The Burma army set fire to 30 civilian houses in Kalar village in Matupi Township in southern Chin State. Kalar village is located on the Matupi – Paletwa vehicle road.
A representative of the People’s Administration for Matupi Township reported that nine houses were set on fire on 31 March and 21 houses were set on fire on 1 April.
The People’s Administration reported that the fires were started by soldiers from a Burma army military column transporting food rations from Matupi town to Paletwa town.
“A clash broke out near Kalar village. A military truck of the Burma army was damaged during the clash. After the clash, regime soldiers entered into Kalar village. They burned nine houses on March 31 and 21 houses on 1 April. After burning the houses, they travelled to Walante village,” Ko Salai Per Htawng, who is working with the People’s Administration for Matupi Township, told Khonumthung news.
The representative of the People’s Administration for Matupi Township reported that the military column also burned some houses in Walante village on 3 April, but said that they have not yet been able to collect detailed information about the extent of damage done in Walante village.
Kalar village is located approximately 24 miles from Matupi town. There are 45 houses in Kalar village. The Burma army set fire to 30 houses, accounting for two-thirds of all houses in the village.
The Chinland Defense Force – Matupi (CDF – Matupi) has had multiple clashes with the Burma army in Matupi Township since 20 March.
The CDF – Matupi reported that the Burma army suffered many causalities during the recent clashes.
Due to the fighting, local people from Kalar and Walante villages had to flee for their safety and hide in the jungle.