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Annual report 2024: Chin State

Key data points on conflict, livelihoods, education, and Displacements & Refugees

Chin State Report-2024_Final.pdf

Introduction

Chin State, historically marginalized and economically underdeveloped, saw a marked intensification of its struggle for autonomy and self-governance in 2024. This review and analysis examines the complex and evolving situation during 2024, assessing the multifaceted impacts of the ongoing conflict, including the deepening humanitarian crisis, widespread protection concerns, and rapidly deteriorating economic conditions faced by local communities. It draws on diverse sources, including local and international media, research reports, and ground-level data gathered through field observations in the region.

At a glance

The impact of ongoing conflicts on civilian populations in 2024 highlighted severe consequences, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction. (See Chart 1)

These situations led to 81 civilian deaths, 188 injured and the arrest of 237 civilians by the SAC and local armed forces. Additionally, 601 civilian homes were destroyed.

Political Landscape

A significant political shift of Chin State occurred in December 2023 with the parallel emergence of two key entities: Chinland Council (CC) led by Chin National Front/Army (CNF/A) and Chin Brotherhood Alliance (CB).

The following timelines showed the key events of the political shift of 2024. CB, which is coordinating with the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) and currently six memberships - the Zomi Federal Union/PDF-Zoland (ZFU/PDF-Zoland), Chin National Organization/Chin National Defense Force (CNO/CNDF), and Maraland Territorial Council/Mara Defense Force(MTC/MDF), CDF-Kanpetlet and CDF-Matupi (Bridage-1).

The CB an alliance with the Arakan Army (AA), has gained control of Paletwa Township from the State Administrative Council (SAC). The emergence of these parallel governing bodies in Chin State reflects the complex and evolving dynamics within the Chin resistance actors. Factions among the Chin resistance actors led to armed clashes between the CC and CB in 2024.

Armed Conflict

There are 26 active armed groups in Chin State. While most of these groups are united in their opposition to the SAC, there are also significant factional conflicts between them due to intergroup issues.

In 2024, at least 430 armed clashes occurred across Chin State. In addition to the Chin Resistance groups, other forces such as the Arakan Army (AA), Yaw PDF, Yaw Defense Force (YDF), Yaw Army (YA), Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) had also participated as alliances in military activities against the SAC.

Tensions and clashes occurred between different Chin armed groups due to political differences and territorial influence. In northern Chin State, there have been conflicts between the Zomi Revolutionary Army (Eastern Command) and CNA & its allies. There was reportedly ZRA-EC has taken a different stance by not engaging in armed conflict previously with SAC, and it remains unclear their stance up to date.

In Mara Region (Thantlang, Matupi and Paletwa townships), clashes occurred between the CDF-Mara/CNA and MDF. Additionally, clashes broke out between members of CB and CC in Matupi township.

Economic

The economic situation in Chin State remains challenged with multifaceted crises stemming from ongoing conflict, natural disasters and inflation. The ongoing armed conflict has severely disrupted agricultural production and market stability. Although Chin State has the largest cultivation of elephant foot yam and seasonal vegetables, conflict-related disruptions such as roadblocks and landmines hinder farmers’ access to markets and production. As a result, there is an alarming rise in poppy cultivation as farmers seek alternative livelihoods amidst declining agricultural viability. Despite these challenges, some trade continues across borders, particularly with India via the Rihkhawdar border. However, this trade is often interrupted by embargoes and internal roadblocks.

Drug Trafficking

The 2023 Report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicates that Myanmar has become the world’s leading producer of opium, with cultivation in Chin State rising by 10 percent. By 2024, Myanmar maintained its status as the leading source of opium and heroin, with cultivation in Chin State increasing by 18 percent.

Opium production has surged amidst difficult socio-economic circumstances. Dense poppy cultivation is observed in the mountainous areas of Tonzang and Tedim townships. Despite poppy cultivation, Chin State is one of main drug trafficking routes from Myanmar’s Shan State and others to Manipur and Mizoram of India.

Chin resistance forces are reported to be actively intervening against drug trafficking in areas under their administration by seizing narcotics from smugglers and incinerating them. In 2024, CDF-Hualngoram seized heroin worth 710 million MMK, and 349 heroin soap cases, 55,220 methamphetamine tablets and 0.5 kg of cannabis. The CNA and allied forces seized processed heroin worth approx. 1.76 million MMK concealed in 1,000 soap cases in Tonzang Township.

A joint team of the PDF-Zoland and People Police’s Force-Zoland destroyed over 20 acres of opium fields in villages of Tedim Township, and the CDF-CDM Siyin also destroyed three acres of opium fields in their administration area in Tedim Township.

In 2024, the Mizoram police and the Excise & Narcotics Department seized 127.455 kg of heroin and 766.558 kg of methamphetamine tablets, primarily imported from Myanmar, making the highest annual drug seizure in the history of Mizoram. The other contraband seized drugs included crystal meth (ice), caffeine and cannabis.

Image: Zofa Journal- Heroin and Methamphetamine seized by the CDF-Hualngoram

Education

In this 2024-2025 academic year, the SAC was able to open only 38 schools out of 1551 schools in Chin State, compared to 328 schools in 2023. The schools have been opened across five townships-Hakha, Falam, Mindat, Matupi, and Tedim with very low student enrollment. There are no reports of schools having resumed in four other townships such as Paletwa, Tonzang, Thantlang and Kanpetlet.

