Note: Each paragraph is a brief separate news piece
1 July 2024 –
The Brigade 1 of the Matupi-based local defense group issued a letter saying that they would work to restore Matupi town and ensure security following the takeover of the SAC military outposts of LIB 140 and IB 304 on 29 June by members of the Chin Brotherhood (CB) and their alliances. The attacks started on 9 June.
Chin youths in Japan and South Korea urged the Chinland Council and the Chin Brotherhood to meet and find a peaceful solution to fight against SAC forces for the betterment of Chin communities. “… we definitely believe that the solution can be found through meetings and discussions on the table. In order to prevent further problems from happening, the Chinland Council and Chin Brotherhood must ensure that all Chin nationals can get freedom from the military dictatorship as early as possible, and have the right to self-determination, being able to create their own destination, looking ahead to the construction of a federal democracy; we urged you … to rather meet and discuss on the table in a peaceful way, and to find a joint solution by building mutual trust.”
In America, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization called Hope for Tomorrow organized the first Chin traditional basket weaving course on 21-22 June with the support of Traditional Arts Indiana. (https://www.hopefortomorrowusa.org/)
In Tedim town, some IDPs who had fled to Kalay Town of Sagaing Region following the attacks between SAC forces and local defense groups on 27 May managed to return home starting from 1st July. It was reported that some schools were re-opened. “After the reopening of Taingen Road, the number of returnees are increasing day by day. On Sunday, some congregations also held worship services; almost all of them have returned to Tedim town, except for those whose houses were completely destroyed,” said a local Tedim resident. SAC forces burned down over 60 civilian houses following the 27 May clashes in the town.
2 July 2024 –
The CDF-KKG (Chin Defense Force-Kalay Kabaw and Gangaw) commemorated the third year of its formation on 1 July to fight against SAC forces. The president of the group said that 41 members had given their lives in this revolutionary journey. The group was formed by members of multi-ethnic and religious communities living in the areas of Kalay, Kabaw and Gangaw in Sagaing Region following the 2021 attempted coup.
In Mizoram State, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) seized 57 barrels of fuels (diesel) being “illegally” transported towards Rakhine State via Paletwa Township of Chin State. It was believed that the fuels were connected with the Arakan Army.
3 July 2024 – The Kalay-Tamu road reopened after a closure of over a year late last month, bringing the bus fare down from 300,000 Kyat per seat to 100,000 Kyat. A local resident told Zalen that it would no longer be necessary to go from Kuin road since the main road of Kalay-Tamu had reopened. The Patha SAC military security gate on Tamu-Khampat road, which had been closed for over a year, was reopened on 22 June 2024, and part of Tamu-Kalay-Doe-wai road was also reopened 28 June 2024. “Even though part of the Tamu-Kalay road has been reopened, the price of basic commodities and goods in Tamu is still increasing.”
In Kalay town, the price of flight tickets from Kalay to Yangon increased from 425,000 Kyat to 450,000 Kyat in recent days. Due to the ongoing conflict, residents in Kalay town of Sagaing Region used flights more than car to travel to Mandalay or Yangon. “The price went up 5 days ago. The price goes up often and we have to sell the air ticket price as they have set,” said a ticket sales agent. “It has become quite difficult and challenging for local residents to travel by air due to this high price.” The flight fare between Kalay to Yangon used to be less than 1.5 lakh Kyat before the coup in 2021.
In Matupi township, at least 104 cases (46 males and 58 females) of Malaria were found this year, according to CHRO’s data. It is reported that children and local defense group members who have been staying in forests and jungles were more infected. “In order to avoid such malaria diseases, it is important to sleep with mosquito nets even if it is hot in the area. But if they keep on sleeping without mosquito nets, there will be many more death cases from malaria, or even if they do not die, they will not become the kind of people who have normal healthy lives anymore, so it is necessary and important to always sleep with mosquito nets,” said a local CDF. In 2023, there were 8 cases, with 5 males and 3 females in Chin State.
