Two members of Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA) and Chinland Defense Force (CDF) – Mara, were killed in a surprise attack on a military outpost by the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) near Lialaipi in Chin State, according to an official of the CDF-Mara.
At 7 am on 24 January, the MDF with a strength of over 30 members raided a military outpost where nine members of CNF/CNA and CDF- Mara were stationed, between Lialaipi and 9th Mile village, the CDF-Mara says.
The official of CDF – Mara said: “I don’t know why that incident happened. It is certain that they did the surprise attack on purpose. Lialaipi was jointly captured by the CNA, CDF and allied forces. Our CNF and Maraland Council together established the administration and held the opening ceremony of office. That news appeared in the media. In my view, they carried out the attack as they did not like it. We have no enmity.”
The name of the CNF/CNA soldier who was killed in the surprise attack is not known yet. Another comrade killed in the attack is Chhua Tlai of CDF – Mara.
The official from CDF-Mara continued to say that bloodshed and fighting for a territory should be stopped.
Although the Khonumthung Media Group (KMG) on the afternoon of 24 January phoned the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) several times to seek comment on the fighting, no reply was received.
On the other hand, the Maraland Territorial Council/Maralaland Defense Force (MTC/MDF) issued a final statement warning revolutionary organizations to avoid the deployment of troops and movements in its territory without prior notice starting 18 January as it does not want any conflicts among revolutionary organizations.
The MDF announced on 18 January that, despite repeated warnings, it has faced movements, deployments and attacks in its territory without prior notice.
During the two weeks in January, the MDF arrested six comrades of CDF-Mara and seized a gun. It has not released the detainees till now, according to the spokesperson of CDF-Mara.
A combined force of CNF/CNA, CDF- Mara, CDF- Matupi, CDF- Lautu, CDF- Zophei, CDF- Thantlang and a drone force warned the public to flee for safety. On 19 November, the combined force launched an attack on Light Infantry Battalion-304 base camp in Lialaipi. It took complete control of the town on 24 November.
Since the capture of Lialaipi, the CDF – Mara and CNF/CNA have controlled the town.
The opening ceremony of the council office was attended by around 300 people including members of the MTC, members of six stations, delegates from villages and regional delegates. The MTC issued a statement on 16 January about the opening of the MTC’s office, the formation of Lialaipi town council and the formation of ward council from four wards.
Plan is under way to form the village councils in every village of Maraland.
Lialaipi is a main hub connecting the southern and northern parts of Chin State and also has an airport.
Sent by KMG.