Note: Each paragraph is a separate piece of brief news compiled in date order.
1 September 2024 –
On 1 September, a local defence group was accused of forcibly arresting local youths with the aims of recruiting them for military training in Kanpetlet township. The local people in the township said that at least five local youths per village in the areas known as Circle No. 5 were arrested and that they were told to join the defence group. The statement included other issues urging the Arakan Army to withdraw its troops from Kanpetlet township. Another group was quoted as saying in their statement issued on 30 August 2024: “The AA has a brotherly attitude and has been fighting for Chinland liberation in every way. We are very grateful for your contribution and for the sacrifice of each AA soldier who gave their lives.”
2 September 2024 –
On 2 September, an SAC police officer surrendered himself to CDF-Hakha (Chinland Defence Force). “We warmly welcome all the people who want to join as CDM (civil disobedience movement),” said the CDF-Hakha leading member. The CDF-Hakha said that they rewarded him with some amount of money as promised and that they took responsibility for him until he reached the safe place.
3 September 2024 –
On 3 September at around 12:00 noon, SAC’s Y-12 cargo plane flew over Mindat town and later dropped weapons and food items at its military base of LIB-274.
On 3 September at about 2:45 am, the local police forces and the respective special investigation team (under the criminal investigation department) seized a quantity of methamphetamine weight 41,234 kg which worth more than 5 million (in rupees) at the area of Lungverh and Sakawrtuichhun in Aizawl district. One group of five members who carried the methamphetamine is known as Edenthara (male aged 27) from Chin State.
On 3 September, SAC soldiers arrested students going to school in Mindat town for no obvious reasons, and one of the arrested students was released.
On 3 and 5 September, SAC dropped and delivered ammunition, firecrackers, smoking tobacco, and food items to the military base of LIB-274 based in Mindat town by Y-12 cargo plane, and scout drones were flying while dropping food by parachute. A local resident said, “Today, Y-12 returned to fill up food items supplies, and the drones are also hovering, and since 28 August, there have been at least four times like this. In the past, we saw this kind of supply refilling by plane once at the end of the month.”
4 September 2024 –
On 4 September at around 10:00 am, SAC launched two airstrikes with 7 bombs that weigh 500 pound per bomb on the 6-mile hill and the surrounding areas on Mindat-Matupi road near Mindat town, Chin State, and the details of the damage on the ground are not yet known.
On 4 September, SAC soldiers stationed in Kanpetlet town, Chin State, shot a male motorcycle taxi driver dead at the entrance gate. The driver was identified as Zaw Win Htaik, aged 31, from Saw township and the incident took place as he took the wrong road after delivering goods from Saw to Chaungsung. A local resident of Kanpetlet said, “They shot him on the way back. There was a split road where people used to follow such a particular wrong way/direction towards the town gate.” “Today, we asked for the dead body at 8:00 a.m., but they gave us only at 12:00 noon, and then we brought the dead body back to the village and buried it properly. The body was full of gunshot wounds.” It is said that around 200 members of the SAC are stationed at the town of Kanpetlet.
On 4 September at around 8:00 pm, a group of young people robbed a house in Myo Hla Ward of Kalay town, Sagaing Region. “Seven youths aged between 18 and 20 entered the house and attacked the house-owner with fake guns and knives. He was injured in the head. Three phones and more than 300,000 kyats were also stolen,” said a nearby resident.
On 4 September, the Chief Minister of Mizoram State, India, Pu Lalduhoma, spoked at a meeting with Chin communities in Indianapolis, USA, urging Chin people to stand united in the struggle. The full speech can be accessed on this link. (https://www.chinlandguardian.com/17687/)
5 September 2024 –
On 5 September, an India-based advocacy group called “India for Myanmar” released a report saying that refugees from Myanmar who had been arrested and detained in Manipur State are facing dire conditions in prison. It said that they had been abused by criminal prisoners, have not been in contact with their families, and not allowed to receive medical treatment except in emergencies. In addition, children who were born in prison are not allowed to receive vaccinations. As they could not get clean drinking water, they are only allowed to shower once every two weeks, as it is reported. According to India for Myanmar, there are 173 Myanmar nationals detained in the States of Manipur and Assam so far. Among those arrested and imprisoned, there are 53 women and 26 children under the age of 15, including seven children who were born in prison.
