeman in Mindat, five policemen in Matupi, and two of Falam District GAD office joined the CDM. 73% (39 out of 50) of GTI (Hakha) civil servants joined the CDM, according to the GTI principal.

At about 9pm last night, police and armed soldiers in four trucks raided the Hakha Fire Department. U Kyaw Kyaw, deputy head of the department, was accused of facilitating the night raid. Internal sources said that there were 8 firefighters at the time but they managed to run away.

Internal sources confirmed that new arrivals of soldiers in Chin State wear police uniforms and are deployed in the frontline to disperse, confront and crack down on protesters.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

2 March 2021 – U Soe Htet, State minister for electricity and municipal affairs, left for Naypyitaw where he lives. No confirmed information about the reason for his return is known but he indicated that he was not allowed to stay here any longer. The chief minister and all State ministers, apart from the minister for border affairs, as well as speaker of the Chin State parliament were told to leave the Ministers’ residence.

CHRO briefed member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council ahead of the human rights council session on Myanmar.

The Hakha Police Forces said that 19 out of 23 detained protesters, who were arrested yesterday, will be released at about 1:15pm today and requested parents to meet them in front of government’s One Stop Service office in Hakha.

At about 3:15pm, 19 out of 23 detainees were released, and four (2 males and 2 females) are still kept in police custody for no obvious reasons given (see their names below) although one source suggested that they had participated in protests more than one time:

Tial Tin Par (female; age: 25; father’s name: Sai Hmung; Dawrhlun Block resident)
Van Ni Sui (female; age: 22; father’s name: Bawi Hei; Hakhathar Block resident)
Bawi Cung (male; age: 43; father’s name: Ral Tun; civil servant at Fire Department)
Sai Thawn (male; age: 53; father’s name: Van Kio; civil servant at Land Record Department)

Following the meeting between the authorities, and community and religious leaders today, the Hakha Police Forces said that all the motorbikes confiscated yesterday could be reclaimed.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, riot police and armed soldiers opened fire on protesters, injuring five individuals including a Chin university student identified as Joseph Thang, originally from Lulpilung village, Thantlang Township, whose left leg was hit by a bullet. All are being treated at Royal City Hospital, Kalaymyo.

In Falam, all shops were closed in the afternoon in protest against pressing charges against three youth protesters arrested during the peaceful rally and against the military coup.

In Mindat, protesters gathered at Myoma Shopping Centre and put up posters reading ‘We will not sell any items to police and soldiers’. 12 civil servants from Mindat District Education Department, two policemen and one female clerk in Mindat Township joined the CDM. One policeman in Hakha also joined the CDM.

In Hakha, a multi-denominational prayer service for peace in Myanmar is organized at Carson Hall. In Lailenpi town, Matupi Township, a prayer service was also held.

In Kanpetlet, riot police and armed soldiers put barricades to block protesters from proceeding but the peaceful demonstration went without any violence.

In Tonzang, riot police and armed soldiers blocked roads and broke up peaceful protesters but no violence was reported. In Tedim, there was no rally today.

The list of peaceful protestors (15 males and 8 females) arrested in Hakha yesterday is updated today as follows (Note: Comments are welcome to correct spellings of names if there are errors):

Salai Bawi Kip Sum (male; age: 23; father’s name: San Htoo Luai; biblical student; originally from Falam)
Robert Ngun Ling Mang (male; age: 25; father’s name: Siang Uk Lian; biblical student; originally from Falam)
Malsawmtluang (male; age: 19; father’s name: Van Sang Ngun; Pyidawtha Block resident)
David Van Hmuh Thang (male; age: 24; father’s name: Hrang Lal; journalist)
Zing Tha Tawk (female; age: 19; father’s name: Thla Kio Lian; Pyidawtha Block resident)
Tial Tin Par (female; age: 25; father’s name: Sai Hmung; Dawrhlun Block resident)
Biak Tha Par (female; age: 19; father’s name: Tial Kio; Dawrhlun Block resident)
Van Ni Sui (female; age: 22; father’s name: Bawi Hei; Hakhathar Block resident)
Biak Hnem Sung (female; age: 24; father’s name: Tawk Tling; Dawrhlun Block resident)
Khin Hnin Yu (female; age: 24; father’s name: U Sein Yu; Dawrthar Block resident)
Mary Zai Hnem Sung (female; age: 21; father’s name: Biak Hnin; Dawrthar Block resident)
Kap Cung (male; age: 52; father’s name: Hrang Kam; farmer residing in Pyidawtha Block)
Thawng Hlei Thang (male; age: 22; father’s name: Thang Nuai; Dawrthar Block resident)
Bawi Tha Thawng (male; age: 25; father’s name: Ceu Vung; Dawrthar Block resident)
Tuan Tin Peng (male; age: 18; father’s name: Hrang Khuai; Ruadeu villager)
Joseph (male; age: 18; father’s name: Thla Hmung; High School student)
Sang Bik Lian (male; age: 16; father’s name: Tuan Thang; High School student)
Bawi Cung (male; age: 43; father’s name: Ral Tun; civil servant at Fire Department)
Sai Thawn (male; age: 53; father’s name: Van Kio; civil servant at Land Record Department)
Sui Hnin Hmung (male; age: 35; father’s name: Lei Uk; worker at motorbike repair shop)
Chan Uk (male; age: 30; father’s name: Ning Uk; worker at motorbike repair shop)
Van Cer Luai (female; age: 19; father’s name: Sang Luai; Sales Assistant at C&C mini-market)
Peng Lian Thawng (male; age: 31; father’s name: Uk Peng; welding worker)

