Armed clashes have been intensifying between Chin revolutionary groups in the Maraland area of Paletwa Township in southern Chin State.
According to local sources, at least four soldiers were killed during a clash on 24 February.
Around 8 a.m. on 24 February, fighting broke out between the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) and a combined force of Chin National Army (CNA) and Mara CDF near Paik Tay village in Pahtein Tlang village-tract of Paletwa Township.
The MDF is the armed wing of the Maraland Territorial Council (MTC). An MTC spokesperson reported that the MDF killed at least four soldiers from a combined force led by the CNA, and captured five assault rifles.
The MTC spokesperson said that the CNA and Mara CDF attacked the MDF on 24 February, and that the MDF was required to defend themselves.
“A clash broke out near Paik Tay village. Four soldiers from a combined force of CNA and CDF were killed during the clash. There were some causalities among our troops too. We are still confirming the exact number of causalities,” the head of the MTC’s Information Department told Khonumthung News.
Since 24 January 2024, there have been at least 10 armed clashes between the MDF and combined forces of CNA and Mara CDF in the Maraland area of Paletwa Township.
Khonumthung News repeatedly called spokespersons of the CNA and the Mara CDF for comment, but did not receive a reply as of press time.
The MTC spokesperson said that if the combined force of CNA and Mara CDF leave Mara territory the current clashes will end. He said that Chin resistance groups led by the CNA have launched offensive operations and attacked MDF’s military camps in Mara territory, therefore the offensive operations must be under the command of the Chinland Council. He said that troops from other CDFs have also joined in offensive operations against the MDF in Maraland territory.
The MTC spokesperson said that since January combined forces of CNA and Mara CDF have attacked MDF camps in eight villages. He said that the CNA and Mara CDF used drones and other weapons in the attacks, which resulted in at least 14 civilian houses being damaged and some livestock being killed.
Local people have fled their homes due to the recent clashes between Chin revolutionary groups in Maraland territory, and have taken shelter at nearby farms or jungles and in the India–Burma border area. Many of these IDPs are in areas where it is difficult to get proper health care.
On 24 January, more than 30 MDF soldiers attacked a sentry guard station between Lailengpi town and 9-mile village where nine CNA and Mara CDF soldiers were stationed. During this clash, one CNA soldier and one Mara CDF soldier were killed.
Also in January, the MDF/MTC arrested five Mara CDF soldiers in Maraland territory, including a strategic commander. The MDF/MTC continues to detain these five soldiers.