Lailenpi Town in Mara ethnic territory, located in Chin State, has reportedly been under the control of the Maraland Defense Force (MDF) since July 11.
Last year, Chin resistance coalitions, including the Chin National Front/Chin National Army (CNF/CNA) and Chinland Defense Force-Mara (CDF-Mara), seized a junta base near Lailenpi and held the town for eight months. However, local reports indicate that MDF, supported by the Arakha Army (AA), has now taken control.
"MDF has begun area clearance operations near Lailenpi, and its troops are patrolling the town streets," a source reported.
Interim Mara Council (IMC) spokesperson Jason Si stated that CDF-Mara and CNA coalition temporarily retreated to protect residents as MDF and AA advanced.
"We strategically withdrew to avoid endangering the public. The town isn't fully under their control yet. We're following the Peace Committee's 8-point agreement, which states the first violator indicates a lack of commitment and stepping back temporarily to prevent panic among the public. This doesn't mean conceding control of the town," he explained.
IMC is monitoring the situation and expects the Peace Committee to intervene. On July 16, IMC demanded MDF-AA alliance halt preparations for further aggressions and withdraw from Mara territories, warning of forceful eviction if they are still stubborn.
On July 13, an hour-long shootout occurred near Lailinte Village between the advancing MDF-AA forces and the CDF-Mara and CNA coalition.
Planned peace talks between the two Mara armed factions failed to commence in Ngapaipi Village due to the conflict.
IMC accused MDF and AA of attempting to sabotage reconciliation efforts between Mara armed groups. A recent agreement led to the release of all prisoners of war by June 26, according to the Mara Peace Commission’s statement on July 1.
In late November, the Chin resistance coalition comprising CNA, CDF-Mara, CDF-Matupi, CDF-Lautu, CDF-Zophei, and CDF-Thantlang's drone unit, launched an attack and successfully overcame the junta's 304th Infantry Battalion base in Lailenpi and maintained control until the recent events.