In America, the Chin Baptist Churches in USA (CBCUSA) organized a meeting between Chin and Mizo religious and civil organizations on 3 July 2024 to discuss the current issues in Chin State. It was attended by members of CBC USA, of the Chin Baptist Association of North America (CBANA), of the Zomi Baptist Church of America (ZBCA), of the Mizo religious organization, of the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM), of the Central Mizo Youth Association (CYMA) and the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP). CBCUSA said, “This evening, religious and civil organizations from the Mizoram side and American Chin religious groups met in our theater. We discussed the difficulties and conflicts we are currently facing in our state to find peace and work together. Although we could not make a decision, it was a meeting to initiate peace.”
In Tamu, an 8-year-old boy named Maung Tha Cho was killed when an unexploded bomb that he picked up accidentally exploded while playing in Tamu, Kalay Township, Sagaing Region on 3 July. “A bomb was picked up from the field. As the bomb exploded while he was playing, the boy died on the spot,” said a local resident.
4 July 2024 –
In Rezua, landslides caused by heavy rains for several days destroyed roads connecting to Rezua of Zotung region in Matupi Township, making it difficult to travel to and from the town. “Continuing repairs will cost 100 lakh Myanmar Kyats and maintenance is estimated to be more than 150 lakh Myanmar Kyats. But, if there is no fund, it will be difficult to continue to maintain it. But it will depend on the fund,” said Salai Thomas, who is in charge of road maintenance at the Zotung Federal Council. Rezua has been under the control of local administration and defense groups since last year.
In Chin State, power outages happened because of faults in the Ontaw-Ngaung Pin Gyi electric line (230 KV), affecting areas such as Pakokku, Gangaw, and cities on the west bank of Monywa, Kalay Township and part of Chin State. An official from the Chin State Electricity Department stated on his social media page, saying: “Prepare to collect alternative electric sources and firewood in advance for the power outage which may last for days.” Previously, the similar incident happened from 29 June to 1 July due to a line fault.
5 July 2024 –
In Chin State, a convoy of six SAC military vehicles carrying troops were seen going up towards Chin State from Kalay Town, Sagaing Region. The local defense groups announced that the Kalay-Taingen road would be closed and warned people not to travel using the Kalay-Taingen road until further notice.
In Tamu Township, a couple living in Kuntaung village were found dead after having been missing over the past three days. The husband was found with a gunshot wound in his forehead and his wife with a gunshot wound in her body near the trash can in Chaung Nat Gyi Ward (Myoma- 14), Tamu Town. “They went shopping in Tamu. The family got worried as they both did not return so they searched all over the place. Their bodies were found next to a trash can. I do not know why they were killed. We don’t know who killed them and why,” a person close to the family told Zalen. The couple are survived by three children. The residents said that Chaung Nat Gyi Ward in Tamu (Myoma- 12, 13 and 14) is the area where followers of Pyusawhti’s leader Pache Chian Myah are active.
In Tamu Town, two men from the market town were killed by unknown people in the last three days. It is reported that they went out for fishing and were arrested by the unknown armed men in Pyidawtha Ward, Tamu City. Locals said that their dead bodies were near U Mya Than plantation in Chaung Nat Gyi Ward, Tamu Township (Myoma- 14) on 5 July.
In Mualpi of Tedim Township, a young girl was reported to be raped by SAC soldiers in the village between Kalay and Taingen. Local residents said that the SAC troops who had marched from Kalay town took positions in the village of Mualpi. They said that two women managed to escape while the SAC soldiers entered the house nearby where they were taking position and tried to rape them. The little girl present in the house was then raped. “The SAC soldiers were stationed near the girl’s house. The SAC troops entered the house in a group and tried to rape them. The two women ran away in a scuffle. Now, the girl is about 15 or 16 years old.”
6 July 2024 –
In Matupi Township at around 10:00am, a CDM teacher identified as U Khaung Boi, from Kala (locally called Koela) village ran over a landmine on a motorbike during his way to the village to pick up some supply items, damaging his vehicle, and injuring his right leg and arm. He is a member of the Matupi Township Board of Education and is currently receiving medical treatment.
