Mizoram Faces Refugee Influx Amid Myanmar Conflict
Crisis at the India-Myanmar Border
Aizawl, July 7: The ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Chin state has led to over 3,000 refugees seeking safety in Mizoram. In response, Lalmuanpuia Punte, the political adviser to the Chief Minister, traveled to the tense border area on Sunday to engage with leaders of the conflicting Chin rebel groups in an effort to ease the situation.
Since Saturday, more than 2,845 individuals from the villages of Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar have entered Zokhawthar in the Champhai district. Local authorities suspect that the actual figure may be higher, as many vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly, remain unaccounted for amidst the turmoil.
According to a senior police officer from Champhai district, "They are crossing through the border bridge and even fording the Tiau river. The total could surpass 3,000 soon." Most of the refugees are finding shelter with relatives, while local civil society organizations, such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA), have opened community centers to provide temporary housing, food, and essential supplies.
This latest wave of displacement was sparked by fierce clashes that began on July 2 between the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF). The conflict escalated over the weekend when CNDF forces, allegedly supported by the Chin Brotherhood, launched a significant offensive on Saturday morning, capturing all eight CDF-Hualngoram camps, including the crucial Tuichirh base.
Hminga, leader of the Hualngoram People’s Organisation, stated, "We were outnumbered and had to retreat. We didn’t surrender, but some of our members crossed into Mizoram for safety." At least five injured CDF-Hualngoram fighters were evacuated to Zokhawthar, with one later transferred to the Champhai district hospital. Two injured CNDF members also received medical care in Zokhawthar.
On Sunday, the CNDF returned the body of C Lalhmuakmawia, a 37-year-old CDF-Hualngoram fighter who lost his life during Saturday's attack. His remains were transported to Chanmari West in Aizawl for burial, organized by the YMA Zokhawthar. He is the second confirmed casualty from the rebel side, following Lalliandinga's death on July 2.
Gunfire erupted again on Sunday near Leilet village in Chin State, directly across from Saikhumphai in southern Champhai. During his visit, Punte met with leaders from both the CNDF and CDF-Hualngoram in Khawmawi, stating, "More civilians are fleeing due to renewed fighting near Leilet. Many are hesitant to return until peace is achieved."