28 civil servants working for State, District and Township Election Commission offices in Chin State issued a statement today, saying that they joined the CDM campaign.

As of last night, 2,535 civil servants from 57 government departments joined the CDM in Hakha (source: Hakha Campaign for Justice). In Tedim, there are 1,132 civil servants including school teachers who have already joined the CDM campaign.

In Thantlang, communities blocked one of the roads to protect themselves from possible attacks by riot police and armed soldiers as they blocked the main road to Lal Luai Football Ground where protestors normally gathered.

In Matupi, protesters used photos of Min Aung Hlaing to block riot police and armed soldiers from advancing to break up protests.

At about 9:30pm, the military in a truck continued going around towns in Chin State making an announcement using a megaphone saying that they patrolled to ensure peace and stability and that they didn’t impose Article 144 (curfew) in Chin State, unlike other States and Regions, and urging parents not to allow their children to go out and join the protests and saying that necessary action would otherwise be taken according to the existing laws.

The 8pm casserole protest banging pots and pans continued across Chin State. Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am continued.

1 March 2021 – At about 2:30pm in Hakha, riot police and armed soldiers used water cannons, and shot tear gas and smoke bombs about five times near town center to disperse the peaceful protesters who were marching on the main road. All shops were closed immediately as people started banging pots and pans. “I was approaching the place to take some photos. Suddenly, I started choking as tears ran down my face. It was a very difficult feeling to describe but I felt like I was running out of breath. I was seen taking photos and chased so I ran quickly away from them,” said a photojournalist in Hakha. Some protesters said that they vomitted. At least 23 protesters, including two from Falam, have been reported arrested. Some including local journalists and women who were hiding inside the Hakha Town Restaurant were arrested. Two construction workers who didn’t participate in the protest were also snatched. Another one construction worker who tried to escape when his co-workers were being arrested at the construction site was beaten but not taken away.

At about 4pm in Hakha, the military increased forces in an effort to crack down on protesters and make several arrests.

At 4:35pm in Hakha, riot police and armed soldiers confiscated all motorbikes parked on the roadside between town center and Universal Store and, loaded them onto trucks and took them away.

At about 5pm in Hakha, main junctions were barricaded blocking all main roads. Riot police and armed soldiers were seen raiding houses on Cherry Road in an attempt to make more arrests.

At night, some religious leaders met the head of the Hakha Police Station and had a chance to pray for 23 (14 males and 9 females) peaceful protesters being detained. The police said that the detainees might be released the following day. The police didn’t want to give the list of detainees. Therefore, the number mentioned here needed to be confirmed.

In Hakha, photos of Min Aung Hlaing were scattered on the main road in an effort to stop riot police and armed soldiers from advancing to confront the protesters.

People in Surkhua village, Hakha Township, and Rezua town, Matupi Township staged peaceful public protests.

Two policemen in Mindat, 27 civil servants at State and Township Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Departments, 31 from Falam District Forestry Department, 6 from Falam MPT office, 80 from the Hakha Township Municipality Department, and two from Falam Election Commission joined the CDM.

Over 400 people staged a peaceful march in Aibur village, Hakha Township in protest against the military coup.

21 civil servants of Chin State Posts and Communications (MPT) department in Hakha joined the CDM. Ms Naomi Lian, a GAD staff in Hakha, who was reportedly accused of sharing information with the authorities, also joined the CDM today.

In Falam, community and religious leaders together with youth group went to the police station to meet with the responsible authorities regarding the arrest of three youth members yesterday during the peaceful protest. The three arrestees were charged with ‘conducive to public mischief’ and will appear in court on 4 March.

In Mindat, riot police barricades the main roads blocking the protests and the protestors also put empty water metal tanks in front of them to protect themselves from possible attacks. The march is currently halted on the road as the police are standing with guns and shields blocking the protests to proceed. Protest in Mindat peacefully ended.

Peaceful demonstrations continued in other towns across Chin State, apart from Paletwa.

Hundreds of people, mostly students, staged a sit-in demonstration against the military coup in Myanmar was organized in Saiha, Mizoram State, India. It was jointly organized by the Mizoram’s Apex Students’ Body and Mara Students’ Organization.

