Most of the population of Tonzang are afraid to return to their homes. Despite it being over a month since resistance forces captured the town from the Military Council, only an estimated 100 people live there or have returned.
A woman who has gone back said some are worried about more fighting after rumours spread that the Burma army and Zomi Revolutionary Army – Eastern Command will try to retake it. As the regime is currently flying airstrikes on Mindat and Matupi townships, “they fear they’ll launch an airstrike on Tonzang town.”
Almost 10,000 people from Tonzang town and surrounding 15 villages fled the fighting after the defence military of Chinland Government and Chinland Council launched an offensive in late May.
They sought safety and shelter in Kale town in Sagaing Region, the jungle and along the Indian border. 8,000 lived in 1,000 homes in the town while there’s about an estimated 30,000 people in Tonzang Township.
According to People’s Administration for the township, two people died in a displaced camp in Tonzang Township because they lacked access to medical care. In Tonzang town, food is in short supply and prohibitively expensive after costs have risen.
“There is only one shop selling rice,” another woman said. A bag of rice goes for 200,000 kyat and a gallon of petroleum is 42,000 kyat. “If fuel and food products can’t be sent from India, we will really suffer,” she remarked.
Chin resistance groups captured Tonzang town on May 23 after seizing Cikha town on May 15. During the fighting, Military Council aircraft dropped over 100 shells including 500 lb shells. Airstrikes torched 7 houses and partially damaged 13 homes.
Soldiers for Chin National Front/Chin National Army and Tonzang Chinland Defense Force are now deployed in the town where they are providing healthcare services.