Note: Each paragraph is a separate piece of brief news compiled in date order.
1 March 2025 –
On 1 March, the Chin Defense Force-Kanpetlet (CDF-Kanpetlet) announced the conclusion of its Basic Military Training Week, after a four-month duration. The graduation ceremony also included an oath-taking and arming event. The CDF-Kanpetlet extended specific appreciation to the Arakan Army (AA) and the local community for their contributions and support.
2 March 2025 –
On 2 March, nine SAC soldiers arrested during the Matupi town clashes and detained in the Mindat area escaped, abducting a male villager to guide them but later released him. During their escape, they seized an MA-1 rifle and a G4 rifle from security guards of the local defense forces.
3 March 2025 –
On 3 March, between 1 am and 2 am, a Y-12 aircraft dropped seven bombs in Myaing township, Magway Region. The bombs struck areas near Seik Chay, Gyoke Kone, Baunt Bin, Nyaung Kone, Taw, and Su Win villages, with one bomb striking a monastery school and another landing in a paddy field. Later that day, in Pauk township, SAC jet fighters conducted airstrikes near Let Pan To and Tha Yet Kan villages, resulting in 12 deaths and numerous injuries.
On 3 March at around 9 am, SAC airstrikes dropped five bombs on Lin De village, located on the Ann-Padan road in Ngape township, Magway Region. Local residents reported that the attack resulted in the death of 27-year-old Mr. Salai Thein Win Maung and the destruction of several houses.
On 3 March, over 30 local vendors were arrested by SAC troops on Kyauk Gu Road, near Kalay town in Sagaing Region. They are currently being held at the SAC Regional Command Headquarters.
4 March 2025 –
On 4 March, a 15-year-old male identified as Suan Kim from Keizang village, Tedim township, Chin State, died at a hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram State. His death was caused by severe burns sustained in a forest fire on 10 February. His remains will be returned to his village.
5 March 2025 –
On 5 March at around 7:40 pm, SAC airstrikes hit a motorcycle repair shop in Kan village, Gangaw township, Magway Region, killing Mr. Aung Ko Ko, injuring others and destroying houses.
On 5 March, two SAC soldiers were arrested by local defense groups during a land-clearing operation near Hnget Pyaw Taing village in Kanbalu township, Sagaing Region.
On 5 March, a fight broke out between the local defense force and the Zomi Revolutionary Army (Eastern Command) for four days in Tonzang town, about 20 miles from Tedim town, Chin State.
6 March 2025 –
On 6 March at around 3 pm, five individuals sustained injuries when a bamboo-laden vehicle overturned at the Zote refugee camp in Champhai, Mizoram, India. The vehicle was involved in a Young Mizo Association (YMA) initiative to construct shelters for Myanmar refugees. The injuries were not severe, and the injured were taken to Champhai hospital.
On 6 March, the New Chin State Congress Party submitted an application for registration to Myanmar’s Union Election Commission (UEC), as reported by the New Light of Myanmar. This development follows earlier reports indicating that Chin politicians associated with the SAC intend to establish a party in anticipation of the upcoming general election. The new party’s objective is to participate within the framework of multi-party democracy rules.
On 6 March at around 4:20 pm, a cooking accident in Auk Thea Ma Wa village, Paletwa township, led to a fire that destroyed six houses and displaced over 30 individuals. The affected families are currently sheltered in a local school. Local residents report that the Arakan Army has detained the house owner and his daughter.
On 6 March at around 2 am, SAC carried out airstrikes on Se Taw village, west of Kalay township in Sagaing Region, destroying six houses including a church hall. Se Taw has about 500 households and is located along the Kalay-Gangaw road, according to local residents.
7 March 2025 –
On 7 March at around 2 pm, SAC troops raided Sat Si village in Ngape township, Magway Region, and abducted two Chin women, Ms. Daw Palun and Ms. Esther Maan. More than 40 SAC soldiers were involved in the operation, during which homes were searched, items such as a laptop and phone were seized, and a Christian Church kindergarten was destroyed. According to a local resident who spoke to Kimo Media, Sat Si village has over 80 Asho Chin households.
On 7 March at around 6 pm, SAC troops burned down Minthar village, Tamu township of Sagaing Region. Local residents said that houses in Minthar village were burned down for the fifth time, even though there was no fighting on the ground.
9 March 2025 –
On 9 March, Myanmar-born Chin fighter Joshua Van secured a unanimous decision victory over Japanese fighter Rei Tsuruya at UFC 313. Van’s masterful defense and dominant offense, characterized by precise jabs, kicks, and punches, handed Tsuruya his first loss in 11 matches. This win marks Van’s sixth victory in seven UFC fights, and notably, he carried the Myanmar flag for the first time during his UFC entrance.
On 9 March, the Central Committee for Siyin Chin Affairs and CDF/CDM Siyin have collaboratively launched a campaign against opium cultivation, production, and trade in Chin State. They condemned opium as a “hell flower,” highlighting its devastating consequences for the youth. The groups also accused opportunistic individuals, working with former dictators, of promoting opium farming. This initiative comes amidst a significant increase in opium cultivation across Myanmar, reaching one of the highest global levels since the military coup.