Internal sources confirmed that there was one helicopter landing at the military base on Mount Rung above Hakha, reportedly delivering military equipment and devices.

The casserole protest – banging pots and pans – at 8pm and the Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am.continued.

28 February 2021 – Peaceful demonstrations against the military coup continued across Chin State, except conflict-affected Paletwa Township.

In Falam, riot police used tear gases and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd and arrested three youths, namely, Mr. Kyaw Kyaw, Mr. Bawi Lian Cuang and Mr. Pa Za Lian. They are taken to the military base at Falam.

In Tedim, riot police and security forces blocked roads to prevent protestors from proceeding the peaceful march.

In Hakha, riot police used water cannons to disperse the crowds twice but the marches were peacefully organized, converging in front of Carson Hall. Riot police and security forces blocked junctions and main roads but leaders of the protests managed in advance to split the groups to take different routes, finally rallying at one place. The protesters blocked some main junctions to prevent riot police and security forces from entering their rallying place.

In Hakha, religious leaders (Hakha Christian Ministers’ Fellowship) and members of State Administration Council together with senior military and police officers met at the Hakha Baptist Association’s office. The two detainees – the Hakha Times’ CEO and a Methodist Church pastor – who were arrested during the peaceful public march yesterday were released.

Dozens of people from nearby villages of Hakha town joined peaceful protests organized in the Chin capital.

Riot police opened fire in the protesting crowd in Matupi but there was no injury reported.

The Chin Media Network issued a statement, condemning the military coup and the arrests of journalists and reporters, and urging the current authorities to ensure freedom of expression and media.

Suntui village in Mindat Township started a peaceful public protest, rejecting the illegal military coup, demanding the immediate release of those political leaders being detained, and demanding federal democracy.

In Thantlang, a ‘Prayer for Myanmar’ service was organized by all denominations at the football ground from 7am to 8am.

12 Chin youths arrested yesterday were released at night. They are:

Biak Cin Thang, male
Van Tha Bik, male
Thawng Tha Lian, male
Cung Uk Thang, male
Van Par Hnem, female
Van Tha Chin Iang, female
Aung Law, male
Biak Tha Lian, male
Mang Hrim Lian, male
Sui Hniang Tial, female
Siang Cung Ceu, male
Tum Par, female

The military in a truck went around towns in Chin State making an announcement using a megaphone urging parents not to allow their children to go out and join the protests and saying that necessary action would otherwise be taken according to the existing laws.

The riot police and fully armed soldiers in trucks followed by one fire engine and Black Maria made regular patrols in towns at night.

The casserole protest – banging pots and pans – at 8pm and the Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am.continued.

27 February 2021 – Peaceful public protests against the military coup across Chin State continued.

In Hakha, riot police and security forces used the water cannon to disperse the crowd gathering in front of a hall named after the American missionary, Authur Carson. Later, Mr. Lalawmpuia, CEO of the Hakha Times, a local printed newsletter in Hakha language, and Rev. Mang Tum Lian, pastor of the Methodist Church, were arrested. They were taken to the Hakha Police Station where over 100 youths gathered outside of the police compound. Subsequently, security forces blocked the main road to the police station. In the meantime, Christian pastors intervened to make the situation calm and had a discussion with the authorities regarding the emerging issues.

In Thantlang, a big sign reading ‘We want federal democracy’ was painted at a junction on the entrance to the town.

Today, at least the following Chin protestors were arrested in different places in the country as recorded (this included Salai Dokhar – currently in Mandalay -, who contested as an independent candidate in Chin State in the 2020 election):

Yangon: 12
Mandalay: 1
Hakha: 2

In Mindat, protestors wore traditional dresses and facial tattoos as they marched on the main road, and banged pots and pans, showing solidarity and unity in their protest against the military coup.

The casserole protest – banging pots and pans – at 8pm and the Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am.continued.

The riot police and fully armed soldiers in trucks followed by one fire engine and Black Maria made regular patrols in towns at night.

26 February 2021 – The tactical commander based in Hakha has been transferred to Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region as he was reportedly promoted.

In Hakha, trucks of security forces with guns and one fire engine arrived near the sit-in protests in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank, and police with shields blocked the road. There was tension between the protestors and the security forces around 11am but no violence broke out. The protests peacefully continued as the security forces retreated.

At 12 noon, leaders of protestors distributed plastic bags to keep phones and personal belongings as the security forces reportedly plan to use a water cannon to disperse the crowd.

At about 12:30, the security forces started using the water cannon but it was not successful. Some people said that they decided to use the water cannon to disperse the protesting crowd because they wanted to ensure that salary payment be withdrawn from the bank.

The chief minister of Chin State government, the speaker of the Chin State parliament, vice speaker and two State ministers were released from their weeks-long detention this morning (see previous updates on more stories below). Other detainees are still kept in military custody.

Churches in Hakha organized ‘Prayer for Myanmar’ services in the morning while a sit-in protest by youth groups in support of CDM (today marks the 20th day of CDM campaign in Hakha) and against the military coup took place in front of Myanmar Economic Bank and other few government offices.