In Chin State, an increasing number of cases related to malaria, influenza and diarrhea are found. It is reported that malaria cases are increasing in Paletwa Township and Matupi Township, and malaria patients are at risk of death due to difficulty in purchasing medicines and insufficient health care. “If we check with the malaria test equipment in the village, about 1 in every 3 people have got malaria. There is no medicine for the patients who are diagnosed with the disease. There is no medicine to buy either. The lack of medicine and the lack of timely treatment have resulted in deaths,” said a Paletwa resident. Cases related to diarrhea are found in Mindat Township. It is reported that the disease has not been cured and the outbreak is still ongoing. “The health teams are also going to the field and providing medical treatment. But, it is still occurring and happening. The speed has slowed down. The whole village was infected but now there are only four or five people who are still infected in each village,” said a local Mindat resident. It is reported that in the last week of June in Kanpetlet Township, about 150 people from three villages were sick with flu and were receiving emergency medical treatment. “Patients in almost the entire village are sick and vomiting. Medicines and health care activities are needed in the village. We have to help them as much as we can,” said a health worker in Kanpetlet Township.
In Matupi town, the CDF Matupi Brigade 1 reported that 13 prisoners including 2 political prisoners who had been sentenced to life imprisonment by SAC had been freed reportedly on 29 June. They were saved from SAC’s prison when the town was taken over by the local defense groups. According to the statement issued on 6 June 2024 by CDF-Matupi, the SAC moved the detained prisoners from Matupi’s police station to LIB 140 base. It was reported that they were forced to carry the wounded SAC soldiers by the SAC troops during the attacks.
7 July 2024 –
In Kalay town, an event to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the July 7 Uprising was organized where CDM teachers gave speeches. The July 7 uprising in Burma/Myanmar was a student protest against the military regime of General Ne Win that took place on 7 July 1962. Soldiers led by Lieutenant-Colonel Sein Lwin shot unarmed students, killing at least 16 students, injuring 86 and arresting over 6,000 in the aftermath.
In Mindat Town, SAC forces at LIB 274 dropped bombs using four drones at about 10:00am, reportedly injuring at least three civilians who live in the garden of Maung Chaung. A local resident said: “I do not know the exact number of shots and bombs, but it seems there were a lot of them. They fired at us with heavy weapons like twice. Three persons were injured and the injured people were sent to the nearby hospital. Among the injured people, one was hit in the face, another one in the neck, and the final one in the leg.”
In Mindat Township, SAC forces bombed a house on the banks of Mong Creek in District No. 3 in Mindat Township, injuring 3 people.
In Tamu town, a non-CDM nurse went missing in Chaung Nat Gyi Ward (Myoma-13) as she was trying to visit a patient on 7 July. “She used to work at Saya San Clinic. Due to the instability of the region, the Tamu Township Health Department ordered the health workers from the upper Tamu region to join the hospital. She is renting a house in Myoma-14 wards. She left that day saying that she was going to treat a patient. At night, the family tried to call her but her phone was not working. The family does not know whether she is dead or alive.”
In Matupi Township, two civilians were injured after they stepped on landmines in the villages of Valangte and Kala at about 2pm and 4pm on separate locations. U Tui Moe, a Valangte villager was walking to the village and stepped on a landmine planted in a soccer field, injuring both legs. Another victim ran over a landmine with his motorcycle between the new Kala and the old Kala villages where his motorcycle was damaged and his left foot was broken.
In Gangaw town, Generation Z Army captured a 23-year-old SAC policeman named Ye Htet Myat alive on 7 July when he was taking a bath in a river port in the town of Magway Region. GZA said that G3-1, 1 box of ammunition and 12 rounds of 7.62 (6.3) cartridges were seized together with him.
