21 May 2026 – Approximately 500 displaced people, including government employees, their families, and local residents, returned to Falam town, Chin State, from Kalay town, Sagaing Region, on 20 May.
This latest movement marks a significant phase in the gradual return of civilians and civil servants to the town.
The returnees traveled via the Taingen route in a convoy of around 20 vehicles, including trucks and Forland vehicles, while others arrived by motorcycle.
This effort was facilitated by the Falam Pawlpi Falam (FPF), which had organized an earlier convoy on 19 May primarily to assist those facing financial hardship. The FPF had previously launched a global appeal for aid to cover transportation and resettlement costs for over 6,000 displaced individuals.
More than 6,000 residents originally fled Falam town about two years ago due to armed conflict.
The current returns began after the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) military regained control of the town on 25 April. Following the takeover, the SSPC initiated efforts to restore administrative functions and recall non-Civil Disobedience Movement (non-CDM) civil servants.
Although local SSPC authorities are preparing to reopen government offices and schools before the end of May, the homecoming is taking place amidst reports of sustained conflict in the region.
Updates indicate that SSPC forces have carried out military offensives across Chin State, including burning civilian homes in places like Chuncung village, Hakha township, and launching multiple airstrikes on Mindat, Kanpetlet and Matupi towns, and other areas.
For this reason, some displaced residents have not yet returned due to continuing security concerns, financial strain, and reconstruction challenges. – Reporting by Daniel