6 September 2024 –
On 6 September, six civilians were killed when the SAC bombed a school in Lat Yat Ma village, Myaing township, Magway Region.
On 6 September, three youths of Chin ethnicity were arrested reportedly by SAC soldiers in Gant Gaw Taung village in Gwa township of Rakhine State. The incident where Maung Thet San, aged 12, Maung Htoo San, aged 13, and Maung Lin Lin San, aged 16, were arrested, happened as they fled after SAC soldiers entered the village. Family members said that they had not since then been able to contact them. “They were scared when the SAC soldiers entered the village as the SAC usually searched them and beat them. They were arrested outside the village while they were trying to flee. The family cannot contact them since they were arrested,” said a local resident. “There are still young people being arrested. The exact number is not yet known. We have not been able to contact each other. The last update I heard was about 10 people being arrested,” a local resident added.
On 6 September around 2:00 am, a jet fighter carried out an airstrike on a village in the No.4 Circle of Mindat Township.
7 September 2024 –
On 7 September at 3:40 am, a Mi-29 jet fighter from the Tada U air force conducted an airstrike near a village in the No.2 Circle of Mindat Township, dropping one 500-pound bomb and approximately eight smaller bombs. The extent of the damage is currently unknown due to phone and internet disruptions.
On 6-7 September, a local resident was injured due to the two consecutive aerial bomb attacks in Mindat township, Chin State.
On 7 September, the CNDF (Chin National Defence Force) announced that they received 16 motorcycles (125 brand), donated by the Chin community in Europe.
On 7 September, a Chin national known as Win Hlaing Oo aka Kung Za Hmung was appointed by SAC as one of the members of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, according to the Voice of Myanmar.
On 7 September, the SAC carried out two aerial bomb attacks at 5:30 pm near Min Lay village in Htilin township, Gangaw district of Magway Region, killing a woman. “The bomb attack took place yesterday evening though there was no armed conflict in the area. They dropped bombs twice where one of the bombs hit a woman who was bathing in the creek. I heard that she was washing herself during her return from the farm. Though she was being treated, she was dead from her severe injury,” said a person close to the woman.
8 September 2024 –
On 8 September, three male civilians in their late thirties were arrested by SAC soldiers in Mindat town and taken to LIB-274 in the afternoon. “When I went toward the RC church to buy rice, I saw three men being arrested. I was scared and ran back. There might be another arrest,” said a local resident.
9 September 2024 –
On 9 September, the CDF-Hakha (Chinland Defence Force) announced that the fifth Hakha township Reserve Military Training would be organized at a safe location in Hakha township, inviting young adults – both males and females – to join of their own accord.
On 9 September, SAC soldiers arrested five Chin men in parts of Kalay town, Sagaing Region while they were buying goods at a shop. The arrest was known to be part of the ongoing forcible conscription recruitment by SAC. SAC soldiers told them that they would be released if they paid them 200 lakh kyats. One of the arrestees was later released while four others were taken away to the Kalay Regional Command Headquarters in a vehicle. After the military coup, the SAC arrested and imprisoned more than 1,000 local civilians in Kalay town, of which six died as the result of torture, according to local residents.
On 9 September, a meeting facilitated by the Falam Pawlpi decided to ask CNO/CNDF (Chin National Organization/Chin National Defence Force) not to make any armed conflict in their effort to capture Falam town from the control of SAC soldiers. In a meeting held at the Cultural Center, he said, “If possible, no one should make any armed conflict in Falam town, and if it is good to avoid it, please do not make any shooting. Regarding this, we will also make a request to the CNO/CNDF,” said one of the people’s representatives. The meeting also highlighted the importance of making prior investigation into situations in other parts of the country and Chin State in an attempt to arrange shelters for IDPs to take temporary refuge before they can safely return if the town was to be captured using armed attacks which might require residents to flee their homes.