10 March 2025 –
On 10 March, during a state cabinet meeting today, Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma addressed the issue of free border crossings between Mizoram, India, and Myanmar, stating that it has negative consequences. He emphasized, “It is our duty to look after our brothers and sisters who have come to this side due to the war. Some people return to Myanmar frequently, but some have decided not to return.”
11 March 2025 –
On 11 March at around 9:51 pm, SAC conducted airstrikes and deployed two 500-pound bombs in the vicinity of Sin Pon village, located on the border of Gangaw and Htilin townships in Magway Region, alongside Myittha Dam, as reported by local residents to Zalen. The bombs struck a hill near a water maintenance tower.
12 March 2025 –
On 12 March, SAC used Jet Fighter, Y-12, and Y-8 aircraft to drop 500 pounds of bombs from early morning until late at night. The Chin Brotherhood troops captured several SAC bases in Falam town, Chin State, arresting over 100 SAC soldiers and officers. However, the main SAC LIB 268 base remains unseized due to continuous SAC airstrikes.
13 March 2025 –
On 13 March, Ms. Hai Htay, aged 12, suffered severe injuries from a landmine explosion while gathering thatch with her uncle near Sa Yar San village in Tamu township, Sagaing Region.
14 March 2025 –
On 14 March, a 30-year-old man was killed and another went missing after stepping on a landmine while setting rat traps between Pyin Khon Gyi and Hnget Pyaw Taw villages in Kalay township, Sagaing Region. A local resident said: “Two people went to set up a rat trap, but only one body was recovered and it is unknown whether the other person is dead or alive. They have not been found yet.”
15 March 2025 –
On 15 March, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah met with the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA). CYMA advocated for continued support for IDPs from Manipur, refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh during his visit to Mizoram. Shah confirmed that assistance would be provided to the 41,355 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently in Mizoram, which includes 33,505 refugees from Myanmar, 5,633 IDPs from Manipur, and 2,217 refugees from Bangladesh. The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Aizawl-Mizoram, has asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider its decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to stop the implementation of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border.
16 March 2025 –
On 16 March, SAC fighter jets bombed Tlangzar village in Falam township, Chin State, destroying at least six houses, including a church. The village is situated on the Hakha-Falam highway.
17 March 2025 –
On 17 March, only 408 of 566 registered students participated in the matriculation exams in Hakha and Tedim towns, Chin State, marking the state’s lowest turnout and the second lowest nationwide. This decline in student participation is attributed to ongoing conflict and political instability, which has led many students to relocate to cities such as Kalay, Yangon, and Mandalay to pursue their education.
On 17 March at around 10:30 am, SAC launched two rounds of heavy artillery, leading to a forest fire in Hle Seik village. The fire, attributed to the shelling, subsequently destroyed seven homes in Minthar village and two teacher dormitories in Hle Seik village, both located in Tamu township, Sagaing Region. Many residents had already fled the area due to ongoing military attacks, a local resident informed Zalen.
18 March 2025 –
On 18 March, the Chin National Front (CNF) announced the release of 72 prisoners as part of the event organized in commemoration of the 37th Chin Revolution Day on 20 March 2025. The CNF, established in 1988, is dedicated to eliminating Myanmar’s military dictatorship, fostering equality, and building a federal union.
19 March 2025 –
On 19 March, SAC launched airstrikes with MI-35 helicopters on Let Pan Chaung, Sa Meik Kwin, and Pyi Taw Thar villages in Kalay township, Sagaing Region. A local resident reported that the attack, which involved both bombs and machine guns, injured one resident in the leg and killed three cattle.
On 19 March at around 7:00 am, SAC’s MIG-29 fighter jet bombed a newly built Wesleyan Church in Hakha Lay village, Kalay township, Sagaing Region, injuring one civilian and destroying 2 houses. “There are some villagers who fled from other villages, while others relocated due to fear following the bombing,” a local resident told Zalen.
On 19 March, Mr. Maung Min Soe, aged 36, Lieutenant Corporal of SAC troops based in Tedim township, surrendered to PDF-Zoland (People’s Defence Force-Zoland) along with his weapons and ammunition.
20 March 2025 –
On 20 March 2025, 196 civil society organizations called on the Indian central government, urgently requesting the release of Myanmar refugees held in Manipur and Assam States, India. Among the 147 Myanmar refugees detained in these states are pregnant women, children, the elderly with chronic illnesses, and youth. These individuals remain imprisoned despite having completed their sentences under the Immigration Act, and are reportedly receiving inadequate medical care. Tragically, on 10 March, Mr. Aung Myint, aged 57, a detainee passed away due to a chronic illness.
