In Mindat town of southern Chin State, repeated arson attacks by military junta troops on uninhabited houses have destroyed over 70 homes, according to residents.
A Mindat resident said that houses along the Mindat-Matupi road in Ah Nauk Ward of Mindat were the worst affected, where over 50 houses were burned down.
“The army said they would burn houses where no one lives. They told people to come and live in their homes. They patrol every 3-4 days. They keep track of which houses are inhabited and which aren’t. More than 60 houses have been burned in the entire town. The Ah Nauk Ward is the most affected, with over 50 houses burned. Some houses don’t even have their posts left standing, everything is completely burned,” the Mindat resident said.
According to residents, the junta troops stationed in Mindat have reportedly set fire to houses in the town at least 10 times between 22 August and 5 October.
On 5 October, the junta troops again set fire to civilians’ houses after a clash between the Chinland Defense Force-Mindat and junta troops.
According to Mindat residents, over 50 houses in Ah Nauk Ward of Mindat, nine houses in San Pya Ward, and 13 houses in Ah Shey Pyin Ward were burned to ashes by the junta’s arson.