8 July 2024 –
In Matupi Township, about 2,000 new IDPs fleeing their homes in Matupi Town and other six villages following fresh conflict taking place in the area are in urgent need of food and medical support. “As they live in the jungle and mountain areas, they need shelter and mats to sit on. And the IDPs have flu and malaria, so they need medicines,” said an IDP official. “They have not received any support from any organization except for the support of the people from the nearby villages,” said a local resident.
In Matupi Township, a civilian was seriously injured as he stepped on a landmine reportedly laid in the area by AA soldiers (Arakan Army). “A villager was seriously injured today due to AA’s landmines. AA also planted landmines in the surrounding area. Three civilians were also arrested and one civilian was shot and wounded,” said a local villager.
In Matupi Township, a dead body identified to be a man/male was found in Lemro river near Matu village. Local residents said that he was wearing a bright orange jacket. “Though I found the dead body. I did not dare to look at the body right away because I was afraid. We do not hear any news about people gone missing in the village,” said a local resident.
9 July 2024 –
In Letpanchaung of Sagaing Region, three children who were studying at school were injured when SAC forces launched heavy weapons into the village at about 11:30am on 9 July. Some civilian houses were also damaged. “The weapons fell about 5 times into the village. And as those weapons fell near the school dormitory, three school children were injured but there were no deaths,” said a local resident.
The Central Military Headquarters of the Yaw Defense Force (YDF) issued a statement on 9 July regarding the arrest of two YDF soldiers by the Chin National Army (CNA). The CNA said that they were arrested on 7 July in the village of Yaungnat between Matupi and Gangaw townships. CNA/CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni said: “We are temporarily detaining them because we have questions to ask. We have invited them to negotiate with their senior members. We will arrange the meeting as soon as possible. It is not a big deal. There are no grudges or anything as we all are revolutionaries.”
In Mindat Township, Salai Van Ceu Sang, a soldier of the Chin Defense Force from Mindat Township, died of malaria on 9 July. The incident happened when he went to his village to take a short break because of his illness. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.
In Htilin town, a group of local defense forces attacked SAC soldiers, police and Pyosawhti (pro-military militias) stationed in the town of Htilin, using drones on 9 July. The attack was led by YRA in cooperation with Battalion-18 of Gangaw District and Pakapa defense forces.
In Magway Region, ten groups of Chin Defense Force (Asho) and the Irrawaddy People’s Defense Force ambushed an SAC military unit on foot in Hming Sein village of Ngaphe Township on 9 July. “What we saw first hand was that five SAC soldiers were dead but they only had 3 guns. One of the dead soldiers was so close to the SAC camp that we could not pick up his gun. A day after the shooting, we were informed that it was an officer,” said a CDF (Asho) officer Salai Ro Chin.
10 July 2024 –
In Mindat Township, SAC forces launched airstrikes using three jet fighters, dropping at least eight times on civilian places such as 9 miles, 14 miles, and 16 miles west of Mindat town at about 11am. “The sound is very loud. It seems the sound is so close to us. We have not heard of any damage yet. There are people working in the mountains there,” said a local villager.
In Mindat Town, SAC forces at LIB 274 fired heavy weapons at least four times at about 10am on the connecting road between Mindat and Kyaukhtu in Magway Region, destroying IDP school classrooms in Chaung village. A local resident said, “One fell at the intersection of the village, and the school classroom built by the IDP was destroyed. No one was harmed. There is no longer a room for the teachers.”
11 July 2024 –
In Kalay Township, SAC forces fired heavy weapons at around 9:30 p.m in Letpanchaung village located in the northwest of the township in Sagaing Region on 11 July, destroying a church building (the Seventh-Day Adventist Church) and injuring two civilians. “The house that was hit by a heavy weapon is unoccupied. The two civilians who were near the explosion area were hit by pieces of exploded bombs,” said a local resident.
In Kalay Town, SAC visited and inspected houses in Taungphila and Aungthitsar Wards on 11 July, checking household registry lists and arresting youths and middle-aged individuals. “These days, SAC military vehicles keep coming into the area. I heard that the houses were raided in Taungphila yesterday. Some young members were also arrested and it is said that at least five people in Aungthitsar were included,” said a local resident.
