An interview with Salai Timmy, Spokesperson for the Chin National Defense Force (CNDF) and Chin Brotherhood, on plans to establish a unified army to protect Chin State and the Chin people
More than a year after the formation of the Chin Brotherhood (CB), leaders of the alliance convened a ground-level discussion in late April in a liberated area in Chin State. The meeting resulted in comprehensive new agreements and resolutions concerning future military and political strategies, as formally announced by the Chin Brotherhood on 11 May.
Militarily, the alliance laid the groundwork for forming a unified “standard army” to protect Chin State and the entire Chin population. Politically, they are reviewing the Chin Charter through the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) to establish a Chin government. The alliance also reached preliminary agreements on drafting policies for domestic and international alliances, education, health, and socio-economic development. The CB includes Chinland Defence Force-Mindat (CDF–Mindat), Chin National Organization/Chin National Defense Force (CNO/CNDF), People’s Defence Force-Zoland (PDF–Zoland), Chinland Defence Force- Matupi (CDF–Matupi), Chinland Defence Force- Kanpetlet (CDF–Kanpetlet), and Maraland Defense Force (MDF).
Khonumthung Media Group (KMG) spoke with CNDF and the Chin Brotherhood’s spokesperson Salai Timmy, on their plans to form a unified army to protect Chin State and the entire Chin people.
Q: We’ve heard that the Chin Brotherhood plans to form a unified army to protect Chin State and the entire Chin population. How will this be organized?
A: When we initially formed the Chin Brotherhood, our main focus was on military and political cooperation. Politically, we are moving forward through the ICNCC framework. Militarily, we established the Chin Brotherhood with the ultimate goal of achieving ‘One Command, One Army.’ Over the past year, we have carried out military operations, and now we are working on plans to move toward a unified army structure.
Q: Why is the Chin Brotherhood forming a ‘One Army’?
A: The main reason we are working toward a unified army is that our Chin Brotherhood consists of six groups. Each of these groups currently operates under its own command structure. Our goal is to establish a strong, cohesive chain of command where, for example, if the commander-in-chief says ‘Yes,’ that order is followed consistently down to the grassroots level. We are taking the time to build this robust chain of command. Training is crucial for this.
Starting now, everyone in the Chin Brotherhood will undergo standardized training with the same curriculum and duration—whether it’s four or six months—so we can operate as a unified force. For instance, when fighting, we need a single command structure. Even something as simple as saluting differs between groups because their training varies. Some trained with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), others with the Chin National Front (CNF), or the Arakha Army (AA). To align everyone, we are preparing standardized training courses, trainers, and methods.
Q: How does the plan to establish a unified army differ from the Chin Joint Defense Committee (CJDC)?
A: Our ultimate goal is to achieve a single unified army. The CJDC, as you mentioned, is a loosely organized alliance of all armed groups in Chin State, with flexible policies and cooperation. However, within the Chin Brotherhood, which consists of six groups, each currently operates under its own command, with six separate command structures. To address this, we’ve established a joint military committee within the alliance and appointed a Joint Commander or Joint Chief of Staff.
From our experiences, particularly in certain battles or roles, we’ve seen the need for a single unified command. For example, the Three Brotherhood Alliance operates as a military coalition, but we aim for a deeper, more integrated relationship within the Chin Brotherhood to function as one army. The CJDC is a loosely structured alliance that brings together armed groups in Chin State.
We’re working toward a true unified force. This process will take some time, as there are many internal preparations and changes needed, from forming platoons and sections to standardizing the army’s structure. The Chin Brotherhood’s military committee is responsible for drafting and implementing these structures and policies.
Q: The Chin Brotherhood is working toward establishing a Chin State government in line with its Terms of Reference (TOR). How much progress has been made so far?
A: To establish a Chin State government, we are reviewing the Chin Charter and have discussed necessary revisions. A draft has already been produced within the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC). We are now in the process of reviewing it, with each organization sending two representatives to refine the Chin Charter to pave the way for the formation of a Chin State government.
Q: What are the next steps for the Chin Brotherhood?
A: One of the main objectives of the Chin Brotherhood is to make Chin State free from the military junta. We have been working toward this goal. We designated specific areas—Mindat, Kanpetlet, Matupi, Falam, Tedim, and Tonzang. Currently, only Tedim remains under junta control. In other areas, we have achieved military success through joint operations with our allies. These are significant military achievements. Alongside military progress, we also need to advance politically, which includes revising the Chin Charter, as mentioned earlier.
And, as the revolution has continued for four years, public services have become a major challenge for the people. During offensives on the towns, residents of towns have had to relocate to villages, rural areas, or farmlands. So, we are planning to work with international organizations to provide humanitarian support. We are ready to collaborate with any organization willing to assist or support us. We have also discussed further efforts in education, healthcare, and public services to expand these initiatives moving forward.
Q: What are the Chin Brotherhood’s core principles regarding domestic and international relations?
A: In terms of alliances, we aim to foster good relations with our neighboring communities. Our policy is to minimize enemies as much as possible and turn even adversaries into friends. In other words, we strive to have fewer enemies and more allies. In military cooperation, we work with allied groups, but our broader goal is to create a win-win situation.
Chin State shares borders with India, as well as Arakan, Sagaing, and Magway. For public services like healthcare and economic needs, we need to live alongside harmoniously with our neighbors. To ensure the future prosperity of Chin State, we aim to reduce conflicts and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation with all parties involved.
Q: This announcement suggests that the Chin Brotherhood is working toward successfully establishing a government and a unified army to operate with legitimacy. In this context, what is the status of coordination and integration efforts with the Chinland Council (CC)?
A: We are continuing to work with the Chinland Council. Currently, a third party, such as the Mizoram government, is facilitating these efforts. There is also a pathway through the Chin National Council (CNC). The process may either be slow or fast, but we are committed to pursuing peace.
No matter how successful we are militarily or politically, if there is division within Chin State or a lack of unity, we can’t claim true success. On our side, we are preparing to follow a path of peace and will continue these efforts moving forward.