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The Chin National Interim Consultative Council (ICNCC) continues to be a part of the NUCC, but its composition and structure have been unclear since the Chin National Front (CNF) withdrew from the ICNCC on 4 April 2023. However, the Chin Brotherhood (CB), which is composed of the Chin National Organization (CNO/CNDF), Zomi Federal Union (ZFU/PDF-Zoland), Chin National Council (CNC-Mindat/CDF-Mindat), Maraland Territorial Council (MTC/MDF), and Chinland Defense Force (CDF-Kanpetlet), has fully integrated into the ICNCC. The CB is reportedly in control of Tonzang, Tedim, Falam, Kanpetlet, Mindat, Matupi Townships, as well as the town of Kyindwe and the Maraland, where it is carrying out local administration and public services. 15 The CB has also issued a joint statement with the CRPH, NLD, NUCC, and NUG on common positions, including six political objectives and a “Bottom-up Federalism” approach. The Chin National Front (CNF), which had withdrawn from the ICNCC, held its first Chinland Council Conference in the first week of December 2023. At the conference, the Chinland Constitution was approved and the Chinland Council (CC) was formed. On 1 February 2024, the CC established and appointed an 11-ministry Chinland Government, a Chinland Supreme Court, and a Chinland Auditor- General. The Chinland Parliament, consisting of 15 elected representatives, was formed on 2 February. The CNF, which plays a leading role in the Chinland Council (CC), also shares a common position with other resistance forces, including six political objectives and a “Bottom-up Federalism” approach. As a notable development, the ICNCC and CC signed the Chin National Unity Agreement on 26 February 2025. They agreed to merge the two councils in Chinland into a single new council. To bring about the new “Chin National Council” as quickly as possible, they also agreed to form a Chin National Constitution Drafting Committee. 16 Upon analyzing the resistance forces within Chin State, it is evident that the political leadership of the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) drives the momentum of the Chin Brotherhood (CB), while the Chinland Council (CC), led by the Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA) and its allied forces, contributes its own distinct momentum. There is no basis to assume that the aspirations for the future of Chinland differ significantly between these groups. However, both sides urgently need to reduce the potential for ideological differences and frictions that escalate into military conflicts. The prospects for unity and cohesion among Chin forces for the future of Chinland are critical and remain a situation to watch. 15. Chin Brotherhood’s 1st anniversary statement, ICNCC, 30 Dec 2024 Reference: Deciphering Myanmar’s Peace Process – A Reference Guide (2024 – 2025) |