Many students have joined community-based schools under the People’s Administration Education Departments of the NUG and in areas administered by Chin resistance groups. In 2024, the SAC carried out actions against at least 17 schools. The most significant damage to these schools has been caused by SAC airstrikes.

Arson

In 2024, the SAC troops were involved in widespread arson, looting and destruction of civilian property including religious buildings in Chin State. These include villages and homes in the townships of Mindat, Matupi, Kanpetlet, Paletwa, Hakha, Falam, Tonzang and Tedim. At least 379 residential houses and public buildings have been affected by ongoing conflict across eight townships of Chin State.

Airstrikes

Chin State experienced a series of violent airstrikes by the SAC, resulting in extensive civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. The Airstrikes targeted multiple villages across townships, leading to widespread displacement. Villages were heavily bombed, with homes, schools, churches, and hospitals being destroyed. In total over 150 airstrikes were reported in 2024, with cluster munitions and 500-pound bombs deployed, severely impacting civilian areas.

These airstrikes resulted in the loss of 46 civilian lives and injuries to 122 more. These incidents resulted in the destruction of over 200 residential houses and public buildings, including schools, hospitals and religious buildings. It was reported that the SAC used cluster bombs, which are banned globally, in Mindat township.

Landmines

Landmine incidents affecting civilians occurred throughout Chin State, except in the townships of Thantlang and Kanpetlet. Paletwa and Matupi townships experienced the highest level of impact. (See Chart 7)

A total of 42 civilians were documented as victims of these landmine incidents, resulting in the loss of 15 civilian lives and injuries to 27 others. Among the victims, seven women and 15 children included, highlighting the severe impact of landmine use on the civilian population in Chin State. (See Chart 8)

Gender Issues

The widespread violence against women and girls in conflict-affected areas of Chin State, where they face arrests, injuries, and death, primarily due to military actions by the SAC. Documented incidents include arbitrary detentions, artillery shelling, landmine explosion, airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties, including children. Some women were detained and released, while others were sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges. Young girls have also been severely injured or killed by landmines and airstrikes, underscoring the severe impact on vulnerable populations.

In 2024, 123 women and girls were directly affected by violence. Two cases of rape were documented, including a case of child rape perpetrated by the SAC member. The SAC and other armed groups were responsible for detaining women and subjecting them to physical abuse. The violence spanned multiple townships, with civilian casualties resulting from indiscriminate military actions. Even educational trips were disrupted, with women and girls detained and mistreated. These incidents reflect a troubling pattern of violence and abuse targeting women in conflict zones.

A Religious Freedom Dilemma

Freedom of religion in Chin State faced significant restrictions. Following the declaration of martial law in eight townships, excluding Paletwa, congregations were required to obtain permission for church gatherings. Ongoing armed conflicts and SAC military operations impacting on religious sites forced the closure of the majority of religious buildings. Only a handful of churches hold Sunday services, with congregations grappling with feelings of fear and anxiety.

As a result of airstrikes and artillery shelling by the SAC, twenty-five Churches and monasteries were destroyed and fourteen Churches in Hakha Town were compelled to close for almost five months.

National Census

The SAC has conducted a census operation in three towns of Chin State: Hakha, Falam and Tedim under tight security.

In Hakha Town, census was collected in Myothit, Zayhaung and Chinoosee wards. The operation was halted on 1 October when the CDF-Hakha engaged the SAC troops and their census staff near the police station in the town. In Falam Town, the SAC was able to collect data in some wards near their base. In Tedim Town, the SAC reportedly conducted a household registration under the pretext of checking electronic bills.

Internally Displaced People

The conflict in Chin State led to the internal displacement of over 130,000 people, while approximately 35,000 are living in refugee-like situations in Mizoram, India. This displacement is primarily driven by the ongoing armed clashes between SAC and Chin resistance forces and SAC’s airstrikes in the region. The fighting has forced many civilians to flee their homes, seeking refuge in forests and other urban centers across Myanmar.

Refugee

Image: Map of refugee camps in seven Districts of Mizoram

According to the Mizoram State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Officials, Mizoram is currently providing shelter to 32,794 refugees from Myanmar, predominantly from the Chin State. Of these, 16,892 individuals are residing in 127 refugee camps spread across seven districts: Aizawl, Kolasib, Mamit, Champhai, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Saiha. Meanwhile, 15,902 people are living outside these camps, primarily in rented accommodations or with relatives.

Conclusion

This report has presented a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges facing Chin State in 2024. The ongoing armed conflict, coupled with internal instability among Chin resistance groups, has created a humanitarian catastrophe, the collapse of education and economic systems, and strain on religious harmony. The emergence of new resistance groups and self-governance systems offers a potential pathway towards a different future. Understanding these dynamics, supporting local people and development initiatives and ensuring inclusive solutions are crucial for lasting stability in the region.

Disclaimer

“While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, developments are ongoing and circumstances may change over time. The information presented is intended solely for informational and advocacy purposes and does not imply endorsement of any actor or political position.”

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