The newly formed Khumi ethnic armed group, People Front/Khumi National Congress Party (KPF/KNCP), has conscripted about 40 young men and women from three villages in Paletwa in southern Chin State, according to Paletwa Township residents.
Armed men reportedly entered Tharyarkone, Kyaukpalin, and Sattalaingwa villages along Uthalin Creek around midnight on June 2 and took away young people, including minors.
“Around midnight on June 2, KPF/KNCP fighters raided three villages, going house to house to round up young men. They also recorded details of the youths living there. Those not taken this time were told they would be included in future rounds, and that if they tried to flee, their parents would be conscripted in their place. The armed men said their group was newly formed and that this was their first time carrying out conscription. They also warned young people in the villages not to leave,” a local told Khonumthung News.
Around 20 villagers from Tharyarkone, about 10 from Kyaukpalin, and at least 6 from Sattalaingwa were forcibly taken away by KPF/KNCP troops. The exact number of people conscripted is still unknown.
The KPF was initially formed as an armed resistance group based in Paletwa, while its political wing, the KNCP, was formed in July 2025, according to some sources within the Chin resistance community. However, its structure, status, objectives, and other details have not been made public.
Khumi community said that the KPF/KNCP is made up of local and international Khumi affairs activists, Khumi armed resistance factions, and intellectuals. Khonumthung is still trying to reach the KPF/KNCP for comment on the conscription drive in Paletwa.
Most parts of Paletwa, including Paletwa and Samee towns, are currently under the control of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA). Additionally, the Chinland Defence Force–Paletwa (CDF-Paletwa) and Chinland Defence Force–Daai (CDF-Daai), which emerged after the 2021 coup, also operate in the township.