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8 November 2024

Trouble Among the Chin of Myanmar

Michael Martin

Trouble is brewing within the Chin resistance movement. Two rival factions have emerged, contending for control of Chin State and the nature of a post-revolutionary government for a future State of Chinland. The rivalry manifests itself in several ways, including conflicting claims over territory, disagreements over governmental representation, and allegations of collaboration with perceived enemies. Underlying the rivalry are long-standing tensions between the various Chin tribes.

The Chin has a long history of opposition to military dictatorships in Myanmar. The Chin National Front (CNF) and its militia, the Chin National Army (CNA), were formed in March 1988 to wage armed resistance against Myanmar’s military junta. Following the military coup in February 2021, the people in dozens of towns and villages in Chin State formed local militias, commonly referred to as People’s Defense Forces (PDFs). Many of these PDFs subsequently consolidated into township-based military units known as the Chinland Defense Forces (CDFs). Some of the CDFs received military training and supplies from the CNF and CNA.

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