From TheHILLS: Chin State and Borderlands Updates

The humanitarian situation in Chin State is worsening due to a combination of factors: ongoing conflicts, road blockades and communication outages. Civilian casualties continue to rise amidst repeated shelling, landmine explosions and aerial attacks. The continuing instability hampers efforts to provide life-saving assistance and obstructs displaced populations from returning safely to their homes. 

In Tedim and Tonzang, armed clashes remained severer, with clashes along the Kale-Tedim road, forcing  over 1,000 civilians to flee their homes in search of safety. Despite the SAC losing control of Falam Town, nearly 10,000 residents remain displaced as continuous attempts by the CNA to reclaim the town prevent their return. And, more than 3,000 residents from Rihkhawdarr have fled to Zokhawthar, Mizoram State of India, although some have since returned. In addition, approximately 1,000 residents from five villages have sought refuge in forest due to escalating conflict between the MDF and CDF-Mara over territory control. 

On 2 June, the SAC-run schools reopened in both Hakha and Tedim Townships. In Tedim township, a total of  71 basic education schools resumed operations, accommodating  10,345 students. According to local sources, this reopening was largely driven by parental demand and community requests for access to formal education. Similarly, in Hakha Township, four Basic Education High Schools (BEHS) have reopened. Most students currently attending schools are from neighbouring townships such as Thantlang, Falam and Matupi. In addition, the township has seen a growing number of private schools reopening and expanding operations. There are now at least ten private schools operating in the township, compared to only three prior to the military coup. 

Moreover, a considerable number of students are engaged in studies within liberated areas organized by Chin resistance groups under the National Unity Government (NUG) Ministry of Education. 

According to the results of the 2025 matriculation examination, out of 408 students who took the exam, only 110 students passed, resulting in a pass rate of 26.96 % in Chin State. This represents the lowest pass rate across the country. 

Malaria outbreaks are increasingly affecting  65 villages across Paletwa Township where local residents are struggling in accessing essential medicines and adequate healthcare. In response, the joint team of the Chin Health Organization (CHO) and township health department has launched a mobile clinic initiative to deliver medical supplies and provide critical healthcare service to affected communities. However, significant challenges remain in reaching the most remote areas and ensuring provision of medical care.

The SAC has implemented widespread phone and internet shutdowns across Chin State. Hakha Town remains the only town in Chin State with phone services. On 24 July, the SAC troops from LIB 266 forcibly confiscated internet WiFi devices in Hakha Town. Confiscated devices include six Starline units, seven Chinland Network units, two Shwe Hakha Net units and other Star Net devices. 

Three women recorded in these reported incidents which highlighted the specific impact on women. A female civilian sustained injuries during the SAC’s airstrike on the elephant camp in Khaikam town on 22 June. Additionally, two women from Mindat Town stepped on remaining landmines near Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 274 while collecting firewood on 27 July. One woman suffered a leg amputation, and both are receiving medical treatment. 

Myanmar refugees, led by the Chin refugee committee (CRC), have been staging daily peaceful protests since 7 July in front of the UNHCR office in New Delhi, India, demanding recognition of their rights. This protest followed accusations that the UNHCR shared personal data of Myanmar refugees with Indian authorities, resulting in reported human rights violations, arrests and deportation back to Myanmar. According to the statement by 141 civil society organizations on 4 July, this data transfer resulted in the arrest of at least 261 Myanmar refugees and deportation of approximately 134 individuals to Myanmar. The protesters are demanding the provision of secure legal status, respect for the principle  of non-refoulement, personal security guarantees and resettlement pathways.