CNI News
March 5, 2026
Chin State, one of the westernmost states in Myanmar, serves as a vital "Western Gateway," making it a key player in the current Myanmar political landscape, according to U Soe Htet, Chairman of the New Chin State Congress (NCC).
Speaking to CNI News, he stated:
"Our Chin State stretches vertically from north to south and acts as the Western Gateway. Because of this, we share borders with both India and Bangladesh. We also connect with areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State for about 100 miles. We share approximately 46 miles of border with Bangladesh. Paletwa alone shares a 45-mile stretch with India, and the upper regions share many more miles with India. Being the gateway to India, Bangladesh, and Rakhine State makes Chin State a critically important strategic point for Myanmar."
Since 2021, Chin State has emerged as a major stronghold for the Spring Revolution. Military and political analysts point out that the resistance from local defense forces (CDF/CNA) plays a pivotal role in the country's political turning point.
View of Hakha City, Chin State.
The situation in Chin State significantly impacts the nation's overall military and political trajectory. Furthermore, Chin State is seen as indispensable for the success of India's "Act East Policy." Analysts believe that if Chin State remains unstable, Myanmar's Western Gateway will effectively be closed.
On February 5, 2026, Lt. Gen. Gun Maw of the KIA stated that they are prioritizing efforts regarding Chin State. He expressed belief that Chin State's resources could lead to nationwide success and asserted that they are working diligently for the complete liberation of the state.
However, Pu Pu Htan, spokesperson for the Zomi National Party (ZNP), told CNI News that India's interests are heavily tied to Chin State and expressed concern regarding Lt. Gen. Gun Maw's statements.
Myanmar is sandwiched between India and China.
India's security and economic interests rely heavily on Chin State.
Even during WWII, Chin State was a strategic route for military operations.
Pu Pu Htan warned that if the scenario described by Lt. Gen. Gun Maw unfolds, it could pose significant dangers.
The Myanmar-India Ledo Road.
Currently, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is executing the "Ka Thone Lone" Operation (Kantbalu-Kawlin-Katha) in the Sagaing Region. Lt. Gen. Gun Maw has revealed plans to control both Northern and Lower Myanmar once these areas are secured.
To achieve this, the KIA is providing arms and ammunition to: The Arakan Army (AA), Chin National Front (CNF),Naga armed groups,People's Defense Forces (PDF) within the Sagaing Region.
If the KIA successfully controls the northwestern corridor of Myanmar, it would gain a route from landlocked regions to sea access, potentially allowing for direct diplomatic relations with Western and European nations. This could empower the KIA to pursue military, political, and economic autonomy, or even secession.
Lt. Gen. Gun Maw reminded the public during the Kachin Revolution Day ceremony on February 5, 2026, that during a meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in 2018-2019, he stated they cannot promise not to secede.
