Note: Each paragraph is a separate piece of brief news compiled in date order.
1 October 2024 –
On 1 October, SAC forces burned down over 40 houses including a Buddhist temple and Christian Church in the west Ward of Mindat Town, Mindat township.
On 1 October at about 10 am, a shooting between SAC soldiers and local defence groups occurred near the Hakha Police Station in Hakha town during the census collection conducted by SAC personnel. “The census collection has been taken, but not every house. The collection takes place near the police station and a school. When they heard the gunshots, no one dared to go out,” said a Hakha resident.
On 1 October, CDF-Hualngoram (Chinland Defence Force) said that it strongly opposed the SAC’s census taking which was likely to take place from 1 to 15 October.
2 October 2024 –
On 2 October, the joint forces of Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police conducted a random check at a Tio river bridge in Zokhawthar, a border town connecting Mizoram State of India and Chin State of Myanmar, and seized guns and bullets from Mr. Thawng Cem, aged 36, originally from Hakha town, is currently taking temporary shelter in Zokhawthar.
On 2 October, CDF-Mara (Chinland Defence Force) made an announcement to the people in Mara areas not to participate in the census taking activities organized in preparation for the planned elections by SAC. Necessary actions may be taken against those participating in the areas, according to the announcement.
On 2 October 2024, CDF – Thantlang (Chinland Defence Force) reported that armed conflicts between SAC military and local defence groups continued in Thantlang town on a daily basis where the local groups attempted to occupy the town.
3 October 2024 –
On 3 October at around 3 am Tang Nang Suan Sum, aged 28, a Chin youth identified died after being stabbed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The incident happened while Mr Sum, originally from Tonzang township of Chin State, was coming back from work. His wallet and phone were taken. The perpetrators were not known yet.
On 3 October, joint forces of the Assam Rifles and the Siaha District Anti-Narcotics Department seized 1,980 grams of methamphetamine worth over 60 million rupees with two Myanmar nationals in New Siaha ward in Siaha town, Mizoram State of India, and they have been detained by the Anti- Narcotics Department for further action.
On 3 October, Betty San, a one-month-old girl from Valangte village, Matupi township, Chin State, died after delayed medical treatment. Her parents were denied passage through the Arakan Army checkpoint while trying to reach Latui village for treatment. By the time they got permission, the baby had brain swelling and passed away. Residents were frustrated by roadblocks and restrictions imposed by AA. Attempts to contact the group for comment went unanswered.
4 October 2024 –
On 4 October, SAC conducted a census in Kalay town, Sagaing Region, using non-CDMers. Residents reported that the questions were more extensive than expected, covering data related to education, house conditions, and employment, with children also interviewed. The SAC deployed about 40,000 personnel nationwide for the census, which will run until 15 October. SAC officials, including Brigadier General Aung Naing Oo and Kyaw Soe Tin, participated in the Kalay census.
On 4 October, Mr. Kam Lan Thang was arrested for participating in the SAC census in Tedim township, Chin State. “He was involved in an elderly group as well as in the SAC’s 2nd plan. Before 1 October, he was the first to preemptively conduct a household census under the pretext of inspecting electricity meters. He was also present during the official census,” said a local resident. PDF-Zoland (People’s Defence Force) stated that the same action would be taken against anyone who continued to participate in the census.
On 4 October, Chin National Army and its allies launched an offensive to capture Thantlang town, Chin State, leading to intense fighting throughout the day. The SAC responded by dropping over 60 bombs using jet fighters and Y12 aircraft and fired 122 mm heavy weapons from the Hakha side. Colonel Solomon of the Chin National Army stated that despite the airstrikes and casualties, they would continue fighting to take control of Thantlang town. Bombs were dropped at about 9 am, between 10 am and 11 am, and again at about 1 pm. There were casualties on both sides, but the SAC’s losses are still unknown. CDF-Zophei (Chinland Defence Force) confirmed the deaths of two soldiers: 19-year-old Salai Ram Hmun Thang of CDF-Zophei and Salai Tial Lian Thang of the Chin National Front from the Zophei area.
