People's Defence Force-Zoland, also known as Zoland Defence Force[citation needed] and shortened to PDF-Zoland, is a People's Defence Force armed group in Chin State, Myanmar. They're the armed wing of the Zomi Federal Union, and a key member of the Chin Brotherhood Alliance, formed in December 2023 alongside the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and Chinland Defense Force-Mindat (CDF-Mindat).[1] This alliance aims to enhance collaboration in both political and military endeavors concerning Chin State and Chin ethic affairs.[2]

People's Defence Force-Zoland
ချင်းပြည်သူ့ကာကွယ်ရေးတပ်မတော်
Also known asPDF-Zoland
CountryMyanmar
Allegiance National Unity Government of Myanmar
Active regionsChin State
IdeologyFederal democracy
Part ofChin Brotherhood Alliance
Opponents Myanmar (SAC)
Battles and warsInternal conflict in Myanmar

The Chinland Defense Force and PDF-Zoland were established the same year in 2021, in response to the military coup in Myanmar. Their primary goals are to protect civilians from the junta, abolish the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar, end military rule and establish a federal union.[3][4][5]

The PDF-Zoland has faced challenges, including attacks from the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), who have raided their basecamps and tortured their members.[6] PDF Zoland attracted Western volunteers, including a former Bristish soldier and an American veteran, during their fight against the junta.[7] On 21 November, the PDF-Zoland seized a junta base on Kennedy Peak, the second highest mountain in Chin State.[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Chin Brotherhood Alliance Emerges as Three Organizations Skip Chinland Council Conference, Pledging Enhanced Political and Military Cooperation". Burma News International.
  2. ^ "Chin Brotherhood Alliance Emerges as Three Organizations Skip Chinland Council Conference, Pledging Enhanced Political and Military Cooperation". Khonumthung News. 2 January 2024.
  3. ^ "'Our only chance at freedom': Inside the northern Chin resistance". Frontier Myanmar. 11 July 2024.
  4. ^ Sidhu, Helen Regan,Sandi (3 June 2021). "Inside the Chin resistance against Myanmar's military". CNN.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Matamis, Joaquin (11 January 2024). "Chinland Council Established in Myanmar • Stimson Center". Stimson Center.
  6. ^ CHINDWIN, THE (6 December 2021). "Leader of PDF-Zoland assassinated by members of the Zomi Revolutionary Army – Eastern Command". THE CHINDWIN.
  7. ^ "Western volunteers join Myanmar's anti-regime fight". The Business Standard. 17 May 2024.
  8. ^ "PDF Seizes Hilltop Base in Chin State, Captures 12 Myanmar Junta Soldiers". The Irrawaddy. 22 November 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.