FROM THE DVB NEWSROOM
The Chinland Council announced the establishment of a government – formed by resistance groups opposed to the military takeover – on Feb. 1. This announcement followed its second meeting at Camp Victoria, the headquarters of the Chin National Front (CNF/CNA), on Jan. 30-31.
The Chinland government’s stated aims are “to demolish all forms of military dictatorship, establish a federal democratic union, foster military and political harmony as well as collaborate with allied Ethnic Armed Organizations, and People’s Defense Forces, governments, political parties, and individual organizations involved in the Spring Revolution.”
It will consist of executive, judicial, and legislative branches. An elected committee has appointed Pu Pa Thang, a National League for Democracy (NLD) party member and parliamentarian from Matupi Township, as Prime Minister.
Sui Khar, the CNF vice-chair, will become Foreign Minister. Pu Thomas Thang Nou, also from the CNF, will serve as Chief Justice. Pu Thawng Za Lian will become Minister of Defense. Fifteen ministries and a supreme court were also established.
The Chinland government pledges to serve all Chin people to develop the region and build its “National Army.” Under the Chinland Constitution, the Chin National Army (CNA) is the only armed force representing the Chin people, which means all resistance forces must come under the direct command of its Ministry of Defense.
The Chinland Council was formed by the CNF, NLD, and other public officials in December. The Chin National Organization, the Zomi Federal Union, and the Chin National Council Mindat have accused the Chinland Council of failing to conform to democratic standards as the body is dominated by the CNF and the NLD.
