The Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) reports that a total of 474 members of Chin resistance members, including nine women, have been killed during the four years of resistance against military dictatorship in Chin State.
The ICA released its research findings on 1 February on the military council’s human rights violations against Chin people during the four years since the military coup.
ICA spokespersonSalai Van Sui San said: “Most of these resistance members were killed in action. Women resistance members were found to lose their lives either due to health issues or airstrikes.”
The ICA states that Chin youth initially participated in street protests against the coup, but after facing violent crackdowns, they established resistance forces in various locations to resist the military dictatorship.
According to a statement made in December 2024 marking the first anniversary of the Chin Brotherhood’s formation, about 100 Chin defense force members were killed and around 400 were wounded in battles to capture towns and military camps within their first year.
Ko Thang Chawn Phe, the military affairs officer of Chin Brotherhood, has stated that nearly 250 members have been killed and approximately 1,000 members wounded during the nearly four years of conflict.
So far, Chin resistance forces have captured 15 towns in Chin State. A total of 491 Chin civilians have been killed through various means by the junta during the four years since the coup, according to the ICA.
According to the report, 249 Chin people have been killed and at least 424 injured due to airstrikes. More than 1,280 homes, over 38 government buildings, and at least 39 religious buildings have been destroyed.
While there have been numerous casualties among members of the joint forces of the Chinland Council and Chinland Government , official figures have not yet been made public.
“When the junta conducts airstrikes, they increasingly target civilian areas, urban areas, and populated residential areas rather than battle zones,” said Salai Van Sui San.
The military council has reportedly conducted 241 airstrikes in Chin State, dropping 1,061 bombs.
In addition, a total 77 Chin people have been killed and 105 injured by landmines planted by junta troops along routes to their farms during the four-year period.
House burnings in Chin State have increased year over year, with 407 houses burned in 2023 rising to 1,301 houses in 2024, more than doubling.
During the four years since the coup, at least 3,479 residential structures have been destroyed by fire in Chin State, according to the ICA.
According to the ICA, over 65,000 Chin people have fled to India as refugees, while approximately 130,000 are internally displaced within Chin State.
Of the 20 towns in Chin State, allied resistance forces control Rikhawdar, Rezua, Webula, Hnaring, Surkhua, Paletwa, Samee, Kyindwe, Cikha, Tonzang, Matupi, Lailenpi, M’Kuiimnu, Mindat, and Kanpetlet.