Fighting resumed in Mindat in Chin State at 6 pm on Tuesday, after a few hours’ peace following moves by junta forces to hold negotiations with the town’s civilian defense force.
Clashes have been taking place in Mindat since April 24 but have intensified since Monday. On Tuesday morning, three soldiers were killed by civilian fighters. At least 16 junta soldiers have been killed by Tuesday morning after resistance fighters attacked reinforcements on their way to the mountainous town.
“Firing has resumed in the town,” said a Mandate resident on Tuesday evening. “I just got back home from the town center. It means the negotiations have failed. I think the fighting will intensify tonight,” he said.
The junta forces told community leaders that their troops must be allowed to enter the town while residents insisted on the release of detainees.
Fighting erupted in Mindat on April 24 after the police refused to release six anti-regime protesters. Residents said they have used traditional firearms to defend themselves after the military shot first.
The Irrawaddy could not yet independently confirm why the negotiations failed. A resident said young activists have refused to believe a town “elder”, U Shwe Naing, who took part in the negotiations.
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