Almost the entire population of Mindat have fled the military siege by the Burma Army last week and now sheltering at several internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in the jungle in the township with the same name.
“Everybody is scared” a volunteer explained after Burma Army fired 60 artillery shells and used a military helicopter to attack a civilian resistance group in the tiny town in southern Chin State last week. The violence and martial law, enacted around the same time, drove out ninety percent of the population. According to the source, there are only a few elders left in Mindat.
The volunteer explained 2,000 townsfolk are staying in four IDPs camps, while a remaining 10,000 are dispersed in 10 camps across the township. Everyone needs emergency rations.
Fighting erupted after a ceasefire between Burma Army and Mindat People’s Administration, now called Chinland Defense Force-Mindat (CDF), expired on May 13. CDF wanted the Army to release five youths arrested for opposing the regime, but it would only release four in exchange for allowing a Tatmadaw military convoy to pass by the town.
CDF retreated after Tatmadaw pounded Mindat with artillery and used human shields, allowing ground troops to gain access. Soldiers kicked down doors of homes, arresting every male they could find. Burma Army IB-274 is now firmly in control of Mindat.
A 10-year-old shot in the neck by Burma Army was finally allowed to seek medical care in Mandalay after being prevented for some time.
In the nearby town of Kanpetlet, many fled after Burma Army sent troops in a helicopter on May 16. Fighting broke out with the CDF chapter a few days earlier. Soldiers and police are occupying schools and the other big buildings in the town.
A man knowledgeable about the situation told Khonumthung News some have returned to check their homes aren’t damaged but aren’t staying in the town.
Meanwhile, Burma Army met with elders and representatives from CDF- Kanpetlet for negotiations on May 17. For now, things are quiet but many fear new fighting will flare up at any time.