On 11 July 24, SAC military tactical command of LIB 274 based in Mindat Township, Chin State shot heavy artillery 5 times which caused some of the IDP houses to be damaged around local IDP camp areas.
12 July 2024 –
In Homalin Town, prices of goods have risen due to the floods affecting the town in the upper area of Sagaing Region. “Homalin has been flooded for over a week and it has not receded yet. All the roads are not convenient to go to. A bag of rice costs over 160,000 Kyats, 1,000 Kyats for an egg, and potatoes, tomatoes and onions cost more than 10,000 Kyats per kg. Small bottles of cooking oil are over 4,000 kyats. At the same time, I cannot go to work because of the flood though the goods were imported by plane. Generally, the price is very high,” a local resident told Zalen. In the past, a bag of rice was 120,000 Kyats and the price of potatoes, tomatoes and onions was 6,000 Kyats per kg.
In Kalay Town, SAC continued inspecting houses in part of the town. In the afternoon of 12 July, many SAC soldiers were seen in the compound of Kalay airport. And security measures at SAC military checkpoints across the town have been tightened as they conduct random checks and inspections.
In Mizoram State, the women’s department of the Chin Baptist Churches in USA (CBCUSA) donated 9,000USD on 12 July to Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) to fight against drugs in the Indian State.
In Matupi Township, Salai Van Ceu Hnin, Deputy Sergeant of the Chinland Defense Force (Zophei), died after having stepped on a landmine laid by SAC forces while fighting in the front line of an operation in the southern township of Chin State.
In Tamu Town, a landmine planted by SAC soldiers in Sawbwar No. 5 Ward in the town killed one man and injured one woman when they stepped on it on their way to see their home on 12 July. The husband died on the spot while the wife was injured and taken to Tamu hospital. “Near the Denko gas station in Saw Bwar No. 5 Ward, there is often an armed conflict between the SAC and the revolutionary forces. In the beginning of this year, two young men were injured when they drove their motorcycles through a landmine that was planted by the SAC troops.”
The Chinland Defense Force (Daai) withdrew from their membership with the Chinland Council by sending a resignation letter on 12 July. The letter indicated that they wanted to focus on strengthening the consolidation of the Daai tribes currently living in the four townships of Mindat, Mautpi, Paletwa and Kanpetlet.
In Hakha and Falam Townships, SAC announced on 11 and 12 July respectively that local residents should abide by the new motorcycle rules that do not allow two adult men sharing one motorbike. The announcement said: “When riding a motorcycle, a woman is allowed to ride behind a man and two women are allowed to ride on one motorcycle….. Those who disobey this announcement and refuse to comply with the rules will be severely punished.”
In Kalay Town, new troop reinforcements, estimated to be over 200 soldiers, were sent into the town using a Y-8 military transport aircraft (5919) that was seen landing in Kalay Airport at least three times on 12 July. A local resident was quoted as saying that they seemed to be newly trained SAC soldiers, adding: “The newly trained soldiers wore green uniforms last time, but they were wearing commando uniforms this time. Obviously, they[SAC] have increased their military strength in Kalay Town.”
13 July 2024 –
On 13 July, Three villagers (1 old man and 2 old women) were arrested by the Arakan Army (AA) at Aung Baung Wai village, Paletwa Township. At the same time, one of the local members said that AA had arrested 18 villagers since 11 July 24.
In Mindat Town, SAC military tactical command of LIB 274 based in the town used drone attacks around the city on 13 July.
In Mizoram State, a local resident of Champhai Town identified as Lalrintluanga was arrested at the checkpoint in Khawzawl Town with 115.55 kilograms of illegal drugs. There are 106 packages of heroin seized and it is the largest amount of heroin seized in the history of Mizoram, it is reported.
14 July 2024 –
In Matupi Township, an IDP father of five children died of both kidney and stomach issues on 14 July. The main reason ascribed to his untimely death was mainly because of lack of medicines and medical services in the village where he and his family members were taking a shelter. Pa Sang and his family fled from Longvan Ward of Matupi Town to Leisin village following planned clashes in the town.