On 4 October, five jet fighters from Tada U Air Force carried out over twenty airstrikes inside of Thantlang town, Thantlang township at approximately 8:47 am, 9:20 am, 9:56 am, 10:17 am and 12:26 pm, dropping 500-pound bombs and smaller bombs. And, Y-12 Military Transport Aircraft from Tada U Air Force also dropped about sixty bombs inside of Thantlang town.
5 October 2024 –
On 5 October at about 10 am, SAC troops from LIB-274 reportedly set fire to two homes near Myo Oo Monastery in A Shih Pyin Ward in Mindat town, Chin State, and fired heavy weapons across the town. Regarding the incident, a local resident told Zalen: “We don’t know exactly whose houses were burned, but the SAC is continuously setting fire to homes in Mindat town. They are deliberately destroying them.”
On 5 October, a MiG-29 jet fighter from Meiktila Air Force conducted two airstrikes inside of Thantlang town, Thantlang Township.
On 5 October at approximately 9:30 am, artillery units from Kyaukhtu, Magway township, utilized drones for three reconnaissance missions near Mindat town. Following these drone operations, heavy weaponry was used to shell Pansan village, located within Mindat township, where civilians reside. The extent of the damage remains undetermined due to disrupted phone lines.
On 5 October at around 12 pm – 1 pm, SAC’s jet fighter bombed the Pagoda Square in Yae Shin Ma village, Gangaw township, Magway Region, killing a 43-year-old man. A local resident said: “There was no fighting here. They dropped bombs twice.”
On 5 October, SAC troops used heavy construction machinery (JCB brand) to destroy two canal culvert bridges at the western entrance of Kalay town, blocking transport between Sekhan village and the Kalay industrial zone. The road closure affected nearby villages including Htuma, Thayakone, Htohkyan, Natchuang, Natmaung, and Tintha. While vehicles were blocked, bikes and rickshaws could still pass. A local resident said: “The action was intended to disrupt Thadingyut Festival (the Lighting Festival of Myanmar) activities and isolate locals from nearby resistance groups.”
7 October 2024 –
On 7 October, Chin National Army and its allies seized CB Bank, a key SAC stronghold in Thantlang town, Chin State. Since launching Tilim Operation-4 on 22 July, they have captured around 10 SAC military outposts in Thantlang town, including between Hakha and Thantlang townships. Despite this, SAC forces remain entrenched, occupying the NLD office, Township Police Station, and GAD office, while continuing operations to secure their outposts.
On 7 October, SAC used a Y-12 Transport Aircraft to drop weapons, ammunition and supplies on the Tactical Command base at Mount Rung, Hakha town.
On 7 October, PDA-Tedim (People’s Defence Army), based in Tedim township, Chin State, announced the formation of the Tedim Township People’s Administrative Council. A meeting held from 23 to 28 September brought together 112 representatives from various regions to discuss development, economy, health, and public administration. All participants supported continued cooperation with the Chinland Council and the formation of a new council to implement effective public administration for local communities.
8 October 2024 –
On 8 October, a policeman in Hakha town, Chin State, surrendered to CDF-Hakha (Chinland Defence Force) with weapons and ammunition. CDF-Hakha welcomed him, provided financial rewards, and ensured his safety.
On 8 October 2024, CDF-Hakha reported that SAC reinforced approximately sixty soldiers to the Tactical Command base at Mount Rung in Hakha using a Mi-17, Transport Helicopter.
On 8 October, the Ministry of Education of the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Chinland Government signed an agreement to jointly implement a federal democratic education system. The agreement focuses on improving basic education, upgrading teacher training, and advancing higher and vocational education in Chin State. The NUG delegation was led by Dr. Zaw Wai Soe, Minister of Education and Health, while the Chinland Government delegation was headed by Chief Minister Pa Thang and included education sector officials.
9 October 2024 –
On 9 October, the SAC conducted airstrikes on Relsing village, Falam township, killing a resident and injuring two others.
On 9 October, the SAC launched airstrikes on Lungpi village in Falam township, deploying a jet fighter from Tada U Air Force. These strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including the death of a 57-year-old man and injuries to several children, as reported by the Chin National Organization/Chin National Defence Force (NCO/CNDF).
