In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, two anti-Junta factions from Myanmar’s Chin State have agreed to unite under a common governing body following mediation by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

The agreement, signed in Aizawl on February 26, brings together the Chinland Council (CC) and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) under a new entity named the Chin National Council.

Unification of Chin Resistance Forces

According to Democratic Voice of Burma, the armed wings of both factions—the Chin National Army (CNA) of the CC and the Chin Brotherhood of the ICNCC—are now working on forming a unified Chin resistance force to combat the military regime in Naypyidaw.

A joint statement signed by representatives of both groups stated, ““Having two separate governing bodies for the Chin people was counterproductive so we agreed to merge.”

The Mizoram government played a key role in facilitating the week-long discussions that led to the agreement. Myanmar Now reported that Lalduhoma was present when the agreement was finalized. He has entrusted the Advocacy Group for Peace, formed under his direction, with overseeing the unification process.

New Delhi’s Stance and Political Reactions

News website The Wire, citing sources within the Mizoram government, reported that  that the move had tacit approval from New Delhi.

“Do you think it will be possible without New Delhi’s approval? Of course, our chief minister came forward to help out also as a fellow Mizo who has the best interests of the Mizo-Chin communities across both sides of the international border.,” a source told The Wire.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) distanced itself from the development, stating in a weekly briefing that “foreign policy issues do not fall within the remit of state governments.”

Meanwhile, central security sources, quoted by Deccan Herald, noted that Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena had recently visited Chin State and interacted with resistance groups.

Regional Implications and Manipur’s Criticism

The merger is expected to strengthen the Chin resistance against Myanmar’s military and bring stability to the region. Jacob V. Zawma, a steering committee member of the CC, expressed optimism, claiming that Chin forces already control over 80% of Chinland and expect complete control soon, Imphal Times reported.

However, Lalduhoma’s involvement has drawn sharp criticism from political observers and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Manipur, where concerns remain about cross-border insurgency.

Mizoram’s Support for Chin Refugees and Opposition to Border Fencing

Since the outbreak of Myanmar’s civil war, Mizoram has sheltered a large number of Chin refugees, given the ethnic and cultural ties between the Mizo and Chin communities. The state government has also formally opposed New Delhi’s plans to fence the India-Myanmar border, a move that has been widely opposed by the Mizo people.

Lalduhoma has previously advocated for stronger ties between Chin and Arakanese communities, including the ethnic armed group Arakan Army (AA). In September 2024, during a visit to the United States, he publicly called for unity among ethnic resistance groups in Myanmar.

The agreement marks a significant step in regional politics, with potential implications for both India’s diplomatic stance and Myanmar’s ongoing conflict.