Mapping No. 9
From the 2021 Coup until November 2022, Chin State experienced at least 592 violent clashes across all its nine townships. These clashes were predominantly between the State Administration Council (SAC) forces and the People Defense Forces (PDFs), or between the SAC forces and Ethnic Revolutionary Organizations (EROs). Of all the townships, Mindat township had the highest total of clashes – over 125. The total number of airstrikes conducted in the whole Chin State was at least 33; Paletwa township, where the Arakan Army is active, suffered the highest number of airstrikes – at least 27.
As well as this, at least 1,489 houses and buildings were torched during the clashes. Thantlang township had the most severe damage, with 1,325 houses and buildings torched. Violent clashes and conflicts like this have resulted in at least 99,550 IDPs in Chin State, with Hakha township having the highest total – at least 35,000 IDPs. Moreover, the total number of cross-border refugees fleeing from Chin State to Mizoram, India is at least 40,000.
∎ Why does this matter?
By looking at the number of civilian fatalities and injuries, the manner in which they were killed and wounded, and the number of people displaced by fighting involving regime forces and EAOs, or amongst EAOs themselves, it is possible to examine whether or not armed forces have committed human rights violations from the perspective of transitional justice. In addition, by studying the post-coup situation, further research can be conducted to examine human security matters.
∎ Other Relevant Readings:
On-the-ground reports from ethnic news organizations and other independent media groups provide regular updates about conflict situations, their impact, and the collateral damage in the aftermath of the military coup. These include reports of renewed fighting in ethnic areas, civilian fatalities, and rising refugee and IDP issues on the ground. In addition, records and reports by United Nations organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and other independent local and foreign organizations also provide information about the ongoing conflict situation in Myanmar.