5 May 2026 – The Zo Re-Unification Organisation (ZORO), based in Mizoram, strongly condemned the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) for the airstrike on Khawpuichhip village in Hualngoram area, Falam township, Chin State.
In a statement issued on 4 May, ZORO said the attack, carried out by the SSPC military junta, deliberately targeted a civilian village and resulted in the deaths of six children and one adult.
The organisation described the incident as further evidence of ongoing violence against civilians under Myanmar’s military rule, despite the junta’s claims of restoring democratic governance.
ZORO emphasised that the Chin people are recognised as indigenous peoples under the United Nations system and are protected under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), adopted in 2007.
Citing Article 7 of UNDRIP, the group noted that indigenous peoples have the right to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty, and security, and must not be subjected to any form of violence or acts that threaten their survival and dignity.
ZORO stated that the Khawpuichhip airstrike represents a serious violation of international indigenous rights protections. The organisation urged that such attacks must not be repeated and announced that it will formally submit the case to the United Nations for further attention and action.
According to local reports, the incident occurred around 3:00 pm on 1 May, when SSPC military aircraft carried out two bombing runs on Khawpuichhip village, killing seven civilians, including a five-month-old infant and six children. – Reporting by Ben