On 9 September at approximately 6:30 am, a MiG-29 jet from the Naypyidaw Air Force conducted an airstrike near No. 3 Circle of Mindat Township, dropping a 500-pound bomb and three smaller bombs.
On 11 September around noon, weapons and ammunition were airdropped by parachute from a Y-12 transport aircraft.
12 September 2024 –
On 12 September, one SAC police officer surrendered himself with the CDF-Hakha Chinland Defence Force), together with weapons. He was given a monetary award as promised and sent to a safe location.
On 12 September, some Myanmar nationals, with the majority being Chin, who have been arrested in Assam State, fainted after having been on a hunger strike since 9 September. It was reported that the prisoners, believed to be 142, had suffered from health problems including stomach ache and fatigue. “The immediate action of UNHCR is required and the support of the people of the country speaking out is extremely important,” said an India-based group called “India for Myanmar”.
13 September 2024 –
On 13 September, Mizoram’s Commerce and Industries Minister F Rodingliana met with B Shyam IFS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (Bangladesh and Myanmar), in his office chamber on Friday. The meeting focused on strengthening cross-border infrastructure and energy cooperation between Mizoram, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. During the discussion, Shyam informed Minister Rodingliana of the Indian government’s plans to supply electric power to Paletwa in Myanmar and Sittwe Port. Additionally, they discussed the ongoing challenges related to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Transit Project (KMMTTP).
On 13 September between 3:30 am and 5 am, there was an armed clash between SAC soldiers and local defence groups in Hakha town, killing a civilian elderly man (aged 72) who was sleeping in his house. The incident took place at the Myanmar Economic Bank and the State government office in Chin Oo Sii ward where SAC soldiers were stationed. “He [Ngun Thio] died when a bullet hit his head while he was sleeping. The details of the battle are still unknown. The funeral was held today and he was buried in the evening. Now they are also conducting checks on the people on motorcycles in the city,” said a Hakha resident who did not want to be named. Originally from Hriangkhan village of Thantlang township, Ngun Thio is survived by his wife and four children.
On 13 September, a Chin man was arrested with heroin worth over 1.7 million rupees at the Dawrkawn checkpoint in Keifang village, Aizawl district, Mizoram State of India at night, the Mizoram Police said. The arrest was made when the Saitual police conducted a routine check in the night, and stopped a Sumo passenger bus heading towards Aizawl from Champhai district, seizing 50 soap cases filled with heroin.
On 10-13 September, continuous heavy rainfall in Tedim township, Chin State, caused damage to the Kalay-Tedim highway, leaving over one hundred vehicles stranded.
15 September 2024 –
On 15 September, three Chin male refugees currently staying in Malaysia fought each other under the influence of alcohol at about 1 am, seriously injuring one man. Witnesses said that one man was severely beaten with injuries in his head, and was taken to Salyan Hospital.
On 15 September, about 60 SAC soldiers entered Chin villages known as Nyaung Pin Kone and Wet Sar Kyin in Ngape township of Magway Region, arresting at least three male civilians for no obvious reasons. “After conducting these inspections, the SAC arrested one male civilian from Nyaung Pin Kone village and two male civilians from Wet Sar Kyin village,” said a local resident. [Update: Later, it was reported that they were released on 17 September.]
16 September 2024 –
On 16 September, at least 11 civilian houses were burnt down in Mindat town by SAC soldiers between 12 September and 16 September. “They [SAC soldiers] burned down houses around noon yesterday again. I heard that three houses were burned in Plot 5, in the western quarter of Mindat town. It is a bit far from previous incidents the other day. I do not know the owners of the houses that were burned down. There are people in that plot, but I cannot contact them,” said a local resident. Since 2021, about 50 civilian houses have already been burned down by SAC soldiers in Mindat township.