On 9 October, a Y-12 transport aircraft was used by SAC to air-drop weapons and supplies for their forces in Thantlang town. CNA successfully intercepted some of these airdropped items, which included ammunition, hand grenades, food, cigarettes, and firecrackers.
10 October 2024 –
On 10 October, SAC Y-12 aircraft dropped supplies twice for the SAC troops based in Kanpetlet town, Chin State. Local residents said they saw the supply being dropped but were not sure about the items. Communication lines are currently cut, and about 200 SAC soldiers are based in the town.
On 10 October at around 5:20 pm, SAC troops reportedly fired weapons six times at Letpanchaung village, Kalay town in Sagaing Region. One of the bombs hit and damaged a shop, while the others landed on the outskirts of the village. No civilian injuries were reported, according to a local resident.
On 10 October, Assam Rifles and the Mizoram Anti-Narcotics Department arrested two Myanmar nationals in separate operations. Rangzangena (aged 33) was caught in Zote village, Champhai District, with 7.36 kg of cannabis worth over 5 lakh rupees. Thang Mang Lian (aged 38) was arrested in Vengsang ward, Champhai District, with 90 lakh rupees in cash. Both are facing charges.
On 10 October, local defence groups carried out three drone strikes targeting SAC soldiers, police, Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) groups, and non-CDM staff conducting the census in Gangaw town, Magway Region. The attacks hit the SAC’s Immigration and Township General Offices, injuring two soldiers. Full details of the operation are still pending. A local resident also said that while the SAC’s subordinates were collecting the census, they heard that the LIB-50 was firing heavy weapons at nearby villages such as Laport and Saidu.
11 October 2024 –
On 11 October, the SAC removed about 10 roadside shops selling fruits and clothing along Bogyoke Road near the Regional Command Headquarters in Kalay town, Sagaing Region. The SAC has put up signboards at the shop locations reading: “No selling allowed. Legal action will be taken if sold”. A local resident said: “Before, people used to sell fruit along the roadside, but the number of shops gradually increased. There were rows of snack stalls, fruit vendors, and even readymade clothing shops. Now, all of them are gone.”
On 11 – 12 October, the Arakan Army (AA) and its allies reportedly set up two strategic fighting routes near the base of CDF-Kanpetlet Battalion-7. In an attempt to prevent clashes, the battalion asked the AA and CB to withdraw, but their request was rejected. Local residents are increasingly worried about the possibility of armed conflict, as tensions rise between the Arakan Army (AA), Chin Brotherhood (CB), and the CDF-Kanpetlet Battalion-7, which operates under the Chinland Council. A local resident said: “The situation is tense, and villagers are very concerned. Even though the village council is trying to mediate, the CB-aligned members refused to cooperate.”
12 October 2024 –
On 12 October, local residents reported that the Arakan Army (AA) has banned all travels in Paletwa township, Chin State, restricting both land and water transport since 9 October. The reason for the ban remains unclear. Locals are facing serious difficulties, especially in emergencies related to health and social issues. AA spokesperson U Khaing Thu Kha has not responded to requests for comment by local residents according to Zalen news.
On 12 October, Mr. Salai Ram Zel (aged 30), Chief of staff (CS) of Chinland Defence Forces-Thantlang, and a comrade from Battalion-4 were killed in heavy fighting in Thantlang town, Chin State, due to SAC’s artillery fire. Zel, a former leader of Thantlang Township Students’ Family and Chin Students’ Organization, was known for his integrity and leadership and left behind a wife and two children.
On 12 October, a man from Aukkla village was robbed and beaten by a group of eight unknown assailants while riding a motorcycle between Aung Myin and Khauk Khu villages in Gangaw township, Magway Region. The robbers stole his laptop, motorcycle, ring, and money.
On 12 October, Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) group set fire to the house of Mr. Ram Thang in Myoma-14, Chaung Nat Gyi Ward, Tamu town, Sagaing Region. According to a family member, no one was home at the time, and the reason for the attack is still unknown. No other houses were targeted.
