23 April 2026 – The Myanmar military junta’s State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) declared a state of emergency on 23 April, encompassing 60 townships across the country, including seven in Chin State.
The order, announced by junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing under Section 412(a) of the Constitution, is officially aimed at curbing “armed violence” and strengthening “stability, peace, and the rule of law.”
The widespread declaration comes amid intensified fighting and significant setbacks for the SSPC against local defense forces and ethnic armed groups.
Reports detail massive SSPC aerial campaigns and advancing ground troops, particularly in an attempt to recapture Falam town. Recent months have seen heavy SSPC reliance on air and drone attacks across Chin State, damaging civilian homes and infrastructure.
The seven townships in Chin State now under emergency are Kanpetlet, Thantlang, Paletwa, Mindat, Tonzang, Matupi, and Falam. Notably, the declaration excludes Hakha and Tedim townships.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for 90 days from the date of issuance. The order also covers townships in Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Rakhine, and Shan states, as well as Sagaing, Magway, and Mandalay regions.
The political deadlock continues, with the Chin National Front (CNF) having rejected recent peace talks initiated by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. – Reporting by Ben