In Mizoram State, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) seized two vehicles, known to be coordinated by the Arakan Army, full of barrels of fuel (diesel) at a checkgate in Diltlang village of Lawngtlai District on 15 July while on their way towards Rakhine State of Burma/Myanmar. Since late June, the CYLA restricted transportation of fuels, oils and other commodities from Lawngtlai areas into Rakhine State via Paletwa Township of Chin State.
16 July 2024 –
In Kalay Town, SAC soldiers have been patrolling different Wards in at least three armored vehicles and using drones for weeks under the guise of providing security in the Town. In addition, they conducted house-to-house searches in some parts of Kalay Town and checked family registry records where some people were arrested. And motorcycle licenses were also checked on the road and some were mistreated and asked for money illegally.
In Falam Township, a Lance Corporal named Moe Zet (personal no. Tah: 384843) of SAC forces from LIB 268 Battalion stationed in the town surrendered himself to the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) together with weapons and ammunition (one MA-4, 4 magazines, 120 rounds of ammunition and 14 bombs of 40mm). CNDF announced that he was given 80 lakh Kyats as the financial reward and sent to a safe place.
In Falam Township, the Chin National Army and Chinland Defense Force (Hualngoram) seized 76 bags of heroin and 520,000 Indian Rupees from two men at the border check gate of India-Myanmar, Chin State on 16 July.
17 July 2024 –
In Mindat Township, SAC forces launched airstrikes at about 12:19am midnight in the area called ‘Circuit 12’ on 17 July, killing one village and injuring another. It was reported that a monastery school was damaged.
In Thantlang Township, the 4th People’s Police Training organized by the Thantlang Council of the Chinland Defense Force came to an end with 50 trainees completing the two-week sessions on 17 July. “They are trained in police procedures so that they can have good relations with the public and will be able to work in the field of public administration. The training was given by CDM police officers,” said a CDF-Thantlang police officer.
18 July 2024 –
In Mizoram State, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) seized 24 barrels of fuels (diesel) at the checkpoint of Diltlang village of Lawngtlai District.
In Paletwa Township, the Arakan Army (AA) released three elderly Chin villagers, named U Aung Kya, 60, his wife Daw Hwaih Kya, 50, and Daw Paik Nwaih, 50, on 18 July after having detained them since 11 July. They were arrested while on their way to buy food items in Kan Lar Wa village by AA members based in Aukbaungwe village.
In Mizoram State, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) held a meeting yesterday on 18 July and decided to permit transportation of basic food items in Lawngtlai District into Burma/Myanmar. It said that transportation of fuel was still restricted.
In Kanpetlet Township, Lance Corporal Kui Ling, an SAC police officer stationed in Myoma Police Station in Kanpetlet town surrendered himself to the Chinland Defense Force (Kanpetlet) with a BA-63, 30 rounds of ammunition, two magazines and a mobile phone on 18 July.
In Mindat Township, one civilian killed, another one civilian injured and one Buddhist Temple destroyed after SAC used airstrike attack in the township on 18 July.
20 July 2024 –
In Hakha Town, the Chinland Defense Force (Hakha) as part of the Rung Operation attacked the Hakha Police Station in the town at about 5:30am on 20 July. It was allegedly reported that four policemen were killed while many others were injured, and that some weapons and ammunition were seized. The attacks resulted in 62 political prisoners (49 men and 13 women) being able to escape from the Hakha Police Station prison.
22 July 2024 –
In Mizoram State, the Chin Relief Committee Mizoram (CRCM) based in Aizawl donated 10,000 Indian Rupees on 22 July to the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) in support of their current activities of investigating, inspecting and stopping illegal transportation of petrol and diesel by the Arakan Army.
