Historic Merger Agreement Brings New Hope for Chin Resistance

In a landmark event shaping the future of Myanmar’s resistance movement, two key pro-democracy rebel groups from Myanmar’s Chin State—the Chinland Council (CC) and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC)—have officially merged. The merger agreement, aimed at strengthening their resistance against the ruling military junta, was signed on February 26, 2025, in Aizawl, Mizoram, under the direct presence and mediation of Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

This historic move unites both factions under a new banner, forming the Chin National Council (CNC), which will now act as a unified governing body representing the Chin people in their struggle for democracy and autonomy.

Mizoram Government Plays Key Role in Facilitating the Merger

According to senior Mizoram officials, the merger was actively facilitated by the Mizoram government in consultation with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Mizoram legislator and political adviser to the Chief Minister, Lalmuanpuia Punte, confirmed that the MEA had been keen on bringing the Chin rebel factions together, considering the potential security risks posed by an unstable Chin State on India’s northeastern borders.

"The unification of Chin armed groups has been a priority for us. A fragmented resistance weakens their ability to counter the military rule in Myanmar. By coming together, the Chin fighters will be more effective in securing their territory and ensuring peace along the India-Myanmar border," Punte explained.

Armed Wings Join Forces to Build a Unified Resistance

The armed divisions of both groups—the Chin National Army (CNA) of the Chinland Council and the Chin Brotherhood (CB) of the ICNCC—have agreed to consolidate their military efforts. The ultimate goal is to establish a "Unified Chin Resistance Force," which would enhance their ability to defend Chin State against Myanmar’s military regime.

Jacob V Zawma, a senior leader from the Chinland Council and a key negotiator in the unification process, emphasized the necessity of this merger.

"Having two separate governing structures for the Chin people was causing inefficiency in our resistance. Now that we are one, we will be more organized and effective in our fight against the junta," Zawma stated.

Reports indicate that Chin resistance forces already control over 80% of Chinland, with rebel groups making significant territorial gains against the junta. With the newly unified structure, leaders anticipate achieving full control of the region in the near future.

Chin Resistance’s Role in Myanmar’s Struggle for Democracy

Since the 2021 Myanmar coup, the Chin resistance has played a crucial role in opposing the military dictatorship. ICNCC was initially formed in April 2021 by elected parliamentarians and resistance groups, aligning itself with Myanmar’s civilian-led National Unity Government (NUG)—the internationally recognized opposition to the junta.

According to resistance leaders, 13 key townships across Chin State, including the vital India-Myanmar border town of Rihkhawdar, are already under Chin resistance control. Major towns like Tedim, Falam, and Thantlang have established full administrative control under the rebels, though the state capital, Hakha, remains under military rule.

Mizoram’s Role as a Safe Haven for Myanmar Refugees

Since the military coup, Mizoram has provided shelter to over 30,000 Myanmar refugees, including pro-democracy activists, politicians, former ministers, members of parliament, and even defecting police officers. The state’s deep cultural and ethnic ties with the Chin people have made it a natural refuge for those fleeing the junta’s oppressive rule.

A member of the Aizawl-based Advocacy Group for Peace, which has been working to negotiate peace among Myanmar’s resistance factions, revealed that the Mizoram CM had been personally involved in multiple rounds of discussions with the Chin rebel leaders.

"The Ministry of External Affairs understands the security risks posed by political instability in Chin State. Mizoram, which shares a 510-kilometer border with Myanmar, would be the first to feel the impact of any spillover conflict. That is why Chief Minister Lalduhoma played such a crucial role in brokering this agreement," the advocacy group representative explained.

Despite repeated inquiries, the Ministry of External Affairs has not issued an official statement regarding the unification of the Chin rebel groups.

Geopolitical Implications: India’s Strategic Interests in Myanmar’s Crisis

India has long been invested in Myanmar’s political stability, particularly due to its massive infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), which aims to enhance connectivity between Myanmar’s Sittwe Port and Mizoram. The project is critical to India's Act East Policy, which seeks to improve trade and diplomatic relations with Southeast Asia.

Many experts believe that India’s support for unifying Chin resistance groups could be a strategic move to counter China’s increasing influence in Myanmar. China has been actively involved in brokering peace agreements between Myanmar’s junta and rebel groups like the Ta’ang and Kokang ethnic militias in Shan State. With China gaining leverage over certain rebel factions, India’s engagement with the Chin resistance could serve as a counterbalance.

However, analysts warn that internal divisions within the Chin movement still pose a challenge. While the recent merger strengthens their resistance efforts, the Chinland Council and the Chin Brotherhood have had historical differences that could resurface over governance, military strategies, and resource allocation.

A New Era for Chin Resistance, A Strategic Win for India

The merger of Myanmar’s two largest Chin rebel groups under the mediation of Mizoram CM Lalduhoma marks a turning point in the region’s political and security landscape. By uniting the Chin factions, the resistance movement is now stronger, more organized, and better positioned to challenge the military junta’s control.

For India, this development holds significant strategic value. With a 510-km border between Mizoram and Myanmar, ensuring stability in Chin State directly impacts India’s border security, refugee crisis, and geopolitical influence in Southeast Asia. By playing a diplomatic role in facilitating this merger, India has demonstrated its growing influence in Myanmar’s resistance politics while securing its own national interests.

As the newly formed Chin National Council (CNC) prepares to escalate its resistance efforts, the coming months will determine whether this unification leads to a decisive shift in Myanmar’s political crisis or whether internal fractures and military challenges hinder their progress. Either way, Mizoram’s proactive role in this historic event has cemented its place as a crucial player in the regional balance of power.