Thousands of people joined a peaceful rally in Tedim in support of CDM and protest against the military coup.

A newly formed community-based group called ‘We stand with Falam CDM heroes’ wrote a letter today, requesting Pu Ca Awi, the GAD head, to join and support CDM.

All businesses including shops and restaurants are closed in Hakha in support of CDM campaign and protest against the military coup.

The Chin Youth Organization of Kalay Kabaw in Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region formed local groups to take responsibility of security measures at local levels in an effort to protect communities.

In Tedim, over 5,000 people joined the peaceful protest chanting slogans including:

We fight for our generation
We fight for our country
We fight for our future

Four (three engineers and one computer technician) in Falam issued a statement, in response to repeated requests to go back to work, addressed to the District head of the District Rural Department today, saying that they joined the CDM campaign of their own accord and would not go to work.

Thousands of people including civil servants and Paletwa communities including IDPs currently based in Hakha marched peacefully, chanting some slogans such as:

We want federal democracy
People’s police (chanting when security police are around)
Are we, the public, together? (Together, together)
To topple the military authorities (civil servants are the main)
What are you doing in the office while the public are out on the streets together giving their lives?

The casserole protest – banging pots and pans – at 8pm and the Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am.continued.

25 February 2021 – The Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD) issued a statement today saying that it received an invitation on 22 February by the military to attend the meeting between political parties and the UEC (set up by the military) and that it would not attend the event.

Chin Civil Society urged the Chin National League for Democracy and Asho Chin National Party not to attend the meeting organized by Tatmadaw between political parties and election commission.

A ‘Prayer for Myanmar’ service was organized in Falam between 6pm and 7pm.

The casserole protest – banging pots and pans – at 8pm and the Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am.continued.

23 February 2021 – Communities in Mindat Township formed their own administrative body (Pyithu Ohchok Yee Aphwayh) to take the responsibility for safety and security, rule of law, communications, healthcare services and ensuring peaceful protests.

Youth groups in Falam organized a sit-in protest in front of the Myanmar Economic Bank, requesting on their knees bank staff to join CDM.

The clanking of pots and pans at 8pm continued across Chin State, save Paletwa. The Internet shutdown between 1am and 9am.continued.

22 February 2021 – Over 15,000 people, including civil servants and religious leaders, held a peaceful rally in support of CDM and in protest against the military coup in Hakha.

Communities in Mindat issued a statement, condemning and seriously criticizing U Maung Ha for joining the Union Administration Council.

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) appointed Dr. Sasa as Special Envoy to the UN.

The clanking of pots and pans at 8pm continued across Chin State, save Paletwa.

21 February 2021 – The head of the Mindat District Immigration Department started joining the CDM campaign, saying that he didn’t want to continue his work under the military authorities.

20 February 2021 – The State Administration Council organized a Chin National Day celebration event at Town Hall while communities met in a separate location in front of Carson Hall and commemorated the event after the peaceful public march.

The Chin National Front organized the Chin National Day commemoration event at Camp Victoria, where over 1,000 people, especially youths, attended with dozens of traditional dances and performances.

19 February 2021 – Peaceful marches across Chin State continued. In Hakha, a sit-in protest was organized in front of government offices and Myanmar Economic Bank.

In Pakokku, the military junta’s forces arrested two youths, Salai Law Shing Kee and Ko Naing Lin Aung, both of them being Pakokku University students, while distributing and posting anti-regime stickers in the town.

In Tlanglo village, Thantlang Township, hundreds of peope staged a peaceful rally against the military coup.

General updates

There are some limitations on travelling but restrictive measures are different from one township to another (eg. Travels to villages in Tedim, Tonzang and Thantlang are limited/restricted).
New positive cases of COVID-19 recently confirmed in Mindat, Tedim, and Tonzang.
Fear, intimidation, confusion and uncertainty (eg. Some people got panicked and started stockpiling while others worried their immediate livelihoods.)
Public marches, office closures and CDM movements (An increasing number of civil servants joined the CDM campaign and public rallies)
Arrests and detention (Hluttaw speaker and vice speaker, two State ministers still be detained; chief minister of Chin State govt taken away this morning; Township/State UEC members being taken away last night; newly appointed chairperson of State Administration Council died from heart attack this morning)
New arrival of more troops in Hakha recently
Paletwa and Sami (IDPs and civilians bang pots and pans but soldiers opened fire in the sky to stop the clanking and soldiers were seen patrolling the town).
Internet access is restored in Paletwa but not working
Banks are closed (Myanmar Economic Bank sometimes opens).
No major work on COVID-19 prevention activities. Worries over the spread of infection.

18 February 2021 – 51 staff of district and township fire departments in Hakha joined the CDM and participated in the peaceful protest today.

