20 February 2026 — The State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) organized Chin National Day event in Hakha was met with a widespread public boycott on 20 February 2026, coinciding with the attendance of Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae.
The day was further disrupted by violence, including reports of an unidentified man shot dead near the Fire Department in Chin-Oo-Si Ward, close to the venue. Gunshots and the sound of heavy weapons were heard throughout the town throughout the late morning.
Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and artillery fire around Hakha town as the SSPC launched airstrikes on several villages along the Hakha-Falam main road in Hakha and Falam townships.
The town of Hakha became largely deserted, with shops closed and few people seen on the streets. Heavy security, including police, was deployed at various junctions across the town.
Guests attending the official event were reportedly housed at the Mangtha guesthouse, near the celebration site.
The CDF-Hakha had urged the public in Hakha town to boycott the event organized by the military junta that has been suppressing the freedom of the people, killing innocent civilians, and burning houses across Chin State since the 2021 coup.
Minister meets local officials amid tensions
The day before the event, Union Minister for Border Affairs and Ethnic Affairs, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, a member of the State Security and Peace Commission, met with cabinet members and departmental staff of the Chin State authorities at the General Administrative Department meeting hall in Hakha.
Speaking to the officials, the Union Minister acknowledged that civil servants in Chin State face unique challenges compared to those in other regions. He stressed the importance of professionalism and adherence to the Civil Service Personnel Law, which mandates that government staff remain free from party politics.
The Minister elaborated, distinguishing between “party politics,” which serves partisan interests, and “national politics,” which involves safeguarding “Our Three Main National Causes.”
He emphasized that regardless of the ruling government, civil servants are accountable to the State and must perform their duties by cooperating with their respective ministries and upholding government laws and rules.
SSPC’s Chief Minister of Chin State Dr Vung Suan Thang and township department heads briefed the delegation on regional development programs. The meeting also included discussions coordinated by several other Union and Deputy Ministers, and was concluded by remarks from Lt-Gen Yar Pyae.
Pre-event coordination
The Chin National Day celebration was preceded by a coordination meeting held on 18 February in Hakha. Chief Minister Dr Vung Suan Thang opened the meeting, urging the leading and working committees to execute their duties effectively.
He called on all departments to complete preparations and conduct necessary rehearsals for the 78th Chin National Day. Attendees reported on completed tasks and arrangements for exhibitions.
Hakha elections organized by SSPC
Myanmar’s military junta held the first phase of elections in Tedim and Hakha towns in December 2025, with its proxy, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), claiming a landslide victory.
In Hakha, 12 polling stations were established across eight urban wards. Seven candidates from four political parties contested three parliamentary seats: the Chin State Hluttaw, the Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House). The USDP won all three seats, according to the results.
Ongoing SSPC Attacks
The SSPC escalated its aerial attacks on villages in Falam and Hakha townships on 19 and 20 February 2026. The attacks injured several civilians, including a 3-year-old boy who died today from his injuries, and caused damage to multiple houses.#