The Chinland Council said that three SAC outposts between Hakha and Thantlang towns were taken over in the morning of 22 July. Salai Htet Ni said: “The remaining other bases are also being ambushed and attacked. The fighting between the two sides intensified because SAC forces from Hakha Town assisted their soldiers with many heavy weapons. Yesterday at around 8:00 p.m., some of the heavy weapons fired by SAC troops from Hakha fell in the villages of Kuhchah, Congthia and Phaikhua villages. Fortunately, no one was injured.”
Salai Ram Hei Mang, a CDF (Zophei) soldier, died in the fighting against SAC forces between Hakha and Thantlang towns on 22 July. The Chinland Defense Force (Zophei) said that he gave his life for the people and the country in the battle of Lungkhar Hill as they honored the fallen hero.
23 July 2024 –
In Malaysia, the sharp rise in exchange rates between Myanmar Kyat and Malaysian Ringgit has affected Chin refugees currently staying in the Southeast Asian country. On 23 July, one Malaysian Ringgit is equivalent to 1,100 Myanmar Kyat. “Before the military coup in 2021, the rate of one Malaysian ringgit was between 300 and 400 Myanmar Kyats, but now one Malaysian ringgit is 1,100 Myanmar Kyats,” said a Chin refugee in Kuala Lumpur.
In Paletwa Township, the Kimo Media reported that about 150 people from five different villages in the area of Palat Chaung in Paletwa Township who have fled to surrounding villages of Sami Town since late May have been in urgent need of humanitarian assistance including medical support. “Members of the Arakan Army often enter villages, examine residents and arrest some of them. Therefore, the villagers are afraid and fleeing to other places like this.” The IDPs are from the villages of Baung Wei, Baung Kone, Twee Kin Wa, Kan Lar Wa and other places.
24 July 2024 –
In Hakha Town, the SAC’s court building was burnt down to ashes when the fire broke out at about 1pm on 24 July. No casualties were reported.
SAC forces dropped several bombs on various locations between Hakha and Thantlang Towns using jet fighters at about 3:30pm on 24 July. Fighting continued.
Due to ongoing attacks in Mindat town, communities have been displaced to Saw in the Magway region.
Fresh clashes have erupted between local defense forces and the SAC in Thantlang, forcing an estimated 120 households (over 3,000 villagers from six villages) from two villages to seek safer locations. Last week, a series of heavy clashes between local defense groups and SAC soldiers took place in locations between Hakha and Thantlang towns, where SAC launched heavy artillery, driving residents of Kuhchah, Phaikhua and Congthia villages in Thantlang Township into nearby villages for hiding. 2 houses destroyed in Kuhchah village after 4 heavy bombs landed in the area. The clashes still continue.
Residents in Paletwa Township faced challenges in receiving and transferring funds after the occupation of the areas by the Arakan Army that have suspended all the SAC government banking systems. Limited use of KPay or WaveMoney services is available but with very high commission charges incurred.
25 July 2024 –
In Matupi Town, about 120 SAC soldiers and their family members fled to nearby places following the attacks that took over SAC’s Tactical Operations Command base in the town, according to the Chin Brotherhood on 17 July. “SAC soldiers and their families who fled after two-hour fighting were now arrested again,” said the CB officials on 25 July. Some SAC soldiers who managed to escape during the attacks were arrested in Mindat Township, 30 kilometers away from Matupi Town.
In Thantlang Town, one SAC soldier and one policeman surrendered themselves to the Chinland Defense Force (Thantlang) on 25 July with one MA-2, one G3, 8 magazines, 185 rounds of ammunition, one grenade, two 40mm and one bulletproof vest. They were given a financial reward of 50 lakh Kyats each. “The Tilim Operation-4 is being carried out and we will always keep the door open for anyone who wants to join with the people and at the same time, they will be well taken care of until they reach a safe place,” the CDF-Thantlang said in a statement.
