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Nearly half the population of Chinland displaced from their homes, states Institute of Chin Affairs

The Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) released a report on Saturday, claiming that almost half of the population of Chinland have been displaced from their homes since the military coup on Feb. 1, 2021. 

“These displaced people only rely on aid groups. Access of border crossing to India became difficult due to the restrictions and seeking refuge there is not easy [anymore],” Salai Van Swisan, the ICA information officer, told DVB. 

The population of Chinland is 500,000, according to the 2014 census. An estimated 65,000 of them have fled across the border into India seeking refuge. 

The ICA has documented roughly 130,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across Chinland since fighting between the military and Chin resistance forces began following the 2021 military coup. The U.N. states there are over 3.5 million IDPs in Myanmar.

Nearly 30,000 residents in Mindat Township of southern Chinland, which was seized by Chin resistance forces on Dec. 21, have been displaced from their homes and are now IDPs. 

Most IDPs from Mindat fled into India’s Mizoram State and neighbouring Magway Region due to the fighting between the Chin Brotherhood and the military, which began on Nov. 9. 

The Mindat Township IDP Management Committee, a local relief organization, told DVB that there are dangers from landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO).  

“Landmine clearance operation in the town is still ongoing. In my opinion, it is not easy to live in Mindat like before because of the lack of electricity, drinking water and risk of airstrikes,” said Lawrence, the Mindat Township IDP Management Committee spokesperson.

The ICA has documented that nearly 1,000 Chin people have been killed by military airstrikes and artillery shelling during the four-year conflict in Chinland. 

Thirteen towns are now controlled by Chin resistance forces, including the Myanmar-India border town of Rikhawdar. 

Paletwa Township, 199 miles (321 km) south of the Chinland capital Hakha, came under the control of the Arakan Army (AA) in January, last year. 

The regime still controls Hakha, Thantlang, Tedim and Falam, which are located 22-122 miles (35-196 km) to the west and north of Hakha.

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