11 June 2026 — In a significant effort to facilitate the resettlement of displaced civilians, Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio has donated 12 million kyats (equivalent to approximately 5,710 USD) to support residents returning to Falam town.
The contribution, announced on 11 June 2026, is aimed at assisting IDP families as they navigate the challenging process of rebuilding their lives following a prolonged period of displacement.
The donation was confirmed by Falam Return Info, a local initiative monitoring the restoration of normalcy in the region.
Falam township has been at the center of a volatile conflict in Chin State. The town was initially captured by the Chin National Organization (CNO) and allied forces on 7 April 2025. Following six months of intense fighting, the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military re-established control over the town on 25 April 2026.
This prolonged instability forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring towns such as Kalay, Hakha, and Tio, with others crossing the border into India’s Mizoram State.
Since early May, SSPC authorities have issued calls for government employees and civilians to return, prompting a steady flow of families back into the township.
Despite the ongoing volatility, local organizations and community leaders—such as Rev. Dr. Stephen Hre Kio—are stepping in to provide essential support.
These contributions are vital, as returnees often face the daunting task of re-establishing livelihoods and accessing basic services in a region still recovering from the direct impacts of active conflict.
Critics, however, argue that the return of IDPs and non-CDM civil servants effectively strengthens the SSPC, an authority accused of home destruction and civilian casualties throughout Chin State.– Reporting by Daniel
