NAYPYITAW, 26 September 2021, (TON): The junta cut off mobile internet access and most Wi-Fi services to 11 townships in war-torn areas of Chin State and Magway Region, according to locals and members of the local resistance forces in the area.

The affected townships are Gangaw, Htilin and Myaing in Magway Region, and Falam, Kanpetlet, Matupi, Mindat, Paletwa, Tedim, Thantlang and Tonzang in Chin State.

Locals have said that the internet blackout will make it difficult for locals to both send and receive information on the conditions in the region.

A Mindat resident told media “after the internet connection is cut off, the phone connection may also be cut off. In that case, I don't think the situation will be easy.”

A church and several buildings were hit by artillery shells fired by the Myanmar army during a clash with the Chinland Defence Force (CDF) on September 22 in Mindat.

Fighting broke out between the junta’s troops and the CDF in Thantlang on September 18, forcing nearly the entire population of the town to flee. At least 18 homes and a government building were set ablaze by the junta’s artillery fire, and a Christian pastor who tried to put out the fire was shot dead by the Myanmar army troops.