The regime abducted seven civilians and used them as human shields during a day long battle with resistance groups in southern Chin State’s Matupi Township.

On Thursday, 150 junta soldiers fought Chinland Defence Forces (CDF) from Matupi, Zotung and Lautu on the Matupi-Hakha road between Kee Lun and Lawn Law villages, about 20 miles from Matupi town.

The CDF’s Matupi spokesperson told Khonumthung News from the frontline on Friday that military tension in the area remained very high. No CDF fighters were killed or injured in the recent clashes, he said, but could not confirm whether there were any enemy casualties where fighting has been increasing since the beginning of the year. CDF has been fighting the regime since taking up arms last May to defend protesters who were subjected to violence and arrest for peacefully demonstrating against the dictatorship.