On 16 September, three SAC police officers stationed in Lai Villa Guesthouse in Thantlang town surrendered themselves to local defence groups with weapons and ammunition. “Three members of the SAC brought four automatic rifles and a lot of bullets and surrendered to us. Yesterday, two of them came in at around 1:00 pm and one at around 3:00 pm, a total of three people,” a front-line source said.
On 16 September, SAC soldiers entered the village of Ye Nuai in Ngape township of Magway Region, where they conducted inspections and later arrested seven male civilians of Chin ethnicity. [Update: Later, it was reported that they were released on 17 September.]
On 16 September, three SAC policemen stationed at Lai Villa guesthouse in Thantlang town also joined local defense forces, surrendering with their weapons to the local defence groups.
17 September 2024 –
On 16-17 September, the Mizoram police conducted an investigation in and around Aizawl, seizing drugs worth more than 60 million rupees from two Myanmar nationals. They stopped and checked two cars, where a large amount of drugs hidden inside the doors of the car was found.
On 17 September at about 7:00 pm, two jet fighters from Meiktila Air force base carried out airstrikes on a location in Mindat town, dropping 500-pound bombs along with other smaller bombs. Local residents said that there was fighting between SAC and local defence force on the night of the air attacks.
On 17 September 2024, local defence forces managed to take over one of SAC’s military outposts in Thantlang town. Local defence groups said that there still remain three military outposts in the town. Three of SAC’s six military outposts in Thantlang town have been taken over by local defence groups since it started offensive attacks on 22 July 2024.
18 September 2024 –
On 17-18 September, three bodies of Khumi Chin males identified as San Aung, aged 61, his son Aik Myint, aged 26, and his grandson Maung Pi Si Tun, aged 13, all of them from Maunghnamah village in Paletwa township were found in different locations in parts of Rakhine State and Paletwa township. Their bodies were found with serious injuries. The incident was believed to have taken place while the victims were travelling from India towards Kyauktaw town of Rakhine State by boat via Paletwa township. “We believed they were killed with knives. … I do not know who killed them,” said a resident of Paletwa township.
On 18 September, two jet fighters from Meiktila Air Force base conducted three airstrikes inside of Mindat town, dropping 500-pound bombs as well as other smaller bombs between 3:40 pm and 3:54 pm. Details of the damage still remain unknown.
19 September 2024 –
On 19 September, the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) reported that at least 73 children lost their lives and dozens of children became orphans due to the conflict in Chin State since the 2021 coup. It reported that the death of those children were caused by SAC airstrikes, heavy artillery, landmines and other attacks.
On 19 September, an SAC soldier named Hein Htet Ko Ko of LIB-269 battalion based in Tedim town, Chin State, surrendered themselves to PDF-Zoland (People’s Defence Force) with the weapons of two AM2 machine guns, two hand grenades, eight ammunition boxes and 5.56 ammo along with two sets of bullet belts.
On 19 September, two jet fighters from the Meiktila Air Force base carried out an airstrike four times on two locations in Mindat town at 4:11 am and 4:37 am.
On 19 September, two jet fighters from Meiktila and Nay Pyi Taw Air Forces conducted airstrikes inside of Mindat town, dropping two 500-pound bombs and other smaller bombs at 3:14 pm and 3:27 pm. At the same time, two Y-12 Transport aircrafts circled over Mindat town and nearby areas to conduct military reconnaissance, according to local sources.
20 September 2024 –
On 20 September, residents in both Kalay town of Sagaing Region and Chin State said that SAC soldiers have banned transportation of basic food items from Kalay town to Chin State since 20 August. SAC soldiers stationed at a location called ‘8-miles’ gate near Kalay University have banned all vehicles to transport grains and goods from Kalay toward Hakha-Falam-Tedim-Rihkhawdar in Chin State. “Last week, I carried a bag of grain from Kalay and SAC soldiers refused to let me carry it at the 8-miles gate. First, they asked me how many members I have in the family. Then, they allowed me to carry rice only for the number of my family members back at home. In this case, it will be very difficult for us to store grain in advance,” said a Chin family member. The price of rice in Tedim town is rising due to the current ban on grain imports from Kalay.
