MHGC in Chin State report is available to download now
The humanitarian situation in Chin State remains concerning, driven by a combination of ongoing conflicts, road blockades, the persisted threat of shelling and airstrikes and recurrent natural disasters. These challenges create a highly restrictive environment for the delivery of life-saving assistance and remain a primary barrier preventing displaced populations from returning safely to their homes.
A majority of displaced people in Falam Township, nearly 10,000 residents are unable to return and remain displaced in Kalay town and nearby areas. This is due to ongoing insecurity and fears of rising tensions among Chin resistance groups following the armed clash between Chinland Council (CC) alliance and Chin Brotherhood aligned-Chin National Defense Force (CNDF).
In the Mara region of southern Chin State, approximately 800 local people from 147 households- including nearly 100 children under five and about 30 pregnant women from the villages of Fartlang, Khaupilu, Lau and Ngaphaipi have been displaced due to armed clashes between the CDF-Mara and Mara Defense Force (MDF). These displaced communities are currently seeking refuge in Ngaphaite village, the Lautu area and nearby forests and they are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Heavy rainfall and pest infestations destroyed farmlands and major crops such as elephant foot yam and paddy, raising concerns over potential food shortages in the southern Chin State. Local communities are struggling with outbreaks of seasonal influenza and malaria which have spread to over 100 villages across Mindat, Matupi and Daai region. The shortage of medicines and delays in accessing treatment have led to the deaths of children, while schools in affected areas have been forced to close due to the spread of disease.
During this reporting period, the territorial disputes and clashes between CC-aligned CDF-Mara and CB-aligned MDF raged for over two months since July, resulting in casualties on both sides. The CDF-Mara claimed that the Arakan Army (AA) provided military assistance to the MDF, however, the AA denied any involvement in the Mara disputes.
The two Zo armed groups, CDF-Tonzang and Zo Army, both affiliated with CC, announced their intention to cooperate in military operations across their respective bases in Tonzang, Tamu and Khampat areas.
Three airstrikes were documented in Mindat, Kapetlet and Paletwa, areas where the National Defense and Security Council/National Security and Peace Commission- NDSC/NSPC (former SAC) has declared that elections will not be held. The NDSC carried out airstrikes on Khapan village in Kanpetlet township, dropping two 500-pound bombs that damaged two school buildings and injured a civilian. Subsequent airstrikes targeted Sanpya ward in Mindat Town, where two jet fighters dropped four bombs, damaging around seven residential buildings. In Peletwa town, airstrikes targeted a hospital, killing two civilians and injuring 23 others, and at least 10 residential buildings including a hospital were destroyed.
During this reporting period, a total of eleven civilians were reportedly arrested. Ten young men from Lezang village in Tedim Township were reportedly conscripted for military training by the People Defense Army-Tedim (PDA-Tedim), a CC member. The residents in Tedim township are now required to carry their identification cards even when going to their farmland. The PDA-Tedim conducted ID checks on individuals heading to their farms, and those found without ID are forced to turn back.
A civilian from Auk Hnone Bu village in Paletwa Township was arrested by the United League of Arakan/the Arakan Army (ULA/AA) administrator for posting on social media about a cross-border pass issued by the group and he remains in custody.
It is reported that residents in Tonzang town, which is controlled by the CC and CDF-Tonzang, are facing difficulties due to numerous taxes imposed by the local authorities. These include monthly fees such as 15,000 MMK (approx. 7 USD) for water and 3,000 MMK (approx. 1.4 USD) for clinic operations. New taxes collected on firewood, often collected in bundles of 40 or 20 sticks and 25,000 MMK (approx. 11 USD) per household for motorbike owners. It is also reported that frequent charges for such as camp construction and purchasing supplies for the armed members. The CDF-Tonzang leader denied imposing any taxes and collected only for water and clinic operations.
Timelines
In southern Chin State, local residents are facing outbreaks of seasonal influenza and malaria. In the Daai Region, approximately 90 villages have been affected by the flu. A shortage of medicines and delays in treatment led to the deaths of several children. Although some clinics are operating in the region, many patients cannot receive timely care due to insufficient medical supplies and a lack of healthcare personnel. Seasonal flu has also spread across Mindat Township, where at least seven children have reportedly died this year. Schools are suspended classes due to high infection rates among students, teachers and local residents who are suffering from high fever, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, sore throat and diarrhea. In Paletwa Township, four civilians including three children have died from malaria and seasonal flu. The affected villages are in urgent need of healthcare workers and emergency medical supplies. A severe shortage of healthcare service forced residents to travel long distances to the neighboring areas for treatment. Poor transportation and high costs add additional barriers to access to healthcare in these areas.
Landslides driven by heavy rainfall destroyed farmlands and corps like elephant foot yam across Mindat and Matupi Townships. Simultaneously, a severe pest outbreak killed numerous plants such as paddy, beans and corn. Local reports indicated the pest surges through the farmlands of over 40 villages in Mindat Township, with corn crops suffering the brunt of the attack. Agricultural experts identified the pest as the “Fall armyworm”, a species capable of quickly consuming and destroying hill farms. Urgent control measures are required to stop further spread and prevent further corp destruction.
The NDSC carried out airstrikes on Paletwa Town on 29 September, resulting in the death of two women, aged 19 and 42. On 11 September, a female shop owner in Layshi village, Mindat Township, was robbed and fatally stabbed by a male thief from Auk Kyikatain village, Saw Township from Magway Region after he attempted to purchase goods at her store.
Mizoram officials have completed the biometric enrolment of 40.37 % of the Myanmar refugees sheltering in the Mizoram State. Data has been collected for 12, 621 individuals out of a total 31, 265 Myanmar refugees across all districts of Mizoram State.
In Tuidang village in Lawngtlai district, Chin refugees from Paletwa township are facing increasing food insecurity due to rat infestations destroying their crops. Over 200 refugee households cultivated rice fields over a mile from the village with the permission of the village council. However, rats destroyed large portions of the crop, cutting down plants after they ripened.
The Union Election Commission (UEC) has announced that elections will not be held in the four townships of Mindat, Matupi, Kanpetlet and Paletwa. However, the UEC plans to conduct elections in other townships within Chin State, including Hakha, Tedim, Tonzang and Thantlang, although some of these areas remain under the control of the Chin resistance groups.
In Hakha town, voter lists for the upcoming election started to be posted and publicly announced. The final voter lists are expected to be announced by the end of November.
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.”
