The Interim Khumi Affairs Coordination Council (IKACC) reports that nearly 30 Chin civilians have been detained by the Arakha Army (AA) in Paletwa Township, Chin State, for allegedly supporting Chin resistance forces.
According to IKACC’s data, in 2022 and 2023, the United League of Arakan/Arakha Army (ULA/AA) arrested over 20 Chin civilians in Paletwa. Five of them were later released, while more than 15 people, including a woman around 40 years old, remain in AA detention.
The IKACC spokesperson further stated that in September 2024, the ULA/AA arrested 13 more locals from Paletwa Township on allegations of supporting Chin revolutionary forces, including a member of the CDF-Paletwa who is a deputy police station officer.
“Since 2023, they have primarily supported the Chin National Army (CNA) and the CDF. They arrest locals under the pretext of providing financial or other forms of support. Last month, they also arrested 13 people for alleged connections to the CDF or for supporting the resistance force,” the IKACC spokesperson said.
“Among them was a CDF-Paletwa member who is a deputy police station officer. When asked, they said he was arrested not for a normal crime, but for a serious crime. They also mentioned that he is being temporarily detained. Currently, negotiations are underway to secure the release of all detainees,” the spokesperson added.
The IKACC spokesperson noted that they have kept communication channels open between the ULA/AA and IKACC while negotiations are ongoing. The detainees are reported to be from around eight villages in Paletwa Township, including Mee Zar, Chin Htauk, and Pwin Wa villages.
The Global Khumi Organization (GKO) also reported on 30 September that the ULA/AA had arrested at least 14 civilians from four villages, claiming they were supporting the CDF-Paletwa.
The ULA/AA reportedly arrested Dr. Aye Kyaw, acting medical superintendent at Paletwa Hospital, and two local civilians.
According to accounts from refugees in Mizoram, some locals have fled to Mizoram, India, as the ULA/AA increases arrests of locals in Paletwa town and surrounding villages in September.
Sent by KMG.