March 20, 2025
The Myanmar military could exploit divisions among Chin resistance forces to regain lost territory, the International Crisis Group (ICG) warned in a report published on March 19.
Despite gaining a military advantage, tensions among armed groups in Chin State persist due to pre-existing rivalries, which are now manifesting through factionalism and competing territorial claims, ICG stated.
The main factions involved are alliances led by the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Chinland Council, while another coalition, the Chin Brotherhood, remains separate. The friction between these groups has led to propaganda battles and misunderstandings that could escalate into violent clashes, ICG cautioned.
Additionally, the involvement of the Arakan Army (AA) in military operations within Chin State has further complicated the situation.
On February 26, the CNF-led Chinland Council and the interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), associated with the Chin Brotherhood, announced the formation of a unified “Chin National Council” to address governance and representation issues.
Richard Horsey, ICG’s senior Myanmar advisor, described the agreement as “a significant step” toward unity but emphasized the need for long-term leadership vision and practical conflict resolution strategies.
“Progress in this process is crucial for addressing humanitarian concerns arising from displacement and war, as well as governance and public service challenges in Chin State,” he stated.
Over the past four years, war-related destruction in Chin State has left nearly 160,000 people—about one-third of the state’s population—displaced, with many fleeing to other regions of Myanmar or crossing into India for refuge.
