Narinjana News, July 21, 2025

Vice Chairman of the Mara Defence Force (MDF) NB Sila and two other individuals were apprehended in Tipa Village of Saihar district, Mizoram, India, along with some military gear, according to local sources.

On July 21, a combined force of the Mizoram police and the Assam Rifles detained them while they were transporting military equipment in a vehicle.

"Yes, I heard about the arrest. We fear India for bringing such equipment to our country. Because there are so many informers for the Indian security forces, it is challenging to transport such materials. We must exercise caution when entering and exiting India. The Assam Rifles have trained informants who provide information,” stated a resident of the Mara community.

The 44-year-old vice-chairman of the MDF was taken into custody along with military gear, and it is reported that he changed his name and address while being arrested.

According to the local news source Khumiland News, MDF vice-chairman NB Sila changed his name to Pu B Rakhie, an Indian national, and changed the name of his town to Lai Lin Pi at the time of his detention.

They are the subject of legal action. The MDF is a part of the Chin Brotherhood (CB) and oversees the Mara (Chin) population of the towns of Matupi, Hhantlang, and Paletwa in Chin State.

To ensure the safety of the Mara people in Chin State and Mara regions, the MDF has established its own conscription system.