More than 15 residential properties in the center of Thantlang Town, Chin State, are seen ablaze this afternoon at 3pm (Myanmar Time) today. “The incident reportedly began as the Myanmar military forces deliberately opened fire at residential houses”, according to the local news outlet based in Hakha, Chin State.
There are social media speculation that the Myanmar military purposefully burns these houses as they are searching for members of Chinland Defense Forces (CDF), a militia group formed after February coup.
Few people contacted by Chindwin confirmed that they heard the military opens fire then very soon they see the properties being ablaze.
However, despite many attempts, Chindwin is unable to independently verify the cause of the blaze. Multiple armed clashes between Chinland Defense Forces (CDF) and Myanmar military forces were reportedly occurring in Thantlang in recent weeks.
A pastor named Biak Kolh, who went to assist with putting off the fire as dozens of properties are being aflame, was shot dead by the military.
Chindwin learned that thousands of inhabitants at Thantlang have left the town seeking safer places in villages with many crossing the border to India, as the conflict between Chinland Defense Forces and the military junta forces has rapidly escalated.
