Mizzima

According to the Chin National Army (CNA) and the Chinland Defense Forces, the Myanmar junta statement claiming restoration of control of Thantlang Town by the junta forces and arrangements for the return of the residents is propaganda.

As of 30 October, the Military Council declared full control over Thantlang following a 90-day assault, claiming complete dominance over the area. 

However, CNA spokesperson Salai Htet Ni informed Mizzima that this announcement is misleading and untrue, calling it “false conspiracy news”.

"Chinland Defense forces have not engaged in any clashes with the military troops in Thantlang for approximately a month. Both groups remain stationed in Thantlang town up to the present day. The statement made is propaganda, involving misleading news," Salai Htet Ni told Mizzima.

Chin Defense soldiers stated that the junta may have released false information about Thantlang Town in an attempt to boost the morale of its troops, which have been facing significant challenges due to Operation 1027 led by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Arakan Army (AA), a week-long offensive in northern Shan State.

Salai Htet Ni clarified the situation in Thantlang Town, where the junta has established four additional locations in addition to its main base camp. Meanwhile, the CNA and the Chinland Defense Forces control approximately half of the town.

The junta’s announcement included photos of seized small and large arms and the dead bodies of the Chin forces during the capture of Thantlang Town. Although the photos are indeed of their fallen soldiers and their arms, they are not from the Thantlang battle. The junta falsely published photos of the Lungkhar battle, between Hakha and Thantlang, which took place over five months ago, Salai Htet Ni added.

He added that the military forces employed heavy ammunition and launchers, and even conducted airstrikes, causing extensive damage to the town, including the torching of numerous residential houses and buildings.

Thantlang is a town with a former population of around 10,000 people and approximately 2,000 houses. Because of the conflicts following the 2021 junta coup, the residents were forced to flee to neighbouring villages and into the Indian state of Mizoram. As of now, they have been unable to return to their homes.