On 20 September, a male dead body identified as Haung Tin Lin, aged 30, a resident of Kyunpintha village in Tamu township of Sagaing Region was found near the cemetery after his disappearance over two weeks. “He has been missing for more than two weeks. He also has epilepsy. He was found dead with body injuries on the 20th of this month near the cemetery of the village,” said a person close to the family. The family of Haung Tin Lin, a disabled IDP, fled their homes due to conflict and has stayed in the village.
On 20 September at 12:40 am to 1:15 am, three jet fighters from the Meiktila Air Force base bombed the areas around Mindat town about ten times with both large and small bombs.
21 September 2024 –
On 21 September, SAC soldiers from LIB-274 based in Mindat town fired heavy weapons into the town, damaging civilian houses. In addition, SAC soldiers were seen setting fire on civilian houses near the Agriculture Office. “It was around 4 pm. I could see it from a distance, but I do not know whose houses they were. I do not even dare to go outside. I cannot even sleep that night because they [SAC soldiers] kept on shooting all around,” said a local resident.
On 21 September, leading members of the Chinland Council and the Chin Brotherhood met in Aizawl under the facilitation of the Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO), an NGO based in Aizawl, Mizoram State of India. The meeting ended with five key points of agreement and also agreed to continue organizing meetings as needed to ensure understanding and peace between both sides.
On 21 September, leading members of Thantlang town said that it has been three years since they left the town due to conflict. Ram Khar said that at least 160 local people had since given their lives in fighting against the SAC authorities. “SAC troops have burnt down our houses, and as the SAC were killing the local people. All Thantlang residents have been leaving the town since 21 September 2021,” he said. Thantlang is home to more than 10,000 people in over 2,000 houses.
On 21 September, SAC closed the Tamu-Kalay road. “Since there is a stone in my gall bladder, I am planning to go to Kalay Hospital to have an operation, but I cannot go because the road is closed,” said a local resident. “The Tamu-Kalay road is closed by the SAC. I do not know why it was closed. It could possibly be because of the arm conflict,” said a former member of parliament. The Tamu-Kalay road was first closed for more than a year, and was reopened on 28 June 2024.
22 September 2024 –
On 20-22 September, the Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran (LIKBK) organized a three-day sharing session on trauma counseling in Lawngtlai town. The event was led by Pastor David Lal Thawmlian who talked about trauma counselling, and Dr Lian Hram who shared teachings based on the Bible, followed by a praise & worship service program in the evening. Most of the participants were refugees fleeing conflict from Matupi, Hakha and Thantlang townships of Chin State into Lawngtlai, where more than 700 people were able to participate in the event. “The education about mental illness/trauma and how to protect ourselves is very good and will benefit us a lot in our lives. We are very grateful to LIKBK for organizing such a conference,” said a refugee member from Thantlang who attended the event.
On 22 September, two 18-year-old villagers from Mintha village in Tamu township, Sagaing Region were injured when they stepped on a landmine. “They said they stepped on a landmine while the two of them went out to feed the cattle in the forest. We cannot tell if one of them will be dead or alive, but the other person was sent to a nearby hospital. I do not know who planted them there,” said a local resident.
On 22 September, a 24-year-old man identified as Maung U Myint stole a scooter and 10 lakh Indian rupees from the shop where he was working in Lawngtlai town of Mizoram State of India. Originally from Rakhine State of Myanmar, Maung U Myint, son of Moe Sein Aung, ran away from the Emmanuel Store where he worked. [Update: the Lawngtlai police arrested him and kept him in their custody on 24 September.]
On 22 September around 1:10 pm, a jet fighter from Tada-Oo Air Force carried out an airstrike four times inside of Thantlang town, Thantlang Township.
23 September 2024 –
On 23 September, the CDF-Hakha (Chinland Defence Force) urged non-CDM members in Hakha town not to participate in the census activities organized by SAC in preparation for the upcoming elections. According to the CDF-Hakha, all SAC department employees in Hakha town were instructed by SAC on 23 September on how to compile a list related to the elections.
