7 July 2026 – Thousands of residents from Tonzang town and villages across Tonzang township in Chin State have been displaced for months due to the armed conflict and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including medicines and basic food supplies.
According to the Tonzang Township People’s Administration Team, residents from Tonzang town, nearby villages, and villages east of Tonzang located between Kalay, Tamu, and Khampat townships have been forced to flee their homes since May and are facing severe hardship.
“People displaced from Tonzang town and the surrounding villages are facing extremely difficult conditions. Because so many residents have been displaced throughout Tonzang township, they urgently need food, shelter, medicines, and other basic necessities. We would like to appeal for assistance,” said a representative of the Tonzang Township People’s Administration Team.
Residents from Tonzang town and approximately 30 villages, including Nakzang, Lungtak, and Khamzang, have been displaced. Current estimates indicate there are more than 17,00 internally displaced persons (IDPs), although the actual number may be even higher.
The displaced people in Tonzang township have reportedly received no assistance from any organizations. As a result, there is an urgent need for medicines to treat chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, and stomach disorders, as well as seasonal illnesses including influenza.
Pregnant women, young children, and elderly people sheltering in forests and mountainous areas are reportedly living only under makeshift tarpaulin shelters.
“The displaced people are facing tremendous hardship. Displacement has occurred whenever fighting breaks out, but this time it is different, they cannot simply return home after a short period. Many people from around Tonzang township are hiding in forests and mountains, while others have fled toward Kalay town.”
“Wherever they are, they are facing serious difficulties. The most vulnerable are the elderly, pregnant women, and children sheltering in remote forested areas, where they are struggling with healthcare and basic living conditions. From what we know, they are not in a position to return home anytime soon. We appeal to people in Myanmar and the international community to pay attention to the displaced people of Tonzang township and provide assistance,” the team said.
In May 2024, the Chinland Defense Force-Tonzang (CDF-Tonzang) and allied Chin resistance forces captured and controlled Tonzang town, operating a people’s administrative system and public services for nearly two years. However, on 19 May 2026, the Zomi Revolutionary Army-Eastern Command (ZRA-EC), in cooperation with the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military, launched an offensive and recaptured the town.
About two weeks after the SSPC military and the ZRA-EC retook Tonzang town, the Zomi Political Coordination Council (ZPCC)/Zomi Revolutionary Army-Eastern Command (ZRA-EC) announced on 31 May that residents could safely return to their homes.
However, only a small number of local residents have reportedly been able to return. Families who participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), people who supported the Chinland Deforce Force (CDF), and residents who had poor relations with the ZRA remain displaced, fearing persecution by the SSPC military and the ZRA-EC. – Reporting by Daniel
