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This newsletter covers the period from 1 - 31 August 2025.
Humanitarian updates
Humanitarian updates
The humanitarian situation in Chin State is worsening, driven by ongoing conflicts, road blockades and prolonged communication blackouts. Civilian casualties are rising amidst repeated shelling and airstrikes. These security challenges severely restrict providing life-saving assistance and prevent displaced populations from returning safely to their homes.
A majority of displaced people in Tedim Township remain unable to return due to persistent insecurity including upcoming election and the possibility of clashes in Tedim town. In Falam Township, nearly 10,000 residents remain displaced due to ongoing insecurity and fears of rising tensions among Chin resistance groups following the armed clash between CC alliance and CNDF (a member of CB). In addition, approximately 1,000 residents from five villages are unable to return due to escalating conflict between the MDF and CDF-Mara over territory control since July. At the same time, reports indicate increased recruitment by local resistance groups, prompting many Chin youth to flee to neighbouring regions and countries.
Conflict updates
Conflict updates
During this reporting period, the ongoing conflict impacted Tedim, Hakha, Mindat, Matupi and Kanpetlet townships. Five armed clashes took place in Chin State. Armed clashes occurred between the National Defense and Security Council/National Security and Peace Commission- NDSC/NSPC (former SAC) and CDF-Hakha, leading to the apprehension of at least 40 male civilians by the NDSC in Hakha Town. The tension between CDF-Mara and MDF in Mara region in Matupi township continued to intensify, resulting in three armed clashes and destruction of religious buildings.
Four airstrikes were documented. In Tedim township, the NDSC carried out airstrikes on the villages of Mualbem, Zangzawl and Heilei, injuring a child. In Mindat Town, airstrikes destroyed at least ten residential buildings. Another airstrike targeted Kanpetlet Town, resulting in the complete destruction of at least two houses.
During this reporting period, a total of 46 civilians were reportedly apprehended by the NDSC and resistance groups.
In Hakha, the NDSC detained more than 40 male civilians who were returning from church in Hakha. In Tedim township, the PDF-Zoland arrested an NDSC administrator from Mualbem village and remained in custody. In Falam township, the CDF-Hualngoram detained five male civilians at the gate in Lianhna village, who were searching for the dead body of a deceased CNDF member and they were later released. In addition, a secretary-1 of the CNO/CNDF-UCR was arrested by the CDF-Hualngoram, but released after being detained for 20 days.
The CNF/A has assumed control of the India-Myanmar No.2 trade centre at Rihkhawdar in Hualngoram area under the bilateral administration agreement between the CNF/A and HPO/CDF-Hualngoram.
In southern Chin State, Chin resistance groups blocked roads for security reasons. In early August, the MRO/CDF-Matupi also closed all entry and exit points to Matupi town for security reasons. These restrictions remained in place until the end of August. In addition, CDF-Kanpetlet issued a statement declaring the temporary closure of the Magwe-Kanpetlet roads in response to the reported approach of nearly 400 NDSC troops toward Chin State.
The CB aligned- Matupi Revolution Organization (MRO)/ CDF-Matupi announced a mandatory conscription order for areas under this control. Under the order, all residents between the ages of 16 and 40 are required to serve and undergo military training. In response, more than 100 young people reportedly fled their home to avoid conscription. Local sources further reported that residents of Thlangpang village, including students, teachers and community members, staged a public protest against the conscription policy.
The NDSC/NSPC is preparing to hold elections across all nine townships in Chin State. They announced that the townships of Tedim and Hakha will be included in the first phase of the election, scheduled to take place in December. For the Pyithu Hluttaw, representatives will be elected under a first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. Of 12 seats allocated in the Amyotha Hluttaw, six seats will be contested through the FPTP system while the remaining six will be filled through proportional representation (PR). Similarly, for the Chin State Hluttaw, a total of 18 representatives will be elected: nine through the FPTP system and nine through the PR system.
Timelines
Basic Community Access
Basic Community Access
The NDSC/NSPC has begun implementing non-formal education programs in Hakha township. For the 2025-2026 academic year, reports indicate that only 25,763 students have enrolled in NDSC-run schools in Tedim and Hakha. This non-formal education program targeted children aged 10 to 18 who are out of school and unable to attend regular schools, with plans to expand the program to other parts of Chin State. According to the state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television, a total of 7,644 students are studying in non-formal education across the country.
In the liberated areas, a significant number of students are also continuing their education under the administration of Chin resistance groups. For instance, in the area of Hualngoram of Falam Township, at least 40 schools including secondary and higher-level institutions are currently operating under the HPO/CDF-Hualngoram, providing education to around 1,000 students.
At the university level, the National University of Zoland (NUZ) introduced new academic programs, including a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), thereby expanding opportunities for higher education in the region.
In the southern part of Chin State, particularly in Kanpetlet and Matupi, trade has come to a temporary halt due to blockaded transport routes. As a result, local residents are reportedly facing some difficulties accessing healthcare and basic food supplies. Shortages of basic food items have driven up prices, forcing many households to purchase supplies from neighbouring villages.
Gender issues
Gender issues
During inspections conducted by the NDSC at an intersection in Pyay Taw Tharr Ward of Hakha town, NDSC members opened fire on a male civilian after he failed to stop his motorcycle. The shooting also resulted in injuries to two female students nearby.
Refugee Issues
Refugee Issues
After nearly a month of protests organized by the Chin refugee committee (CRC), the UNHCR office in New Delhi, India, has agreed to begin conducting refugee status determination (RSD) interviews for refugees from Myanmar. Both parties have also committed to continue dialogue on key concerns, including access to healthcare, education, security and third-country resettlement.
Meanwhile, biometric enrollment of refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh commenced in the last week of July across Mizoram State under the Foreigners Identification Portal and Biometric Enrollment (FIP & EB) initiative. The data collected included personal details such as name, date of birth, parental information, national registration card information, fingerprints and photographs.
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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