April 7, 2025
Chin State is one of the smallest and poorest states in all of Burma. According to the 2014 Myanmar Government Census and Housing Report, the population of Chin State is 478,801.
Let's take a closer look at the three main districts where the Zofate people live. The three Zofate townships—Hakha, Falam, and Tedim—have a combined population of only 266,304. In Hakha and Thlantlang, the majority speak the Halkha (Lai Holh) language, while the inhabitants of the Falam area speak the Falam dialect.
The population of Tedim, Tonzang Township, and Chikha sub-township primarily speaks Zomi (though there are local dialects such as Sihzang, Teizang, and Zo, which are mutually intelligible). The total population of Zomi (Tedim, Tonzang, Cikha) areas is only 109,501. The population of Hakha is 98726, the population of Falam is 41457, Rihkhawdar sub-township in Falam district has a population of just 6,620.
Each community has its own armed group. The CNA/F was mainly formed by the Hakha people, while the CNDF (CB) is led by the Falam people in the Falam district. Unfortunately, the Zomi people have five armed groups: ZRA-EC, PDF Zoland, PDA Tedim (Khuano), CDF Tonzang, and CDM Sayin (Sihzang).
ZRA-EC was formed in Chin State back in 2013 in response to the aggression of the Chin National Front (CNF). The CNA/F has been oppressing, torturing, and killing Zomi people for the past 30 years. The Zomi community has reached a breaking point. Since its inception, ZRA-EC has remained within its territory and has not fought against other armed groups outside its regions.
The conflicts between the CNF and ZRA-EC occur only within ZRA territory, specifically in Tedim, Tonzang, or Chikha townships. ZRA-EC fights only in self-defense and has never encroached upon the territories of Falam, Hakha, or Thlantlang, which are claimed by other armed groups.
When you hear misinformation from social media outlets operated by CNA/F, such as Zofa Journal, claiming that ZRA-EC ambushed CNA/F, it is essential to remember that ZRA is merely defending its territory from trespassers or intruders. CNA/F has instigated smaller armed groups, like CDF Hualngoram (led by Puitea), CDF Tonzang (led by Thang Suan Mung a k.a Zoumunung), the PDA Tedim, and the CDM Sayin Sihzang group, to fight against ZRA-EC.
If they would cease sowing discord among these Zomi brothers and stop infiltrating ZRA territory, the fighting would end immediately. If someone breaks into your house without permission, you would naturally defend yourself—it's that simple.
CNA/F and other groups have falsely accused ZRA-EC of aiding the Myanmar military junta (SAC). These allegations are baseless and lack evidence. ZRA-EC maintains that it exists to protect its homeland, Zogam, and will not engage in combat unless attacked first.
They also uphold their motto: "Truth and Freedom." There is no evidence or clear reason supporting claims that ZRA-EC collaborates with the SAC Military Junta. Such accusations are unfounded and serve only as a pretext for eliminating ZRA-EC's presence.
The good Lord of our Father in Heaven has heard the prayers and cries of many Zomi victims of CNA/F brutality for a long time, and now He aids ZRA-EC in safeguarding Zogam. If CNA/F and their proxy armed groups leave ZRA territory, the conflict among the Zofate people would end immediately.
~ Zomi News
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