‘How could I do any less?’: Chin State’s Mother of Resistance

In a wooden home turned makeshift chapel, Ama sits on a mat woven from recycled coffee sachets, listening intently to the resistance commander.

“Many fled,” says Olivia Thawng Luai of the Chin National Defence Force. “You stayed for our revolution. You’ve become our neighbours. This is our village.”

The 56-year-old grandmother nods, nestled among a dozen neighbours.

“You love our soldiers like they’re your children,” the commander says, her eyes finding Ama’s. “Scold them when needed.”