By Garcia Ni / MPA

The objection by the Zomi Federal Union (PDF Zoland) regarding the formation of the Tedim Township Administration Council in northern Chin State is regarded as merely an exercise of their right to freedom of expression, according to an official from the council.

The Tedim Township Administration Council was formed by the People Defense Force-Tedim (PDA) after meetings held from 23 September to 28 September, attended by 112 representatives from various regions of the township. The council officially announced its formation on 7 October.

On 8 October, the Zomi Federal Union (PDF Zoland) and the Tedim Township Administration Team (Pa Aha Pha- Tedim Township) issued a joint statement expressing their opposition to the formation of the Tedim Township Administration Council.

“They have the right to freely express their opinions, and I believe it is simply a matter of them issuing a statement on their stance,” said Pu Zokhant, the Secretary of the Tedim Township Administration Council, in an interview with MPA.

The Tedim Township People Administration Team (Pa Aha Pha- Tedim Township) was initially formed on 1 March, 2021, under the directives of the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and has since been working with the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) and the local population to carry out administrative functions. The Zomi Federal Union, in its statement, asserted that the announcement by the People Defense Force-Tedim (PDA) was merely a political maneuver by the Chin National Front (CNF) and Chin National Army (CNA) with no legitimate basis.

Regarding the matter, Pu Zokhant commented that the ZFU/PDF Zoland’s objection was based on a group of revolutionaries forming the council around a negotiating table without establishing an effective administrative mechanism on the ground or forming the council with the people’s consent.

“Our Tedim Township Administration Council was formed with the support of the people, and we held village-to-village discussions to achieve this. We are a force that has fought against the oppressive rule of the military regime and strived for just governance. We are not under the control of ZFU/PDF Zoland, nor have we ever interfered in their activities,” Pu Zokhant further explained.

The Tedim Township Administration Council has expressed its willingness to hold discussions with the Zomi Federal Union (ZFU/PDF Zoland) concerning the township’s administrative matters. However, when MPA reached out to both ZFU and the Tedim Township People Administration Team (Pa Aha Pha- Tedim Township) through phone and online platforms, no response was received. 

“This is how I see it. There is not much to say because the town has not yet been taken. If one group takes the town, they will be the ones in control. Until now, no one has taken control, so these organizations have not been able to function much,” A local resident of Tedim told MPA.

In Chin State, the Chinland Council (CC), led by CNF/CNA, the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC), and the politically allied Chin Brothers (CB) have been in competition with each other in the revolutionary struggle. The People Defense Force-Tedim (PDA) is affiliated with the Chinland Council (CC), while ZFU/PDF Zoland is affiliated with the Chin Brothers (CB).

“In terms of strength and territorial control, PDF Zoland is strong, while the PDA is less so. However, the PDA is backed by the CNA and CC. In Tunzan, which is connected to Tedim, the CC has taken control, and the recent formation of the Tedim Township Administration Council is likely a political necessity,” another local resident of Tedim commented.

Tunzan town was seized by allied forces of the Chin National Army (CNA) and the Chinland Council (CC) on 23 May, 2024. On 26 May 2024, the Chin Brothers (CB) allied forces launched an attack to seize Tedim town, but due to air support and reinforcements from the State Administration Council (SAC) Army , the operation was unsuccessful.

Furthermore, it has been reported that 84 houses in Tedim town were destroyed as a result of torching and explosions from artillery strikes  by SAC Army  during the battle for Tedim.