Three and a half years have elapsed since the military coup in Myanmar. Public resistance remains robust, and civil conflict continues to flare between the military and pro-democracy activists, as well as ethnic minorities, particularly in rural regions. Chin State in the northwest is one such area, although it receives little attention in Japan. A senior official from an organization formed by the Chin ethnic minority group resisting military rule visited Japan in late July. In an interview with “This is the Special Report Department,” he discussed the dire situation of citizens who are under assault by the military. (Kitagawa Seiji)
◆Over 60,000 People Flee to India
“We estimate that since the coup, more than 60,000 individuals from Chin State have fled to India, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced within the country,” stated Kenton Lin, chairman of the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), in an interview. Kenton traveled to Japan to brief Japanese government officials and parliament members on the current situation in Chin State and to garner their support.
Resistance efforts began in Chin State shortly after the coup on February 1, 2021, leading to the formation of the ICNCC by Chin politicians and armed groups in April of that year. The ICNCC is also a member of the National Unity Government (NUG), established by democratic forces and ethnic minorities opposing the military regime.
Kenton highlighted the effectiveness of their fight, stating, “Currently, resistance forces control 70 to 75 percent of the state’s territory.” However, this success has come at a high cost, as Chin State is facing severe oppression from the national army, including airstrikes, and he expressed concern that “living conditions are deteriorating.” He fears, “More than 70,000 children in the controlled areas require basic education, but there is a shortage of facilities and learning materials. Even schools and hospitals are being targeted by airstrikes.”
Kenton Lin, Chairman of the ICNCC, speaking about the current situation in Chin State in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
“Many international NGOs have evacuated Chin State due to safety concerns. We depend on Chin people living abroad for financial support, but they also have their own challenges,” stated the NGO.
Conflicts within Anti-Military Groups
There is also division among the Chin community in Myanmar. In 2023, the armed group “Chin National Front (CNF),” a significant member of the ICNCC, withdrew over disagreements regarding management policies and leadership. It has since been in conflict with the armed group aligned with the ICNCC.
“Now is the time for us to unite against the military government rather than squander our energy on pointless infighting,” Kenton asserted. He expressed his desire to restore relations with the CNF.
A school hit by an airstrike by the Myanmar military in March in Chin State, Myanmar (provided by a local resident organization)
“What we urge from the international community is primarily sustained political pressure on the military, followed by humanitarian assistance,” Kenton said. He emphasized that it is crucial for humanitarian aid to be distributed in a manner that bypasses the military, such as by crossing borders from neighboring countries. He also called for the protection of refugees who have fled to India, Thailand, and other nations.
Regarding Japan, which has maintained a distinction from Europe and the United States by imposing economic sanctions while continuing existing Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects even after the coup, he cautioned, “Please remember that even minor involvement lends legitimacy to the military regime.”
Chin State The population was approximately 480,000 according to the 2014 census. Many ethnic minorities reside here, collectively known as “Chin.” Located in the mountainous region bordering India and Bangladesh, it is the poorest area in Myanmar. It is also the site where the remains of former Japanese soldiers who were defeated during the Battle of Imphal in World War II can be found.
Voices of Myanmar: The Situation in Chin State
Three and a half years have passed since the military coup in Myanmar. Public opposition remains strong, and civil war continues to rage between the military on one hand and pro-democracy activists, alongside ethnic minorities, particularly in rural areas, on the other. Chin State in the northwest is one such area, although it is rarely covered in Japan. A senior member of an organization formed by the Chin ethnic minority group resisting military rule visited Japan in late July. In an interview, he spoke about the plight of citizens under military attack.
More than 60,000 People Flee to India
“We estimate that after the coup, more than 60,000 people in Chin State fled to India, and hundreds of thousands became internally displaced,” Kenton Lin, chairman of the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), told an interviewer. Kenton came to Japan to inform Japanese government officials and members of parliament about the current situation in Chin State and to obtain their support.
Myanmar refugees fleeing into the mountains of Chin State in May (Courtesy of CDF-Kanpetlet)
Resistance struggles began in Chin State early on after the coup on February 1, 2021. In April of the same year, Chin politicians and armed groups established the ICNCC, a member of the National Unity Government (NUG), which was created by democratic forces and ethnic minorities in opposition to the military government.
Kenton emphasized the success of the struggle, stating, “Currently, resistance forces control 70 to 75 percent of the state’s territory.” However, this has come at a great cost, with Chin State facing severe oppression from the national army, including airstrikes. He expressed concern that “living conditions are worsening,” particularly for the over 70,000 children in controlled areas who lack basic education due to insufficient facilities and learning materials. Schools and hospitals are increasingly becoming targets for airstrikes.
Kenton Lin, Chairman of the ICNCC, speaking about the current situation in Chin State in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
“Many international NGOs have left Chin State for security reasons. We rely on Chin people abroad for funding, but they have their own livelihoods,” said Kenton.
Clashes Within Anti-Military Groups
Disunity among the Chin people in Myanmar has also emerged. In 2023, the armed group “Chin National Front (CNF),” a major member of the ICNCC, left the group due to management policy and leadership differences, leading to conflict with those on the ICNCC side.
“Now is the time to unite to fight the military government, not waste our energy on pointless fighting,” said Kenton, who emphasized his desire to mend relationships with the CNF.
A school hit by an airstrike by the Myanmar military in March in Chin State, Myanmar (provided by a local resident organization)
Kenton called for the international community’s attention, urging continued political pressure on the military and humanitarian assistance. He emphasized that such assistance should avoid passing through military channels, advocating for support that could cross borders from neighboring countries and protect refugees fleeing to India, Thailand, and beyond.
Regarding Japan, which maintains a cautious stance and continues economic reach-out despite the coup, he warned, “Please do not forget that even small involvement gives legitimacy to the military regime.”
Chin State has a population of about 480,000, primarily consisting of ethnic minorities collectively referred to as “Chin.” Located in a mountainous region bordering India and Bangladesh, it is the poorest region in Myanmar. It is also notable for being the resting place of former Japanese soldiers defeated during the Battle of Imphal in World War II.
Humanitarian Efforts and Support for Chin State
The humanitarian situation in Chin State continues to deteriorate, prompting various organizations to seek ways to provide support while ensuring they do not inadvertently aid the military regime. Various strategies have been proposed, including:
- Direct Aid: Providing support directly to local NGOs and groups not aligned with the military.
- Funding and Training: Training local groups to effectively manage humanitarian aid and resilience-building programs in a conflict-sensitive manner.
- Raising Awareness: Engaging in global advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the situation in Chin State.
Practical Tips for Supporting Chin State
Hey, What You Can Do
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable news sources and organizations that focus on Myanmar to understand ongoing developments.
- Raise Awareness: Use social media platforms to share information and campaign for awareness about the issues faced by the Chin people.
- Donations: Contribute to reputable organizations providing aid to conflict-affected populations in Chin State.
Case Studies and First-Hand Experiences
Personal accounts from refugees and humanitarian workers in Chin State highlight resilience amidst adversity. Many shared stories of families fleeing to India, and the challenges they faced in seeking asylum and rebuilding their lives in foreign lands.
Conclusion
Understanding and engaging with the situation in Chin State is essential for bringing about change and support for those affected by the continued violence and upheaval. By collectively raising awareness, providing aid, and advocating for their rights, we can make a difference in the lives of the Chin people.