Fighting in Tonzang Township has displaced over 10,000 civilians, with 40 houses damaged mainly from excessive air bombardments by Military Council jet fighters starting on May 11, according to the People’s Administration, which is resisting the regime in the township.
Jet fighters conducted at least 40 airstrikes before and after the Chin resistance attacked and captured the regime’s bases in Tonzang and Cikha towns. At least 30 houses in Hkaw Wong Lay Hsan Ward in Tonzang were bombed, with airstrikes destroying a church and 10 homes in Lungtak and Fai Tu villages.
“Up to 90 percent of the population of Tonzang town have sought refuge in safer areas. The elderly and sick persons remain in the town as they couldn’t be moved when the people fled,” explained the People’s Administration spokesperson. At the time of press, he had no updates about their welfare as the town remains sealed off by the conflict.
“We didn’t expect the Chin resistance groups to attack the Burma army camps and seize Tonzang and Cikha, which is why we aren’t prepared, and the displaced are facing many difficulties.”
Over 8,000 people from Tonzang town and 2,000 from 15 villages have been uprooted by the violence in the township. Some have gone to Kale town or other villages in Sagaing Region where they need food, tarps, medicines, and other essentials.
The Chinland Defense Force, under the defense ministry of Chinland Government, and 14 allied forces, launched their joint operation on May 15, capturing the entire township 6 days later.
Approximately 20 regime soldiers and its ally, the Zomi Revolutionary Army Eastern Command, were killed during the fighting. At least 2 Chin fighters died, and about 10 suffered minor injuries. The resistance captured 50 rifles and ammunition from the enemy.
The People’s Administration is collecting donations for civilians displaced by the conflict:
Username – @tonzangadmin
UD – 2661f25c-2283-4e3e-b0cf-54f61cfd5868
Spring Development Bank (SDB).