U Nay Lin, the head of Chin State Immigration Department in Hakha, forced CDM staff to go back to office and to wear uniform. In Thantlang, at least four staff returned to work after the GAD head repeatedly forced them using informal and formal channels.

One male staff of Innwa Bank in Hakha was sacked from his work yesterday because he joined the CDM.

Peaceful public marches continued across Chin State, including in Rezua town, Matupi Township where the activity has happened for 7 days.

The Chin Peace and Tranquility Committee requested a meeting with the Chin State Administration Council last week but it was denied with no clear reasons given. What was replied was the Northwestern Command based in Monywa didn’t allow the meeting.

Sources confirmed that the newly set-up Chin State Administration Council will organize the 73rd Chin National Day celebration at Town Hall in Hakha after the local community committee rejected the official invitation. Instead, the local community committee plans to organize a separate event – likely to be via an online platform.

In Matupi, local communities yesterday formed ‘Matupi Township Security Group’ to take overall responsibility for security issues at local levels until power is transferred back to the legal government by Tatmadaw.

Protest leaders said that they identified at least six non-uniformed individuals, especially in Hakha, who were believed to be secretly taking photos and filming people and activities in protests against the military coup.

17 February 2021 – CHRO released a list of Chin individuals who have been detained by Tatmadaw since the coup on 1 February. The list contains at least 38, including Chin State parliament speaker, deputy speaker and State ministers as well as UEC leading members in all townships in Chin State, and another six Chin individuals in Rakhine State. Only four – who were detained because of their involvement in the casserole protests – out of the said 38 arrested in Chin State had been released.

Peaceful public marches continued in all towns across Chin State, save Thantlang and Falam where ‘Prayer for Myanmar’ was instead organized, and Paletwa where planned activities have been disrupted by security forces.

In Hakha, a sit-in protest was organized in front of government offices in support of CDM in the morning and about 5,000 people continued to peacefully march along the main road in the afternoon.

Chin Student Union – Pakokku issued a statement condemning the military coup and the appointment of the new minister for education.

Thantlang GAD put pressure on its staff to go back to office, using both formal and informal ways. The letter issued on 15 February 2021 by the investigative bureau for government departments forced GAD staff to report to the office at 10am on 16 Feb without out. [Note: It is believed that a new committee/body or group is formed by the authorities to investigate government departments regarding the CDM campaign.]

Sixty-six staff members of GAD in Hakha issued a statement saying that they got involved in the CDM campaign of their own accord and without any external influences and that they didn’t want to continue their tenure under the military authorities. Another statement issued by the same group yesterday said that 41 out of 67 staff joined the CDM campaign.

Fifteen staff of Falam Township Education Department joined the CDM campaign.

The Chin Baptist Churches in USA (CBA USA) and its youth department contributed 120,000US dollars for the CDM-ers in Chin State.

The investigative bureau for government department submitted their complaint against Ms Far Tial, lower division clerk at Hakha GAD, yesterday, accusing that she was involved in the CDM campaign, in political activities, in joining peaceful assembly and marches without proper permission, and not coming to office despite communication with responsible staff.

The Chin State Administration Council met Hakha Christian Ministers’ Fellowship yesterday, saying that they didn’t want any violence and that the pastors were requested to share this message with the public. The pastors said that they didn’t want any violence either, however they stood with the public, and that they were in support of CMDers and prayed for them.

Six new cases of COVID-19 confirmed with truck drivers who were tested at the entrance to Hakha.

The casserole protests by banging pots and pans at 8pm continued across Chin State, apart from Paletwa town.

Internet shutdown from 1am to 9am continued.

16 February 2021 – The Union Administration Council announced that U Ngun San Aung, former Chin State Minister for Transport, was confirmed as chairman of the Chin State Administration Council, and U Hang Cin Kham as a SAC member. [Note: U Ngun San Aung was approached after Terence San Mawi Nikhuai died from a heart attack. See updates on 11 February 2021 below.]

Peaceful public marches continued in all townships, apart from Paletwa, Thantlang and Tedim. In Paletwa, it could not be organized because of security issues. In Thantlang, prayer for Myanmar was organized in a football pitch. In Tedim, protesters gathered in front of 10 different government department offices in support of CDM, instead.

Mr. Go Suan Khai, former GAD head in Tedim Township, refused to accept the offer of a high-ranking position by the State Administration Council.

Six youth leaders in Tedim and three youth leaders in Falam were summoned to GADs and briefed that they [authorities] didn’t want any violence.

The clanking of pots and pans at 8pm in protest against the military coup continued in all towns, except in Paletwa. A Paletwa resident told Chinland Guardian: “We have been affected by Tatmadaw-AA conflicts since 2015, and people in general are worried, intimidated, traumatized and in fear. So, we don’t have the courage to do anything at the moment although we see and hear what is going around in other parts of the State and the country. Phone connection is working but internet access is still limited.”

