80 per cent of the landmines in Mindat Town, Chin State have been cleared since the Mindat Chinland Defence Force (CDF), a member of the Chinland Brotherhood Alliance, took control of the town on 22 November 2024.
Though 80 per cent of the mines have been cleared from the town, clearing the remaining 20 per cent, many of which are planted near to areas that were previously occupied by junta soldiers, will take time, according to Ko Yaw Man, a spokesperson for Mindat CDF.
He said to Chin World: “Currently, clearing up efforts are ongoing in the town, along with demining work. We are also working to restore the water supply system and conducting a rabies vaccination drive for stray dogs.”
He explained: “The demining work is around 80 percent complete, but there are still areas, especially former junta bases, that need to be cleared of landmines, which will take time. We're also focused on how to help displaced people return and resettle in the town. However, with the current water shortage, it won't be practical for a large number of people to return just yet, so we're closely monitoring the situation before moving forward.”
Ko Yaw Man added that since the Mindat CDF took control of Mindat Town there have been two incidents in which locals were injured by landmine explosions, but fortunately, there were no fatalities or permanent disabilities.
Explaining to Chin World what plans Mindat CDF have for the town he said: “We’re also committed to ensuring that the residents of downtown Mindat are safe and secure when they return. Our aim is to create an environment where even teenagers can go out safely after midnight, around 1:00 am or 2:00 am. In Mindat, our main priorities are upholding law and order, and enhancing the livelihoods of the people. We intend to roll out public services step by step, starting with safety and then focusing on economic development.”
He also said that the administration system set up in Mindat Township by Mindat CDF will be extended from the rural areas of the township into Mindat Town, but that there may be differences in the ways urban and rural areas are administered.
The Mindat Town administration may also have extra departments such as Municipality and Construction whilst other departments that are part of Mindat Township Administration may not be set up in the town.
Mindat CDF and other groups also belonging to the Chin Brotherhood Alliance launched their offensive to take Mindat Town on 9 November 2024 and successfully took control of the town on 22 December 2024.