On 20 March at around 2 am, an SAC airstrike on Ah Lel Ban village in Htilin township, Magway Region, resulted in four civilian deaths, including two children. Six others were critically injured, and 27 sustained minor injuries. The attack, carried out by fighter jets using rockets, incendiary bombs, and machine guns, also destroyed 12 houses, burned four to the ground, and damaged the roofs and walls of over 40 homes, according to a local resident.
21 March 2025 –
On 21 March at around 6:30 am, SAC troops advancing from Nga Ta Yaw towards Moe Hpyu and Moe Kwe villages caused many residents to flee. Reports indicate that SAC forces fired upon the fleeing villagers and arrested over 50 IDP members who had been sheltering in the western part of Moe Kwe village, located in Yesagyo township, Magway Region. A local resident said, “Since the arrests, no houses have been burned. Although shots were fired at the fleeing villagers, no casualties have been confirmed. The arrested group, which included children of all ages, was taken to Moe Kwe village.”
From 17 to 21 March, Chinland Government Chief Minister Mr. Pa Thang, accompanied by three other ministers, visited villages in Zotung, Mara, Zophei, Lautu and Matu areas in Matupi and Thantlang townships, conducting meetings and discussion on coordinating and strengthening local governance systems.
22 March 2025 –
On 22 March at around 9 am, an airstrike conducted by the SAC in Hnan Khar village, Gangaw township, Magway Region (bordering Chin State), resulted in tragedy. Yaw Media, a local news outlet, reported that bombs struck a public health clinic in the village, killing 11 people, including five children who were receiving medical treatment.
24 March 2025 –
On 24 March, the Chinland Defense Forces (CDF-Thantlang) declared that they had seized all assets belonging to Dr. Hmuh Thang, a member of the SAC, within Thantlang town, Chin State. The CDF-Thantlang stated that it holds Thang’s properties on behalf of the people and will continue to do so as required.
25 March 2025 –
On 25 March at around 12:30 pm, a drone attack was carried out by the SAC, based in Nat Lake strategic hill, on Laing village in Ngape township, Magway Region. The attack resulted in the death of Mr. Shwe Thein, aged 40, a Chin IDP man from Pa Be village, and seriously injured Mr. Mai Khan, aged 50, from Laing village, on his arm, according to local residents.
On 25 March, the Indigenous Family Team (IFT) and Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) health teams collaborated to provide healthcare and education to over 200 IDPs currently staying in Tamu township, Sagaing Region. These IDPs, residing in two villages along the Indian border, were suffering from cholera and other seasonal illnesses. According to an IFT representative who spoke with Zalen, “They provided healthcare to over 200 IDPs and discussed their challenges with local committees. For the first time, IFT introduced a policy to support IDPs in helping each other and pledged continued efforts.”
26 March 2025 –
On 26 March, Mr. Thangchhuaka, aged 26, a Chin man from Kanan village near Khampat town in Sagaing Region, was killed in an explosion while he was trying to extract gunpowder from 40-mm unexploded ordnance, a local resident told Zalen.
27 March 2025 –
On 27 March, 12 young individuals traveling in a white private car were apprehended by SAC forces in the Tahan area, located on the western outskirts of Kalay town, Sagaing Region. According to a local resident, their vehicle was pursued by two other cars, with one ultimately stopping in front of them, leading to the arrests.
28 March 2025 –
On 28 March, the Chinland Foundation received a donation of 100 lakh kyats from Joshua Van, a Chin UFC fighter. This donation was allocated to the rescue and medical treatment of earthquake victims in Mandalay, Meiktila, and Naypyidaw, Myanmar.
30 March 2025 –
On 30 March, Mr. Maung Hla Sein, aged 68, from the Mro tribe, went missing for a week in Maungdaw township, northern Rakhine State, an area controlled by the Arakan Army (AA). He disappeared while setting a wild animal trap near Kaing Gyi creek, east of his village, Kaing Gyi.
General news updates in March:
- Paletwa township faces critical medicine shortages as the Arakan Army (AA) reportedly moved hospital supplies to Rakhine State, leading to multiple deaths, including children.
- IDPs in Kalay township, Sagaing Region, face severe water shortage due to hot weather, with some suffering from diarrhea and vomiting after consuming contaminated water. They urgently need food, water, and medical aid. Tens of thousands remain in camps or forests, unable to return home due to SAC airstrikes and intense fighting with revolutionary forces since 13 February, which has caused local casualties. Shelter and assistance are critical for their survival, said an IDP member from Kalay South.
- Farmers in Paletwa township, Chin State, are unable to sell dried konjac this year due to poor transportation. While other townships with better roads are getting good prices, there are no buyers in Paletwa township. Some buyers reach a few villages, but they offer very low prices, a konjac farmer in Paletwa township told Kimo Media.
- Since March, Arakan Army (AA) has been recruiting teachers to teach up to Grade-12 in IDP camps in Paletwa township, Chin State, aiming to establish schools in their controlled area by June. Meanwhile, the Paletwa Council and Township Education Board under Chinland Council have opened 119 temporary schools with 8,147 students and 547 teachers.
The End