On 12 October, Matupi township regional public administration group issued an appeal urging the CDF-Matupi Brigade 1 and 2 to continue negotiations for unity in Matupi township. The statement called for any new mediation efforts toward national unity to be accepted. It also allowed organizations promoting unity among revolutionary forces to operate freely, while permitting trade that supports livelihoods, except for drugs. The Chin Brotherhood and its alliance forces were urged to coordinate with local organizations using the Matupi-Paletwa road.
13 October 2024 –
On the night of 13 October, a SAC Y-12 Transport aircraft executed an airstrike on Thantlang town, deploying over fifty bombs. Concurrently, a jet fighter carried out an airstrike near Cawngthia village, also within Thantlang township.
On 13 October, Mizoram Police and Assam Rifles intercepted a Kenbo motorbike on the banks of the Tio River. The driver fled to Myanmar in fear. Upon inspection, authorities found 39,900 gelatin bomb detonators and several mobile phones. The motorbike and phones were seized, and an investigation is underway to identify and arrest the driver.
14 October 2024 –
On 14 October at around 3 pm, SAC forces launched an airstrike on Laport village in Gangaw township, Magway Region. The bombing damaged the rear of a three-story residential building and injured a 30-year-old woman. Two 250-pound bombs were dropped, one hitting a tamarind tree and damaging nearby houses. Following the attack, villagers fled to safer areas.
On 14 October at around 3:30 pm, SAC airstrikes hit Bo Gyung village in Gangaw township, Magway Region, injuring a 50-year-old man, wounding several others, killing a bull, and damaging multiple homes. Detailed reports on the casualties and damage are still pending. Earlier that day, another airstrike on Laport village injured three civilians and destroyed about 10 houses.
On 14 October at around 10 am, the Arakan Army (AA) abducted five male civilians (Aye Lun, Kyar Lung, Win Kyi, Cin Wat and Ma Nawh) from Wet Ma village in Paletwa township, Chin State, accusing them of supporting the CDF-Paletwa (Chinland Defence Force). They were taken by boat to a detention centre in Sami township.
On 14 October, SAC forces launched airstrikes in Thantlang town on 14 Oct 2024 at 12:16pm, 2:01pm and 2:05pm, with bombs dropped amid clashes.
15 October 2024 –
On 15 October, SAC used a jet fighter to conduct airstrikes inside Thantlang town as the fighting continued.
On 15 October, a 58-year-old woman was shot in the hand and head when SAC troops and Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) groups fired heavy weapons from their position near a bridge in Angteng village, Kalay township, Sagaing Region.
On 15 October, an operation by Assam Rifles and Mizoram Police in Zokhawthar, Champhai District, Mizoram State of India, led to the seizure of 47 grams of heroin worth 32 lakh rupees from a Myanmar national. The drugs were found in the luggage of Mrs.Van Neih Ce (aged 20), a resident of Kalay town, Sagaing Region, who was traveling in a taxi cab. Authorities also confiscated a phone and two SIM cards.
16 October 2024 –
On 16 October, CDF-Hakha (Chinland Defense Force) announced that people living in Hakha town, Chin State should not go out between 6 pm and 6 am due to ongoing military tensions.
On 16 October at around 8:15 pm, Mr. Salai Hong Shin Pe, aged 28, from Sun Taung village, Mindat township, Chin State, who was working in a farming area in Jeli District, Kelantan State, Malaysia, was attacked and killed by a tiger while preparing to cook after work. His body, with tiger bite wounds on both legs, was found the next morning in the forest. Local residents warned Myanmar migrant workers, who mostly stay in makeshift tents in the forest, to be cautious.
On 16 October at around 4:30 pm, SAC launched an airstrike near Nyaung and Ah Kyi Ban villages in Htilin township, Magway Region, injuring civilians and destroying property. A local resident told Zalen that about three civilians were reportedly injured, but details remain unclear due to phone line disruptions in the area.
On 16 October, a 53-year-old woman was hit and injured after SAC soldiers fired heavy weapons in Za Haw village in Gangaw township, Magway Region.
On 16 October, Mizoram Anti-Narcotics Bureau and Assam Rifles seized 323.17 grams of heroin from Mr. Zam Do Lian, aged 65, a Myanmar national currently residing in Bulfek village. The drugs were found in a field between Tlangsam village and Champhai town in Champhai District, Mizoram State, India.