On 25 September, over 70 IDP houses in five villages in Gangaw district of Magway Region were affected by flooding following heavy rains. Flash floods coming from parts of Chin State caused flooding in IDP camps and nearby villages, leaving IDPs in difficult situations. “Many of the houses were destroyed by the water flowing into the camp and about half of the houses were destroyed. Two of the houses are unusable and also there is nothing left. The rest of the houses have holes in their roofs and the water has flowed through it where all the goods inside the houses were wet. The priority need is food and the second priority need is to rebuild the building for shelters,” said one community leader. Currently, there are a total of 121 houses in the Kangyi, Ye Yint, and Kyan Taw (Shwe Si Sar) IDP camps. It is said that there are 407 IDP members in the camp.
On 25 September, heavy rains caused flash floods from Chin State, impacting over 70 IDP houses across five villages in Gangaw district, Magway Region. The floods severely affected IDP camps and adjacent villages, creating hardships for residents. A community leader reported significant damage, with about half of the houses destroyed, including two rendered unusable. The remaining houses sustained roof damage and waterlogged interiors. Food is the immediate priority, followed by shelter reconstruction. The Kangyi, Ye Yint, and Kyan Taw (Shwe Si Sar) IDP camps currently house 121 structures and 407 IDPs.
On 23 September 2024, Reuters reported that India has invited the National Unity Government (NGU), a Chin ethnic armed group Chin National Front (CNF), Arakan Army (AA) and Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) to a seminar in mid-November. It is also reported that the event would be hosted by the government-funded Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) on the topic of ‘Constitutionalism and Federalism’ and the Minister of External Affairs, India will attend the seminar.
24 September 2024 –
On 24 September, two jet fighters from Nay Pyi Taw Air Force carried out four airstrikes around Mindat town at approximately 6:35 am, 6:40 am, 6:50 am and 6:54 am, dropping 500-pound bombs and smaller bombs.
On 24 September 2024, various Chin media outlets reported that the Arakan Army and its alliance CDF – Matupi (Brigade – 1) has banned export of food, medical and other supplies into some particular areas which are under the control of the Chinland Council and its allies. Sources reported that the restrictions were imposed as local leaders from the areas were denied to attend the meeting summoned by the Arakan Army and CDF – Matupi (Brigade – 1).
25 September 2024 –
On 25 September 2024, various Chin media outlets reported that many Chin youths from Ann Township of Rakhine State left the areas due to the forceful military conscription conducted by Arakan Army. It is reported that at least eight Chin villages in Ann Township were forced to flee their home in fear of AA conscription.
On 25 September, heavy rains caused flooding in a refugee camp in Kyauk Htu township, Magway Region, due to rising water levels in the nearby streams. A three-year-old child and his mother died as a result of the flooding in the IDP camp. The IDP camp is located near the border between Chin State and Magway Region and serves as a refuge for many displaced people, mostly from Mindat township.
26 September 2024
On 26 September, SAC soldiers set fire on civilian houses in Mindat town at about 1:15 pm. “Currently, people’s houses located on the way toward the MPT office and Namtha Ward (the east side of Mindat town) are being burned down by the SAC. At least five houses are currently on fire and it is known that the fire is spreading from one house to another,” said a Mindat resident who is in a nearby village.
On 26 September, the entire population of residents of over an estimated 300 houses in a Chin village called “Lai” of Ngape township, Magway Region fled their homes as about 180 SAC soldiers entered the place. Most of them were said to be hiding in the nearby forests and villages. “Since the SAC soldiers entered the village, they have been fleeing since last night. The soldiers are still there this morning, so the villagers have not dared to enter back to the village,” said a resident. Lai village is located in Ngape township, which is part of Minbu district within the Magway Region of Myanmar.
On 26 September, PDF-Zoland (People’s Defence Force) shared a warning message with the public not to participate in the taking of census by SAC. It said that it was an attempt to prolong SAC’s power, but not to benefit the people. It also said that necessary actions would be taken if needed to those participating to support the census-taking activities.
