Increased Influx of Myanmarese Refugees into Mizoram Amidst Border Clashes

Border Tensions Rise in Mizoram

Aizawl, July 5: A new wave of refugees from Myanmar has been reported in Mizoram's Champhai district following intense clashes between rival factions in the neighboring country, according to local officials.

The exact number of individuals fleeing the violence remains unclear, officials noted.

A representative from the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in Zokhawthar expressed concerns about the escalating situation in the border village.

He mentioned that the YMA has called on both factions to refrain from targeting Zokhawthar, as stray bullets have already struck several homes in the area.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in the village thus far, he added.

The Tiau river serves as the boundary between Khawmawi in Myanmar and Zokhawthar in India.

Clashes have been reported between two pro-democracy groups, the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF)-Hualngoram, in Khawmawi, prompting locals to seek refuge in Zokhawthar village.

Both the CNDF and CDF are active in the Chin state, and their members share the same Zo ethnic background. The two groups have been engaged in conflict over territorial control in recent days.

During the chaos, one individual tragically drowned in the Tiau river while attempting to escape to India, and YMA volunteers are currently conducting a search for him.