On 16 October, two Yak-130 jet fighters from Tada U Air Force conducted an airstrike inside of Thantlang town with 500-pound bombs.
17 October 2024 –
On 17 October, CDF-Zotung (Chinland Defense Force ) announced that Mr. Salai Htun Mang, Deputy Battalion Commander and Salai Aalian, Platoon Commander gave their lives for our nations and people during the battle with SAC troops between Hakha and Thantang towns.
On 17-18 October, SAC police in Kalay township, Sagaing Region, stopped and arrested young people, who were on motorcycles in the town, for military conscription. Upon being detained, young individuals under and over the age of 18 are forced to pay fines or threatened to face detention and conscription.
On 17 October, the SAC utilized a Y-12 transport aircraft, typically used for training, transport, and parachuting, from Magway Air Force to conduct an airstrike within Thantlang town. This marks a shift in the aircraft’s deployment, as it is now being used for launching airstrikes.
18 October 2024 –
On 18 October, Mr. Salai Than Tun Hlaing, aged 31, from Pyi Lone Gyi village, Myauk U township, Rakhine State, was found dead under an overpass near Sein Kabar Supermarket in Johor, Malaysia. According to Chin people in Malaysia, his body had chest injuries and was bleeding from the nose. The police suspected that he was killed, but said that further confirmation would come after the medical examination. The funeral would take place once the results are released.
On 18 October, six young men were arrested in Kalay township of Sagaing Region, and SAC soldiers detained youths during the full moon day of Buddhist Lent.
Consecutively on 17 and 18 October 20214, the SAC also carried out military reinforcement and supplies in Kanpetlet and Mindat towns where the local defense forces were advancing to control the town.
19 October 2024 –
On 19 October, local residents reported that over 30,000 IDPs from four villages (Tet Hlaing, Si Par, Kywe Thay Chaung and Se Wa) in Budalin township, Sagaing Region, have been without food for more than two weeks since SAC troops entered Tethlaing, Si Par, Kywe Thay Chaung, and Se Wa villages, and burned down more than 20 houses on 16-18 October. The IDPs are now facing food shortages and seasonal illnesses. “Due to the cold weather in the area, the IDPs are in need of blankets, warm clothes and proper shelter,” said a member of the IDP group.
On 19 October at around 9:30 pm, SAC conducted multiple airstrikes near Vumm’tu Maung Park in eastern Mindat town, Chin State, dropping over 500-pound bombs more than five times. A local resident said that he witnessed the airstrikes from the village but could not confirm the exact location or extent of the damage due to disrupted phone services and safety concerns.
On 19 October, SAC and Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) groups entered the 11th Ward market area and arrested 25 people, including young and married men, for forced military service. Local residents said the arrests began around 10 pm, targeting both those on the streets and inside their homes. As a result, many young and married men and women are now fleeing the area in fear.
20 October 2024 –
On 20 October, Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) groups stationed at Shwehti Hall in Htilin town, Sagaing Region, surrendered to Yaw National Revolution Force-Htilin. They handed over two G-3 rifles, one M-79 launcher, two G-3 magazines, 38 rounds of 7.62 mm bullets, five M-79 shells, and one Icon-5R radio. In return, they received a financial reward of 100 lakh kyats, according to Yaw National Revolution Force-Htilin.
On 20 October, a MiG-29 jet fighter from Tada U air force launched airstrikes on Auto Mountain, previously occupied as a military base by SAC in Thantlang town.
21 October 2024 –
On 21 October at around 9:45 am, SAC jet fighters conducted an airstrike on a forest west of Matupi town, Chin State, The attack, involving two bomb drops, resulted in no casualties or damage. CDF-Matupi’s information officer assured the public that the bombs did not hit the town and urged against spreading panic.
On 21 October, the Maraland Territorial Council (MTC) issued a directive requiring all NGOs and INGOs operating in Matupi township within their controlled areas to register by 15th of November. The order also mandates these organizations to submit comprehensive project details and budgets to MTC administrative departments. The MTC stated that the purpose of this order is to combat illegal drug smuggling in the region.
