Myanmar's Chin 'rebel groups' unite in Mizoram in CM Lalduhoma's presence to announce 'merger' agreement

Guwahati: In a move that surprised some central security agencies, two organisations representing the "pro-democracy rebel groups" in Myanmar fighting against the military, recently signed an agreement for a "merger" in the Mizoram capital Aizawl in the presence of Chief Minister Lalduhoma and a few other local leaders.  

Sharing details and photographs of the meeting held on February 27, sources in a central security agency on Tuesday told DH the meeting at Aizawl was attended by leaders of Chinland Council and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), in which they signed an agreement and merged under the banner, Chin National Council (CNC).

Representatives of Chinland Council's armed wing, Chin National Army (CNA) and that of ICNCC, Chin Brotherhood, also attended the event. "The CM sat with the Myanmar rebel leaders, witnessed the signing of the agreement and even shook hands and posed for photgraphs with them. What surprises us how a CM can sit with the rebel groups of another country, which is engaged in a civil war?" said the source. 

The Chin "rebels" have been fighting against the military junta after the 2021 coup that snatched power from the democratically-elected Aung San Suu Kyi-led government.

But factional clashes among the "rebel groups," particularly in Chin state of Myanmar, has remained a worry for the "pro-democracy forces," fighting against the military. The "merger" of the two groups, according to the source, would give an impetus to their fight against the military.    

"It needs to be seen how the the Centre reacts to the development. It is also not clear whether the CM had taken clearance from the Centre for allowing the rebels from a neighbouring country to enter and meet," said the source. 

When asked why he attended the meeting, Mizoram CM Lalduhoma on Tuesday told DH, "It is my mission." He, however, did not make any further comments.

Rajya Sabha Member from Mizoram, K. Vanlalvena also visited some camps of the "rebel groups" in China state recently, said the source. 

Ethnic bond across borders

Mizos, Kukis (both in India and Myanmar) and Chins share ethnic affinities and supports each other's causes and fights. More than 30,000 "refugees" and "pro-democracy protesters" from Myanmar including Ministers, MPs and police personnel have been provided shelter in Mizoram since the military take over in 2021. Mizoram, which shares 510km border with Myanmar, had even defied the Centre's initial directives to send back the refugees. 

The Chins, Mizos and Kukis, who identfy themselves as 'Zos', espouse the dream of an "independent home state" comprising Mizoram, parts of Manipur and Myanmar. 

Lalduhoma, the chief of regional party, Zoram People's Movement, who became Mizoram CM in December 2023, has openly supported the causes of these ethnic groups. The NIA last year claimed that Myanmar-based "rebel groups" were even found procuring weapons in Mizoram and sending them to their camps in Myanmar to fight against the military.

Historical background

• Mizos and Chins share ethnic ties and support their "unification" for an "independent home state."

• More than 30,000 Chins "refugees" from Myanmar including Ministers, MPs have been provided shelter in Mizoram since the military takeover in 2021.

• Mizoram government had opposed the Centre's directive to send the Myanmar nationals back. 

• Mizos and Chins have historically opposed the Centre's moves to fence the India-Myanmar border (510kms with Mizoram) saying this will divide "Zo brethrens" living in India and Myanmar.