6 June 2025
The Maraland Territorial Council (MTC) in Chin State has approved 20 proposals, including a mandate that all Mara individuals under the age of 45 in the Mara territory must serve in the military. This decision was announced in a statement following the first central council meeting of the third Mara People’s Conference, which took place from May 30 to June 1 in an area controlled by the MTC/MDF.
Since last April, the MTC/MDF has directed all young men in 40 Mara villages to undergo military training. However, hundreds of Chin youths who were unwilling to serve in the military have fled to avoid conscription. The MTC/MDF has not disclosed what actions will be taken against these deserters.
In Chin State, the Chin People’s Conference (CB), which supports the Arakan Army (AA) and the National Unity Government (NUG), is divided into two factions. Meanwhile, the Mara Chin People’s Conference (MTC/MDC) has also fragmented into several groups, including the Chin People’s Conference (CNDF), CDF Kanpetlet, CDF Matupi (Brigade 1), CDF Mindat, along with the Zoland Defence Force. These groups are aligned with the NUG and AA.
Recruitment for People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) under the NUG, such as the MTC/MDF, is poor. Additionally, the AA’s draft order, which commenced at the end of March this year, has faced opposition from both the Rakhine and Chin communities, as it excludes not only ethnic Rakhines but also Chin students.
#MTC/MDF #AA terrorist #NUG terrorist #Mara #mtnewsupdate
