Amidst escalating tensions, the anti-regime Chin Brotherhood has issued a stark warning to the Chinland Council, cautioning against encroachment into territories liberated from Myanmar's junta in Chin State.
The recent seizure of Kyin Dwe town in Kanpetlet Township, Chin State, on April 28 by the Chin Brotherhood has intensified rifts, with accusations leveled against the Chin National Front (CNF) of attempting to occupy liberated land while engaging in combat against the junta.
Formed in December, the Chinland Council boasts over 100 members, including the CNF, established in 1988, alongside ousted Chin MPs and various anti-regime and administrative entities.
Comprising organizations such as the Zomi Federal Union and Chin National Organization, the Chin Brotherhood issued a statement cautioning against inter-Chin confrontations and warning of potential retaliatory measures if such actions persist.
Accusations of the Chinland Council exploiting the conflict for territorial expansion have heightened tensions within the Chin community, prompting calls for the CNF and its armed wing, the Chin National Army (CNA), to focus efforts solely on combatting the regime in designated areas.
Despite this directive, the Chin Brotherhood reaffirmed its commitment to active engagement throughout Chin State.
Clashes in late February between the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) and CNA in Paletwa Township underscored the volatile situation. The MDF, aligned with the Arakan Army, has been engaged in ongoing battles with the regime in Paletwa and northern Rakhine State since November.
Internal divisions within the Matupi Chin Defense Force (CDF) have further complicated matters, with Brigade 1 aligning with the Chin Brotherhood and Brigade 2 throwing its support behind the Chinland Council.
Ray Kin of Brigade 2 rejected accusations of invasion, asserting the CNF's legitimate presence in Matupi Township as a Chin armed group.
Despite efforts to mitigate conflict, military tensions remain high, with both sides reiterating their commitment to combatting the common enemy – the junta. Analysts note the inevitability of tensions given the differing perspectives but acknowledge the absence of Chin groups siding with the junta as a positive development in the struggle for liberation.
BOB Post
