Civilian Displacement and Military Operations in Myanmar
Civilians in Myanmar's western Chin State and other areas have been displaced following military air strikes and ground offensives. These operations are occurring ahead of elections scheduled to commence on December 28. Thousands of residents have fled their homes, with some seeking refuge across the border in India's Mizoram state.
Civilian Accounts and Dislocation
Iang Za Kim, from K-Haimual village, reported hearing explosions and observing smoke from a neighboring village on November 26. This prompted her to evacuate her home and seek safety in nearby jungles, taking essential supplies. She stated concerns about potential military bombings and indicated an unwillingness to participate in the upcoming elections, citing potential imprisonment and torture for non-compliance.
Other displaced individuals described the military's current offensive as significant. Ral Uk Thang, 80, recounted fleeing his residence and residing in temporary shelters before reaching safety. He detailed past military actions in villages, including arrests, instances of torture, and the burning of homes.
Bawi Nei Lian noted this marks his second displacement, as his home was previously destroyed in a 2021 air strike. He stated that the military's assertions of a "free and fair" election are unfounded, particularly given that the primary political party is not contesting. Both Ral Uk Thang and Iang Za Kim expressed skepticism regarding the election's legitimacy, citing concerns about military governance and potential vote manipulation.
Documented Military Actions and Casualties
Myanmar's military government, which assumed control in a February 2021 coup, is conducting operations against armed opposition groups. These operations have included air strikes.
Reports indicate that a hospital in Rakhine State was targeted last week. Rebel groups stated that this incident resulted in at least 30 fatalities and over 70 injuries. The Chin Human Rights Organisation reported that since mid-September, at least three schools and six churches in Chin State have been targeted by air strikes, leading to 12 deaths, including six children.
The bombing of a school in Vanha village on October 13 was independently verified. The incident resulted in the deaths of two students, Johan Phun Lian Cung (7) and Zing Cer Mawi (12), and injuries to over a dozen others. Myanmar's military government did not respond to inquiries regarding these allegations.
Scheduled Elections and Opposition Stance
Elections are scheduled to take place in phases, with results expected around the end of January. The National League for Democracy (NLD) party, which secured victories in previous elections, will not participate, as many of its senior leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi, are currently imprisoned.
Rebel groups have characterized the elections as illegitimate. Sui Khar, Vice Chairman of the Chin National Front, stated that the election is intended to "prolong military dictatorship" and questioned its practicability given the military government's limited control in Chin State. He reported intense fighting in Chin State, with nearly 50 rebel fighters injured in the past month and an unspecified number of fatalities. Sui Khar further detailed military advances supported by air strikes, artillery fire, and drone units.