In Mizoram State, the Zokhawthar-Rih road that connects the two States of Chin and Mizo is temporarily closed as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) teams are planning to visit the Indian border town to inspect the “illegal” trading of betel nuts from Myanmar and related tax issues. “As the road has been closed since this morning, we cannot leave from here, and we cannot enter from the Myanmar side either. Mainly, I heard that border road users do not pay much tax. And I heard that the Myanmar side is also investigating cases of betel nut imports,” said a Chin resident in Zokhawthar. The border road is currently relied on by the Mizo people near the border, including the Chin people. Last 2024 in April, the Assam Rifles blocked the border trade route for 3 days under the pretext of the Indian National Assembly elections, causing hardship to people on both sides of the border.
27 July 2024 –
In Matupi Township, the People’s Administrative Committee in Matupi Township announced on 27 July that they would work together with the ICNCC (Interim Chin National Consultative Committee) and the Chin Brotherhood in the township. “The Matupi Township People’s Administrative Committee was established on 5-6 October 2022 and functioned until 5-6 October 2023. On 20 July 2024, it was re-established so that the community administrative work could continue. The July 20 meeting was attended by 43 members.
In Aizawl, leading members of the Chin National Front/Army (CNF/CNA) and Zomi Reunification Organisation/Army (ZRO/ZRA) held a meeting facilitated by the Zo Re-Unification Organization (ZORO) on 27 July. “Today’s meeting was very successful with eight leading members from CNF/CNA and five from ZRO/ZRA in attendance,”CNF Vice Chairman-1 Pu Thang Ning Kee told The Chin Post, adding that both parties agreed to hold further regular talks to promote peace and joint cooperation in the future.
28 July 2024 –
In Thantlang Town, local defense groups took over three SAC military outposts based on Auto Hill located between Hakha and Thantlang Towns in the morning of 28 July. Two SAC soldiers were captured alive, with weapons. The Chinland Council’s joint forces attacked the SAC’s stronghold camps based between the two towns starting from 22 July 2024, taking over six SAC outposts.
A Chin youth refugee charity group based in Sangau of Mizoram State donated 1,174,000 Kyats and 44,350 Rupees for the Tilim Operation-4 on 28 July. The operations took place between SAF forces and local defense groups in locations between Hakha and Thantlang towns.
29 July 2024 –
In Falam Town, a vehicle carrying Falam residents fleeing their homes following news of possible attacks in the town had an accident along the road, killing one passenger and injuring others. A local resident of Falam said: “It was an IDP car that was going to Kalay Town from Falam. The car accident took place on the way to Webula, killing one passenger and injuring several others.”
In Falam, SAC soldiers from LIB 268 based on the hill overlooking the town opened fire at night on 29 July. Because of unconfirmed news indicating possible attacks between the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) and SAC forces, about 60% of the population in the town (an estimated total population in Falam town before they fled was about 10,869) have fled to nearby villages and beyond.
29 July 2024 –
The Interim Maraland Council issued a statement on 29 July, urging the Arakan Army (AA) and the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) to withdraw their troops from places under IMC’s control and to stop smuggling drugs and human rights abuses inflicted upon local people. “AA and MDF have set up camps/bases in Lailenpi town and some villages in Mara area where they forced the villagers to work and to carry food without making any payment. Houses in towns and villages belonging to those who are accused of supporting CNA/CNF Mara were closed down. They also used village chiefs and villagers as human shields and ordered them to take further security for themselves,” the IMC said. “In addition, they smuggle drugs and alcohol independently into the areas of Mara. They also broke into the food storage house of CNA/CDF-Mara troops who are fighting SAC troops and stole 60 bags of rice.”
31 July 2024 –
In Kanpetlet Township, at least 88 government employees of the SAC departments in the township have joined the civil disobedience movement and the Township Public Administration, starting from early May this year. They are from various SAC departments, police stations, firefighters and township municipal offices.
SAC forces launched airstrikes on the main road between Mindat and Matupi towns in Mindat Township on 31 July, injuring one civilian and damaging two civilian houses. “In general, the SAC dropped bombs twice though there was no battle in the area. These days, the SAC drops bombs by air, using drones, and also shoots with heavy weapons, just like every day,” a local resident.
The End