On October 21, a confrontation erupted in Mualkawi village, Tonzang township, Chin State, between the Chin National Army (CNA) and its allies, and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA). The CDF-Tonzang reported that this clash resulted in the death of one of their soldiers and ten ZRA soldiers. They stated that the ZRA, supported by the SAC, had encroached upon CDF-Tonzang territory with intentions of asserting control over the local area.
22 October 2024 –
On 22 October at around 1:30 pm, SAC forces dropped 500-pound bombs and small rockets on Aing Ma village and the Chuang Pauk intersection in Htinlin township, Magway Region. The attack killed a 50-year-old woman, injured six others, and destroyed ten civilian homes. Locals are fleeing to safety. Communication channels including phone and internet lines are cut off as the ongoing aerial patrols continue.
On 22 October, SAC forces launched airstrikes in Thantlang town at 4:53 am, 5:00 am and 9:36 am with bombs dropped amid clashes.
On 22 October, district authorities instructed Myanmar refugees sheltering in Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts, Manipur State, to return home by December. “Previously, we were only informed indirectly, but now officials came in person and told us to prepare to return and leave by the end of December and many are afraid to go back because their homes no longer exist,” a refugee told Zalen.
23 October 2024 –
On 23 October, the Commander of CDF-Matupi Brigade-2 announced that the brigade had agreed to enter negotiations with the Matu Chin Minister Fellowship (MCMF), a local religious group, in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict with Brigade-1 in Matupi township. The commander emphasized the urgent need to end the dispute, which has severely restricted residents’ movement and access to essential resources. Both brigades aim to collaborate on improving local conditions in health, education, and the economy. Brigade-2 reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Chin national unity and protecting Chin territory.
On 23 October at around 4 pm, clashes between local defence groups, and SAC soldiers together with its allies took place in Nan Hmuntha village, Tamu township, Sagaing Region. Three SAC were killed and one Meitei rebel was captured. The battle began after the SAC launched an attack early in the morning. Three comrades (People’s Defense Group) from the 4th Tamu Security Group (TSG) sacrificed their lives in the fight.
On 22–23 October, PDF-Zoland (People’s Defence Forces) and Zoland Police Force (PPF-Zoland) destroyed over 20 acres of opium fields in Tedim township, Chin State. PDF-Zoland official stated, “Before the coup, people farmed and lived comfortably. Now, some have turned to opium,” adding that they are warning locals not to grow opium and remain committed to protecting youth and the community.
24 October 2024 –
On 24 October, SAC used one MiG-29 and two K8W jet fighters to conduct airstrikes inside Thantlang town during the fighting. According to local Chin media reports, an airstrike with two bombs was also carried out in a forested area west of Matupi town, non-target areas on 24 October.
26 October 2024 –
On 26 October at around 12 noon, SAC’s scout plane carried out an airstrike on Mindat town, Chin State, dropping over 50 bombs. A local resident said the bombs were scattered across the town and nearby areas, and the extent of damage and casualties is still unknown.
On 26 October, fighting broke out between SAC forces and the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) at the entrance of Falam town, Chin State. SAC artillery injured two women, and another person was wounded when a shell hit a house. Many residents fled, marking the second mass exodus from the town, as most had already evacuated earlier due to fear of renewed clashes.
27 October 2024 –
On 27 October, local defence groups attacked SAC forces near Kalay township, Sagaing Region, killing five SAC soldiers. In response, SAC launched airstrikes, used heavy weapons and drones, and blocked major roads, including the Kalay-Kalewa, Kalay-Gangaw, Kalay-Tamu, and Kalay-Tedim routes, along with the main entrance to Kalay town.
On 27-28 October, Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) group from Tamu town extorted 80,000 rupees and took a motorcycle from two Indian nationals who had come to Saya San village, Tamu township, Sagaing Region, for cattle trading. And on 28 October, the Pyusawhti group increased its numbers and started strict daily checks in Myoma-14, Chaung Nat Gyi Ward, Tamu town.
In response to the confrontation taking place on 21 October in Mualkawi village, Tonzang township, the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) issued a statement presenting a different account, claiming that three ZRA members were killed and two were injured in an ambush and attack by the joint forces of the Chinland Council in Mualkawi village. Following these events, the CDF-Tonzang has pledged to permanently remove ZRA troops from Tonzang township.
