Solidarity with the Chin People
The following submission comes from a Chin leader that Better Burma has been working with to provide support for his people. In this essay, he describes the oppression that the Chin have faced under the hands of the Tatmadaw. For those who would like to learn more about the situation in Chin state, we refer you to our interviews with the journalist Matt Davis, the activist Simon, the NUG Minister Dr. Sasa, or the youth leader Mark.
The Chin people, an ethnic minority group residing in Myanmar, have faced a long history of oppression and marginalization, with their plight intensifying significantly since the military coup in February 2021. The military coup, which overthrew the democratically elected government, has unleashed a wave of brutal violence, human rights abuses, and systemic discrimination against various ethnic communities, including the Chin.
Even before the coup, the Chin people have endured years of oppression under military rule in Myanmar. They have faced restrictions on their cultural and religious practices, limitations on language usage, forced labor, land confiscation, and arbitrary arrests. The coup exacerbated these issues, plunging the entire country into a state of turmoil and instability.
Following the coup, the military junta intensified its crackdown on dissent, targeting pro-democracy activists, ethnic minority groups, and anyone perceived as opposing their rule. The Chin people, known for their resistance against military rule, have been subjected to severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement.
The military has deployed its armed forces to Chin state, home to a significant population of the Chin people, and other areas predominantly inhabited by the Chin. Security forces have engaged in indiscriminate attacks on villages, burning homes, and conducting mass arrests. Innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, have become victims of violence and intimidation.
Furthermore, internet and communication restrictions have been imposed by the military regime, limiting access to information and hindering the dissemination of news about the atrocities being committed. These restrictions have made it difficult for the international community to fully grasp the extent of the suffering endured by the Chin people and other marginalized communities.
In addition to the direct violence, the military coup has created a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of Chin people displaced within their own country. Many have been forced to flee to neighboring countries, especially Mizoram in India, in search of safety and refuge. These displacements have resulted in overcrowded refugee camps and inadequate access to essential services, putting the lives and well-being of the Chin people at further risk.
Despite the immense challenges being faced, we Chin people have shown tremendous resilience and courage in their struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination. We continue to resist the military regime through peaceful protests and civil disobedience movements, and we will defend our lands.
With the support of Better Burma, we are hoping to launch a groundbreaking project to provide vital assistance to those affected by the military coup in Myanmar. This project aims to deliver essential humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, medical supplies, education, and shelter, to displaced Chin communities and other marginalized groups. As information becomes available, donors are earnestly urged to support our initiative, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Chin people and demonstrating solidarity in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and a democratic Myanmar. Together, we can make a tangible difference and offer hope in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for more details on how you can contribute to this vital humanitarian project.