News in Burma: the struggles of the Chins to defend their territory and their identity
Since the military coup in Burma in February 2021, the Christian minority Chin ethnic group has found itself plunged into the heart of an armed conflict. The Chins, who have long remained on the sidelines of the civil war that has shaken the country for decades, have taken up arms to defend their territory, their identity and their ideals against the ruling junta. The fighting pits fighters from the Chin National Army (CNA) against soldiers from the regular Burmese army, the Tatmadaw.
Located in remote areas on the Indian border, the Chins are showing fierce resistance to the Burmese army. The CNA fighters, although poorly equipped compared to their adversaries, manage to hold their own thanks to their knowledge of the terrain. Hunting rifles against rocket launchers, machine guns against mortars, homemade mines against tanks, the Chins do everything they can to protect their territory.
The coup and the abuses committed by the army shattered a fragile ceasefire agreement signed in 2015 between the political wing of the CNA and the military. Since then, the Chin have joined other ethnic minority groups in the fight against the junta. Village residents regularly join the insurgents, eager to participate in the resistance. However, this solidarity with the rebels is harshly repressed by the Burmese armed forces, who cause significant damage in certain areas.
The town of Thantlang, once populated by 12,000 inhabitants, is today a symbol of the martyrdom of civilian populations. In retaliation for ambushes, the Burmese army ravaged entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people and forcing residents into exile. The reconquest of Thantlang would represent for the rebels a decisive step towards the defeat of the junta.
CNA fighters harbor hopes of forming a federal army by uniting with other ethnic armed groups to overthrow the powerful Tatmadaw. They aspire to create positive change for the entire country, fighting not only for their own territory but also for a better future for all Burmese people.
This report produced by Antoine Védeilhé and Thomas Blanc with Arte allows us to become aware of the dramatic situation experienced by this minority ethnic group, which is fighting for its survival and its fundamental rights. The Chins’ fight highlights the complexity of the issues in Burma and questions the future of the country. Let us hope that a peaceful solution can be found to end this conflict and promote justice and democracy for all Burmese people.