On 26 September, more than 10 residential houses were burned down and destroyed by SAC soldiers from LIB-274 battalion based in Mindat town, Chin State. SAC soldiers did not allow some people who were in the town at that time to put out the fire. Instead, they were threatened with guns and forced to leave the place. A person close to the residents in Mindat town said, “They say that there are more than 10 residential houses from both sides of the road leading to Kyawh Taw village and near Namtha Ward. In general, it took place in two different locations.”.
On 27 September, CDF-Matupi Brigade 1 (Chinland Defence Force) expressed its special thanks to the Arakan Army (AA) for providing arms and ammunition. A ceremonial event where commanders of both sides attended was organized and they urged for strengthening the alliance relations, military cooperation and friendship.
On 29 September, the Information Department of the Chinland Defence Forces in Mindat said that SAC launched airstrikes at least 44 times in Mindat township in the two months of August and September alone. It said that a civilian was injured as a result of airstrikes, nine houses, two schools, four school hostels were damaged and destroyed.
On 29 September, Dr. Aye Kyaw, a Chin dentist from Myoma ward, Paletwa town, was abducted by the Arakan Army (AA). The reason for his abduction remains unclear. Dr. Aye Kyaw had been appointed to the AA administrative board of Paletwa township and was in charge of Paletwa Public Hospital after the AA took control of the area. He is known to be active in helping communities in the township.
On 30 September, U Sai Wine and his 15-year-old son, of the Mro tribe in Kaing Gyi village, Maungdaw township, Rakhine State, were reported missing for two days after going fishing. Villagers searched the area but found no trace of them. “They did not come back from their fishing in the evening. The villagers immediately started searching for them. They are still looking for them now,” said a local resident.
General news updates in September:
- IDPs from Matupi town who visited the town to see and clear their houses were not allowed to go back to their IDP shelter or camps by members of a local defence group allied with the Arakan Army. “They took all our phones at the town entry gate, gave us the entry cards and told us not to take any pictures of the damaged houses,” said a local resident on condition of anonymity, adding that they were told to stay in the town for at least a month and that they would be allowed to go back. It was reported that more than 1,000 locals had returned to Matupi following the capture of the town from SAC’s control.
- Recently, 32 individuals (8 males, 5 females and 19 children) from Chin State arrived in Saitual district, Mizoram State of India after having fled their homes due to ongoing conflict. Since there are no relief camps in the district, the new arrivals of Chin refugees lived with relatives and friends. Currently, there are 33,756 Chin and Burmese IDPs members in Mizoram. Of this total, 10,167 members are men, 10,805 members are women and 12,784 members are children. Among these, 16,969 IDPs members are living in 129 relief camps in seven different districts in Mizoram. Another 17,787 IDPs members are living with relatives/friends and in rented houses.
- Prices of fuel and goods are increasing in Kalay town, Sagaing Region. A gallon of petrol has increased from 3,000 kyats to 43,000 kyats, and a bag of rice (50 kg) from 105,000 kyats to 115,000 kyats. “It is not like the road is closed and we cannot get goods, but the price is just increasing day by day. It is gradually becoming difficult especially for people like us who have to find food for the day and provide for our families. We can only make 10,000 kyats a day. The current price for food and goods are quite problematic and challenging for us,” said a local resident from Kalay town. He said that 1 kilogram of potatoes cost us 7,500 kyats, 1 kilogram of chickpeas cost us 10,000 kyats, 1 bag of coffee cost us 4,500 kyats, and an egg cost us 600 kyats.
- Transportation of rice and other basic food items to three Chin villages in Ngape township of Magway Region has been banned by SAC soldiers who accuse the villages of supporting local defence groups. “Using our motorcycles, we used to go to Padan from the main highway of Ann-Minbu to shops, and buy some goods and food items. But, now we cannot use that road anymore because the SAC has closed it,” said a local resident. The villagers had to walk on foot through forest roads to buy rice and other food items. Three villages such as Kung Si Yu, Ma Thung and Sun Piow have faced this ban for the past four months, according to the locals.