In Falam, GAD civil servants went back to the office without wearing their uniform after each one was reportedly called the previous days to sign the attendance sheet. This happened in other towns but local groups of protesters gathered in front of the GAD offices in support of CDM, which helped them [civil servants] to decide not to go to offices. Sources confirmed that some civil servants became confused and were intimidated. In Kanpetlet township, some civil servants went to villages for hiding.

New updates that some doctors, especially in Falam, from outside of Chin State went back to their home towns, leaving their current positions as part of CDM.

Meanwhile, fundraising groups were formed in association with local churches, and Chin communities and churches in foreign countries for providing necessary support for CDM-civil servants.

Soldiers or soldiers wearing police uniform and security police were seen patrolling in towns across Chin State at night. Since this morning, trucks of police/soldiers announced using a megaphone saying that they were patrolling to ensure safety and security of the public and that people could stay calm and relax properly.

In Kanpetlet, trucks of soldiers arrived in the morning and security police were seen guarding the banks today.

Sources confirmed that Mr. Thla Hre, an independent candidate in Hakha Township contesting in the 2020 election, denied an offer by the State Administration Council.

As of now, there are at least three clinics set up by local volunteers in collaboration with health workers, community and church leaders in Hakha, Thantlang and Falam to provide free healthcare services following the ‘civil disobedience movement’.

Internet access was shut down from 1am to 9am.

15 February 2021 – Internet access was shut down at 1am and re-opened at 9am.

Youth groups and protestors gathered in front of offices at about 8am to stop ‘forced office attendance’ and in support of ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’.

Support from Chin diasporas and churches, especially from foreign countries, continued and has been on the increase.

Pu Siang Mang, an elected MP of the Chin National League for Democracy in the 2020 general election, refused to accept a repeated offer of a high-ranking position in the Chin State Administration Council.

Peaceful public marches continued across Chin State. In Hakha, government staff and Christian leaders in their uniform led the marching. Chanting slogans included:

Don’t go to office, civil servants – stay at home in peace
Don’t go to work, civil servants – we, the public, will feed you
To topple the dictator – civil servants are the most important

New members of the Chin State Administration Council reportedly organized an internal meeting in Hakha (to be confirmed).

14 February 2021 – Barbed-wire barricades were set up in front of the Chin State government building blocking the road around 8pm.

Multi-denominational churches based in Hakha held ‘prayer for Myanmar’ at Carson Hall where hundreds of people joined.

The arrival of more troops in trucks, reportedly from Kalaymyo, was seen around 8am in Hakha. Trucks and pick-ups including a white fire engine were seen driven along the Hakha main road at night – two or three times.

Staff of GADs, banks including Myanmar Economic Bank, and health departments were pressured to go to office on Monday. Some staff avoided sleeping at their usual houses in fear of being arrested.

Youth groups were formed in each ward/block for taking necessary action regarding security measures to protect civilians and for better communications in the event of night raids, detention and arrests.

Security police were seen guarding banks across Chin State at night.

As of today’s updates, CDM has been joined by the majority of government departments and employees in Chin State including:

GAD staff
Bank staff
University tutors/professors and students
School teachers
Health workers
Immigration staff
Livestock breeding and veterinary deparment
GTI (Government Technical Institute)
Engineers
Construction department
Department of rural development
Road transportation administration department
(to be updated more)

13 February 2021 – Checkpoints and security measures were increased between Hakha and Thantlang towns.

Peaceful public demonstration by car and motorbike was organized in Hakha while marches continued in other towns across Chin State.

CBOs/CSOs based in Matupi issued a statement condemning his acceptance of the appointment as a Chin State Administration Council (SAC) member by the military’s Union Administration Council.

Sources confirmed that some local leaders were approached by the State Administration Council’s leading members including Colonel Han Win Aung and the previous secretary of the Chin State government, in an attempt to persuade them to join SAC.

12 February 2021 – Peaceful public marches continued in towns across Chin State, apart from Paletwa where planned demonstration was disrupted by security forces. Pamphlets rejecting the military coup were found on the streets.

The Kalay Council of Churches took to the streets, peacefully marching in Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region.

Police visited Ngun San Aung’s house in Pyidawtha Ward, Hakha, asking if he had returned home. (See updates on 11 February 2021 below).

The Union Administration Council announced that Colonel Han Win Aung, former Chin State Minister of Security and Border Affairs, as a State Administration Council member for Chin State (Navy 25995).

Banging pots and pans in protest against the military coup at 8pm continued.

11 February 2021 – Terence San Mawi Nikhuai, the newly military-appointed chairperson of Chin State Administrative Council passed away from a heart attack around 7am this morning.

Pu Lian Luai, the chief minister of Chin State government was taken away to Rung Mount – the base of Light Infantry Battalion 266 – for the second time by soldiers around midnight last night.

