Myanmar revolutionary forces in southern Chin state unify under new CPU-CPA command

Mizzima

In a significant consolidation of resistance power, four major Myanmar revolutionary forces in southern Chin State have officially disbanded to form a unified political and military body, the Chin People’s Union and the Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA).

Announced during a press conference on 16 January, 2026, the merger integrates the Chin Defense Forces from Mindat, Kanpetlet, Matupi, and the Daai region into a single umbrella organization aimed at strengthening regional governance and military coordination.

“With all organizations brought under a single structure, we aim to expand administrative, judicial and public services, with the primary objective of carrying out the revolution more effectively,” said CPU/CPA News and Information Secretary Salai Yaw Man.

He said the merger would strengthen coordination in establishing checkpoints, accelerate the movement of goods, and make it easier to address cross-township crimes by operating under a single command.

The merger marks the first step toward forming a unified army under a decision of the Chin Brotherhood (CB) and will continue to operate under the leadership of the CB and the Interim National Consultative Council (ICNCC).

“We have operated as separate organizations for five years, but today we have come together as a unified body to more effectively confront and dismantle the military dictatorship. Our goal is to lead both military and political affairs in the region,” said CPU/CPA Information Chairman Salai Aung Min.

He said that southern Chin State also includes Chinland Council (CC) members such as CDF-Paletwa, CDF-Matupi (Brigade 2) and CDF-Zotung, adding that relations have been established with some groups and that there is hope of moving forward together under a shared policy direction.

The Chin People’s Union/Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA) was officially established on 15 November, 2025.

The Central Committee, the organization’s highest authority, comprises 10 central executives, including four chairmen, four secretaries, the Commander-in-Chief, and the Deputy Commander-in-Chief.