- SAC conducted frequent aerial patrols in Paletwa township, Chin State. Due to the air patrolling, the residents in parts of Paletwa township were worried over possible airstrikes in the areas. “The planes have been flying since the previous months until now. I am afraid of the aerial bomb attacks. I do not dare to go outside if the planes are coming,” said a Paletwa resident. “Though Paletwa is no longer occupied by SAC, we cannot say that Paletwa is fully independent. We do not know when the SAC will conduct an airstrike. Therefore, people need to avoid it or people should not gather in Paletwa township nowadays,” he added. All the SAC military bases in Paletwa township have been seized by the Arakan Army.
- Residents in the border areas of Tamu township of Sagaing Region that shares an international border with India have been afraid of going to their fram and field because of insurgent groups identified as Meitei from Manipur State of India entering and hiding in the areas for months. “In the past months, we used to go to fields every day to clean the grass in the paddy fields. As there are more Meitei militants in the area, we fear to go out to work in our field. On the 7th of this month, a man from our neighborhood was shot to death while he was searching for bamboo shoots in the forest. Gradually, there is no security. The local villagers are afraid to go,” said a local resident.
- Residents in flood-affected Chin villages in Minbya township, Rakhine State have been in need of urgent humanitarian support as their houses were submerged following the heavy rains since 10 September. At least 15 Chin villages were affected by the flooding that had damaged houses and destroyed food items, and more than 3,000 people are in difficult conditions. “The water has receded, so we can go back to our places. However, some houses are damaged so families cannot live there. Currently, we urgently need help with food,” said a local resident. The flood-affected people also need help to rebuild their damaged houses. “Skin disease is common in the village area. Yesterday, a child was sent to Myaut Oo Hospital. And there is no medicine for treatment,” said a local resident. It was reported that the flood-affected people who are currently suffering from skin diseases are also in need of medical treatment and health care.
- People in Daai areas in the southern part of Chin State said that the commission fees for transferring money through KPay and Wave services had gone down to 5% from 10% or 15% charged by local agents after the CDF-Daai has started managing them at local levels. “In the past, money withdrawal fees went up from 10% to 15%, but from July this year, we can withdraw from CDF-Daai with only 5%,” said a local villager. “We are working for the benefit of the people as long as we can. We will work for the public as long as we can,” said a CDF-Daai official. Daai region is located at the border areas of four townships in Chin State such as Mindat, Kanpetlet, Matupi and Paletwa.
- Prices of goods in Paletwa township of Chin State have risen since early this year and it has caused major challenges for local residents to afford. “The main reason for the high price of food products is that there is a shortage of food in Rakhine State that cannot be imported to Paletwa areas. In the earlier period, we got the goods imported from Mizoram State of India. But now, we can no longer get the imported items because the values of rupees and kyats are too different,” said a Paletwa resident. Since 13 January this year, the SAC has restricted all vehicles from entering Rakhine State, and therefore, the prices of goods have risen in Paletwa township. In terms of the prices in Paletwa, prices of goods in September are as below:
- 1 bag (50 kg) of rice (150,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of fish paste (20,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of salt (10,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of soup powder (30,000 kyats)
- 1 gallon of gasoline (55,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of chili (green) (44,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of chili (dry) (25,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of chicken (30,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of pork (20,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of beef (20,000 kyats)
- 1 egg (1,000 kyats)
- 1 kg of onion (red) (10,000 kyats) and
- 1 kg of garlic (15,000 kyats).
- Family members and relatives have been looking for their daughter named Ms Ngai Thang Paing, aged 20, who has been thought to be missing for about 20 days as there has been no contact from her. Originally from Womkom village in Mindat township, Ms Paing, daughter of Mr. Ngai Thang Paing and Mrs. Ngai Awi, was heard going to Yangon Airport on 25 August to travel to Singapore. “She later told us that she could not go to Singapore as the airport was closed that day, and it was the last time we contacted each other. At the moment, I am very worried since I do not know what is going on with her,” said a family member.
The End