On 27 October, SAC deployed two Yak-130 jet fighters and two MiG-29 jet fighters from Nay Pyi Taw Air Force to conduct an airstrike inside Thantlang town about six times.
28 October 2024 –
On 28 October at around between 8:30 am and 9 am, SAC troops fired heavy weapons at least seven times from Rung Mountain, injuring a 76-year-old woman and a baby girl in Khuathar Ward, Hakha town, Chin State. The elderly woman, struck in the back while lying in bed, bled heavily. Both victims are now receiving treatment at a local hospital. Locals said SAC troops patrolled the ward in groups and urged residents to move cautiously.
On 28 October, Mrs. Van Cer Cin, aged 38, a primary school teacher from Tlanglo ward, Falam town, Chin State was killed after being struck by a bullet fired from SAC soldiers while she was inside her house. According to Chin National Organization (CNO/CNDF) officials, there was no fighting in the area, but the SAC fired indiscriminately and attempted to shut down the Wi-Fi network primarily used in Falam town.
On 28 October, the Chin National Army and its allies attacked and seized a SAC camp in Kiamtlang near Hakha town, killing 10 SAC soldiers and capturing nine weapons and ammunition. Four SAC soldiers, including a major, were captured alive. One Chin National Army died during the attack. SAC troops had also stolen cows from local residents.
On 28 October, an artillery shell fired by SAC landed and exploded near a residential house in Hakha Town, Myo Thit ward. As a result, two elderly locals, a middle-aged woman and a child were injured due to the attacks.
On 28 October at around 12 noon, local defence groups ambushed a SAC truck on the Ann-Padan road in Ngape township, Magway Region as it returned from delivering supplies to soldiers in Ann town, Rakhine State. The attack killed 10 SAC soldiers and wounded several others. A second SAC truck, fleeing in fear, crashed into a ravine between Sat Ni and Watsajin villages, killing 12 more SAC soldiers.
On 28 October, SAC Y-12 transport aircraft carried out airstrikes in Thantlang town, dropping two bombs at 10:47 am amidst ongoing fighting.
29 October 2024 –
On 29 October, local sources reported that SAC forces carried out an airstrike near the location of Battalion 140 in Matupi town, Chin State. The details of the damage remain unknown.
31 October 2024 –
On 31 October at approximately 8:32 am, 10:17 am, and 10:18 am, SAC forces carried out airstrikes in Thantlang town, concurrently employing machine guns in their assault.
On 31 October, the Chinland Council announced that the parliament legislative committee held a meeting from 2 to 5 October, with attendance from four MPs, two Chin National Front (CNF) members, 18 regional groups, and officials from various ministries and the judiciary. During the meeting, 27 delegates discussed the local government law and financial planning law, and the draft laws were sent to the Chinland Parliament for further review.
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On 31 October, the Arakan Army (AA) arrested a local man accused of getting involved in the Chin national movement in Paletwa township and also demanded a ransom of 100 lakh Kyats. After negotiations and the ransom was paid by village authorities, the man was released. Additionally, the AA has imposed a monthly levy of 50,000 Kyats on every household in Paletwa township and continues to exert control over the township.
On 31 October, the Vakok Battalion of CDF Matupi Brigade-2 accused CDF Matupi Brigade-1 of using the Arakan Army (AA) to set up bases in churches and schools within their territory, violating an agreement that bans unauthorized bases. They [Brigade-2] condemned the action and warned that if it continued, Brigade-1 would be fully responsible for any resulting violence.
On 31 October, the SAC carried out an airstrike in Kanchaung village, Saw township of Magway Region, injuring four civilians and destroying 10 houses.
General news updates in October:
- The SAC has been taking census data in wards of Kalay town of Sagaing Region such as Aungthitsar ward, Mingalar U Yin ward, Nyaungbintha ward and Indaikone since 1 October, mostly using non-CDMers who conducted interviews for about an hour per household. The residents said that the census took place in areas close to the SAC military base in the town, and that questions related to issues including education, numbers of persons in the family and rooms, and employment were asked. They also interviewed children in the household. The SAC started the census collection on 1 October.