Members of the Election Commission in Chin State arrested in their houses at night, mostly around midnight, included:

Uk Nawl, Chin State Election Commission chairperson, Hakha
Ronnie Thla Kio Lian, Hakha Township Election Commission chairperson, Hakha
Salai Thawngpi, Hakha Township Election Commission officer, Hakha
Thla Mang, Thantlang Township Election Commission chairperson, Thantlang
Salai Khin Aung Ling, aka Sangsang, Thantlang Township Election Commission officer, Thantlang
San Thang, Falam Township Election Commission, Falam
Kee Om, Mindat Township Election Commission chairperson, Mindat
Mya Maung, Kanpetlet Township Election Commission chairperson, Kanpetlet
Kee Law, Kanpetlet Township Election Commission secretary, Kanpetlet
Lian Hei, chairperson of the Hakha District Election Commission (to be confirmed)
Aung Sheng (Matupi, to be updated more)
Naing Awm, Matupi Township Election Commission officer, Matupi
Cang Toi, chairperson of the Matupi District Election Commission, Matupi
Myint Aung Shein (Head of Election Commission, Matupi, to be updated more)
Aung Myo Win, Paletwa Township Election Commission officer, Paletwa
U San Thar Kyaw, Paletwa Township Election Commission chairperson, Paletwa

“My father, Pu Lian Hei, chairperson of the Hakha District Election Commission, was taken away around midnight by the military,” posted on his Facebook page by Lian Hei’s son.

When asked about the reasons why they were taken away, the soldiers said that they had some questions to ask them. All of them were taken to Rung Mount, the base of Light Infantry Battalion 266.

In Hakha, all the shops are closed, putting the red flag up from 2pm to 5pm in support of civil disobedience movement and protest against the military coup on 1 February 2021.

An arrest warrant was reportedly issued (although confirmation of who signed the document was yet to be confirmed) to arrest Salai Ngun San Aung and Salai Elishma, who submitted the request letter for organizing peaceful marches in protest against the military coup in Hakha. Later today, security police were seen sitting and gathering near Salai Ngun San Aung’s house in Hakha.

No public marches in Hakha although other towns in Chin State continued. Instead, the groups organized a sit-in protest in front of government offices including GAD office in support of ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’. ‘Prayer for Myanmar’ was organized at different locations by different denominations and churches in Hakha.

In the appointment letter of State/Region Administration Council members issued by the Union Administration Council were U Ngun San Aung and U Go Suan Khai as Chin State SAC members.

Ci Ling, Levi Thian Ceu Thawng, Thomas Van Thiang Bik, and Van Bawi Bik were released after being kept in Hakha police lock-up since 4 February (see more details on 4 February 2021 below).

Banging pots and pans in protest against the military coup at 8pm continued.

10 February 2021 – Thousands of people joined the peaceful public marches across Chin State, including Rezua town. Government employees including GAD staff, health workers, school teachers and university tutors/professors as well as religious leaders participated in the demonstrations.

Banging pots and pans in protest against the military coup at 8pm continued.

Over 100 government employees of District and Township General Administration Departments in Hakha joined ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’ this morning.

Trucks of soldiers are stationed at main junctions in Kalaymyo, blocking access to major places. Peaceful marches take place.

Ci Ling (see updates on 4 February below) is likely to be sent to Kalaymyo for signing necessary documents after the completion of his eight-day sentence which started on 4 February.

9 February 2021 – Six Chin student leaders (two males and four females) were arrested in Ann, Rakhine State and charged with Article 25 of Natural Disaster Management Law, namely:

Mai Yadanar Aung, 21, female
Mai Tin Cho Cho Htwe, female
Maung Myo Aung Cho, male
Soe Kalyar Htun, female
Mai Mary, female
Salai Min Htaik Aung, male

In Sami town, Paletwa Township, soldiers opened fire in an attempt to stop the casserole protest as people including IDPs banged pots and pans at 8pm. Soldiers were seen patrolling the town.

In Kalaymyo, Sagaing Region, troops reportedly arrived by flight and trucks of troops were seen being stationed at main junctions. At night, soldiers patrolled the town by truck announcing the imposition of security and movement restrictions (under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure).

Peaceful public marches continued in Tedim, Falam, Hakha, Thantlang, Mindat, and Matupi, and started in Kanpetlet, Tonzang and Paletwa

In Hakha, an estimated population of about 70,000 peacefully walked along the main road from Ral Hmung football ground to Carson Hall, carrying placards and chanting slogans. Slogans chanted included:

Immediate release of those still being detained including Chin State parliament speaker and vice speaker, and two State Ministers as well as political prisoners
No to the military coup and those associating with Tatmadaw
Encouragement and support of government employees joining ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’
Demand for federal democracy
Shouting ‘People’s Police’ in front of police forces and police station in Hakha

Doctors, nurses and health staff, mostly those who join ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’ and go on strike, in cooperation with church and community leaders started providing free healthcare services at a newly rented place in Hakha today.

Ci Ling who was arrested (see updates on 4 February below) by the police in Hakha is still detained and is reportedly likely to be sent to Kalaymyo.

