The Zomi Revolutionary Army–Eastern Command (ZRA-EC), a Chin State-based armed group aligned with Myanmar’s military junta, executed a young man from Tedim Township after accusing him of involvement in the killing of one of its members.
According to the ZRA-EC, U Paung Ngai Man, a National Worker of the group, was beaten to death on June 9 while returning from Tungzang Village to his home in Thuitan Village.
In a statement released by the ZRA-EC, the group said it conducted an investigation into the killing and identified Kap Lian Man, son of U Kin Za Khup from Thuitan Village, as the person responsible for U Paung Ngai Man’s death. The statement said Kap Lian Man was arrested and given what the group described as the harshest punishment—execution.
A ZRA-EC member identified as Joshua Zomi wrote on social media that Kap Lian Man was allegedly a member of the rival Zomi National Army (ZNA).
“Kap Lian Man, also known as Helper, who had returned from Delhi and joined the ZNA only two weeks ago, has now received the maximum punishment—the death penalty. We will continue taking action until everyone connected to this case is brought to justice. We also have evidence that a man named Thomas previously tried to persuade others to kill U Paung Ngai Man but was refused. This incident is a matter between the ZRA-EC and the ZNA, which has been acting like a local bandit group. We would like to ask the public and family members not to spread rumors online,” he wrote.
The ZRA-EC accused the ZNA of being responsible for U Paung Ngai Man’s death and stated that all individuals involved would continue to face action. The group also reiterated its policy that only a single armed organization should operate in the Zomi region.
However, the ZNA categorically denied any involvement in the killing in a statement issued on June 10.
According to the ZNA, its members had suspended military activities and were resting at their camp on the day of the incident. The group said that although U Paung Ngai Man had consistently supported the ZRA-EC, he had been a close friend of ZNA members long before the ZNA was established, making it unthinkable for them to have carried out such an act.
The ZNA is a Tedim District-based armed group that split from the ZRA-EC command on April 7, 2026. The group cited dissatisfaction with the ZRA-EC’s leadership and operations and said it was formed to defend the Zogam region.
On May 19, the ZRA-EC, operating alongside junta forces, seized control of Tonzang Town in northern Chin State, which Chin resistance forces had previously held.