- The SAC conducted a census in Kalay town, Sagaing Region, Taungphila, Taungzalat, and Tahan wards, which is home to Chin populations. Local sources report that the census, which started in the east side of the town, is being carried out with heavy security forces, police. The census, which began on October 1-15 October but has been postponed until 30 October. The SAC aims to complete the census in both eastern and western wards of Kalay town, focusing on areas with significant Chin communities.
- A local resident reported that the SAC is using religious buildings, such as churches and monasteries in Tamu town, Sagaing Region as bases for conducting the ongoing census that began on 1 October. Although town offices are nearby, the SAC choose religious sites, and it’s unclear whether they obtained permission. So far, only a few homes have been visited, and the census in villages remains incomplete. Carried out by school teachers and immigration staff with support from Pyusawhti (pro-SAC militia) members, the census includes 68 questions and is expected to be completed by 15 October.
- A Chin woman from Matupi township, who had joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) after the military coup, died in a hospital near the Thai-Malaysian border following a motorcycle accident while visiting her husband in Malaysia. She was traveling with her 2-year-old daughter, who is still receiving treatment. Despite being hospitalized, the woman later died from her injuries. Efforts are underway to repatriate her body to Myanmar. She leaves behind six children, including her 2-year-old daughter.
- Over 70 houses in Tedim town, Chin State, which were destroyed by SAC airstrikes and arson during clashes in May and June 2024 with PDF Zoland, remained unrepaired. Residents lack the funds to rebuild and are struggling to survive. “We need financial support, but there’s been no help,” said one resident. Many families are now renting in Tedim or have relocated to Kalay town, relying on low-paying jobs or remittances from abroad. Although SAC forces have regained control and fighting has ceased, rebuilding efforts remain stalled.
- The Arakan Army (AA) abducted 27 Chin youths from five villages in Myebon and Ann townships, Rakhine State. They were trying to travel by sea to work in Thailand and Malaysia. The youths lost contact with their families and were taken to a port in Ann township. Families tried to get them released, even offering money, but their whereabouts are still unknown. Many Chin people flee conflict in Rakhine State, and go abroad to support their families.
- Farmers in Paletwa township, Chin State, are worried about next year’s rice supply due to a poor harvest this year. Strong winds and heavy rain damaged paddy fields, increased chaff, and reduced yields. A farmer said, “The storm and rain destroyed the fields. I don’t know what we’ll eat next year.” Normally, people in the Daai area grow enough rice for the year. But political instability has forced more people to farm as buying rice is hard due to high prices and transport problems. The nearby Daai region in Mindat township is also seeing lower rice production.
- During the Chin New Year celebration in Washington, DC, Indian MP Pu K Vanlalvena met Erin Kimsey from the U.S. Department of State, and requested a UNICEF office in Mizoram to aid refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. He stated Mizoram hosts nearly 34,000 refugees from Myanmar, over 2,000 from Bangladesh, and 12,000 from Manipur, emphasizing the urgent need for education, food, medicine, clothes, and shelter, especially for children. Erin Kimsey acknowledged the importance of the request. The meeting also included Pu Zo Tum Humng and Rev. Tim Sienna from the Chin Association of Maryland. While India is not part of the 1951 UN Convention on refugees, it generally respects the rights of UNHCR document holders.
- The Mindat Township People’s Administration Group announced that the SAC carried out 77 airstrikes in Mindat township, Chin State, during the month of October alone, using jet fighters and Y-12 in the attack. Three revolutionaries were killed and some were injured in the airstrikes.
- In October, Thantlang town experienced intensified armed clashes as the Chinland Defence Forces (CDF) attempted to secure control from SAC forces. SAC forces, supported by airstrikes, drones, and heavy artillery, stunted CDF advances. During the last week of October, major armed conflicts continued in Thantlang town, with SAC reinforcing ground troops and air support to maintain control. Both parties are vying for control of Thantlang, which remains deserted by residents due to previous arson attacks.
- Separately, in Falam town, about half of the residents fled due to two consecutive days of clashes between SAC forces and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), beginning 26 October at the town’s entrance, according to local news sources.
The End
