The Chin National Front (CNF) is trying to restrict travellers from entering Chin State after the regime is reportedly sending its troops in plainclothes to the state in civilian vehicles and buses to avoid frequent ambushes by resistance groups fighting the military regime.
A CNF statement on 8 June said, “CNF has banned outsiders from entering Chinland. People living in Chin State are allowed to move freely in Chin State.” If someone needs to come to the state because of a emergency, they can apply for a letter of recommendation from the respective Chinland Defence Force (CDF) or People’s Defence Force, CNF said.
“CNF restricts people and vehicles carrying weapons and other military items of the Burma army” promising strong action will be taken against violators. The statement said the order will remain in force until further notice.
Fierce fighting between the sit-tat (Burma army) and Chin resistance has been taking place in Hakha and Thangtlang townships since late last month, with casualties on both sides.
CNF spokesperson Salai Htet Ni said that the regime wants to take control of Thangtlang from the resistance forces and is also preparing to attack its Camp Victoria headquarters again.
At the end of May, jet fighters bombed resistance forces for three days to clear an area for the regime’s ground troops, who moved in two columns through the valley from Hakha to Thangtlang.
Salai Htet Ni said at least 12 Chin resistance fighters were killed and 10 wounded, while 27 of the enemy died and 15 were wounded when the groups ambushed about 150 sit-tat soldiers crossing the area. 9 soldiers from the CDF and 3 soldiers from the CNF’s military wing, the Chin National Army, died after being hit by a shell while trying to rescue their wounded comrades.
Fighting has escalated in Mindat and Matupi townships in the south of the state.