Local sources confirmed that some State Ministers were not allowed to leave the Minister’s residence despite the order to leave by 5th February and that they are still kept at the Minister’s residence.

Zo Bawi, the Speaker of Chin State parliament; Soe Htet, State Minister for Electricity and Municipal Affairs; Phyay Ar, State Minister for Immigration and Human Resources; and Taik Thang, Vice Speaker of Chin State parliament are still detained. No family members and outsiders are allowed to see them. Some pastors in Hakha said that they were not allowed to visit them for prayer either.

8 February 2021 – Peaceful public marches happen in Mindat, Thantlang and Matupi this morning. Later in the afternoon, thousands of people marched peacefully in Hakha, Falam, and Tedim.

An estimated 10,000 people including government employees, Christian leaders, women and elderly in Hakha carried placards and chanted slogans including the demand for the immediate release of State parliament speaker, vice speaker and two State ministers still being detained.

In Hakha, all the shops were closed from 2pm to 5pm in protest against the military coup.

7 February 2021 – Internet shutdown continued but was restored at about 2:30pm. Thousands organized peaceful and silent public marches in Hakha (estimated to be over 3,000 people) and Falam.

Pu Ngai Sak, a leading member of the Chin National League for Democracy, denied an offer of a high-ranking position by the military authorities.

6 February 2021 – All Internet access (MPT, Telenor, Ooredoo etc) was shut down. Phone communication was not cut off.

The casserole protest by banging pots and pans at 8pm continued in Chin State.

5 February 2021 – At least three Chin individuals denied offers of high-ranking positions by the military authorities.

The casserole protest by banging pots and pans at 8pm continued in Chin State.

Chin communities across the world banged pots and pans online in protest against the military coup in Myanmar.

4 February 2021 – A man, identified as Ci Ling, 66, living in Keisih area of Hakha was taken into police custody last night while he was watching people banging pots and pans in front of his house. He was accused of ‘disturbing the neighborhood’ by the police. Other three, namely Levi Thian Ceu Thawng (Male),
Thomas Van Thiang Bik (Male), and Van Bawi Bik (Male) were also arrested.

A group of over 20 youths went to the Hakha Police Station and demanded his immediate release. The police said that he would be fined 50 Kyats and would be released in the morning the following day.

When asked why they arrested only him while the whole city was joining the night clanking, the police said that he was the only one they could catch as other residents ran away and that they were not allowed to arrest people inside their houses.

In Thantlang, a local youth was confronted and asked to stop banging pots and pans at night by police and security forces patrolling the town, which is about 20 miles away from Hakha.

Facebook is down for some users while others can still get access to it until the morning.

Zo Bawi, the Speaker of Chin State parliament; Soe Htet, State Minister for Electricity and Municipal Affairs; Phyay Ar, State Minister for Immigration and Human Resources; and Taik Thang, Vice Speaker of Chin State parliament are still detained while other State Ministers including the chief minister were released.

Doctors and nurses in Tonzang and Thantlang General Hospitals join the ‘civil disobedience’ movement later today.

3 February 2021 – Doctors in Hakha General Hospital, Tedim General Hospital and Falam General Hospital walk out and go on strike.

Meanwhile, the Khumi Media Group said that the months-long internet shutdown following the conflict between Tatmadaw and Arakan Army has been lifted since this morning.

As of this morning, the Chin State parliament speaker and two other State ministers have not been released, according to local sources.

In joining the ‘civil disobedience’ movement, the clanking of pots and pans in protest against the military takeover of Myanmar’s government started in Keisih Ward, Hakha at night.

2 February 2021 – The military met with religious leaders including Bishop Lucius Hre Kung, Roman Catholic leader of Hakha Diocese; and Rev. Dr. Stephen Lian Hup Ling, president of the Hakha Christian Ministers’ Fellowship and the senior pastor of Hakha Baptist Church around 3pm.

In the list of 11 selected chairpersons of the State/Region Administrative Council announced yesterday by the Tatmadaw is Terence San Mawi Nikhuai for Chin State. Originally from Lumte village, Falam Township, he was serving as Judge of the High Court of Chin State.

1 February 2021 – As part of Tatmadaw’s staging a coup, Chin State also faced phone lines and internet connections cut off on Monday while the chief minister and other State ministers were taken away around 4am and kept in military custody.

One of the State ministers said that they were taken to the military base on Mount Rung and were freed in the evening with an instruction given to all of them not to travel anywhere within the next few days.

Sources confirmed that all the current State ministers were briefed to return all government facilities including vehicles, submit all documents to relevant authorities and evacuate their current residences by 4 February.

Hakha residents said that they were worried because they saw a line of trucks with uniformed soldiers near the State government building, near the ministers’ residential areas and at road junctions at night.

The unexpected activities of Tatmadaw have left civilians panicked and worried for the future as they stockpile food items while others were queueing up for hours for the banks to withdraw cash for emergency purposes.

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