The Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) has reported a significant loss of life among Chin ethnics due to the killings perpetrated by the Military Council since the  February 2021 military coup took place, with a particularly alarming record number of over 100 deaths occurring in the first six months of this year.

According to ICA, a total of 109 Chin ethnics, comprising 50 civilians and 59 Chinland Defense Force (CDF) members, lost their lives at the hands of the Military Council between the start of 2023 and June 6th. The deceased civilians included 34 men and 16 women, and the CDF members were 58 men and 1 woman.

"The first 6 months witnessed an unprecedented surge in the death toll, necessitating careful monitoring of the remaining 6 months. Furthermore, with the Military Council intensifying its offensive and fueling conflicts, there is a heightened risk of further loss of lives among the Chin people”, said Salai Van Sui San, the deputy director of ICA. On July 4th, the ICA made a distressing announcement stating that the death toll among the Chin people caused by the actions of the Military Council has reached a record high during the first 6 months.

"One of the main reasons is their deadly airstrikes. The devastating toll on the Chin people could have been significantly reduced if the Military Council lacked the ability to conduct airstrikes. In this civil war, excessive force is employed to inflict harm and claim lives”, Salai Van Sui San added.

The Chin people suffered the highest number of casualties from airstrikes, while landmines and shelling were identified as the second and third leading causes of fatalities.

As a result of the killings perpetrated by the Military Council, 164 individuals from the Chin ethnic group lost their lives in 2021, and another 195 in 2022, according to ICA.

 ICA also called upon the international community to increase their focus on the ongoing political violence in Myanmar and take necessary measures in response.