Recent Influx of Refugees from Myanmar into Mizoram Amid Violence

Significant Refugee Movement to Mizoram

Approximately 4,000 individuals from Myanmar have recently entered Mizoram's Champai district due to escalating violence in the Chin state, as reported by a local news outlet.

After traversing the Tiau River, which serves as the border between the two nations, these refugees have sought refuge in the villages of Zokhawthar and Vaphai within the Champhai district.

The majority of these individuals hail from the border villages of Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Myanmar, which are located near the Champhai district.

A conflict erupted on July 2 between two armed factions, the Chin National Defence Force and the Chinland Defence Force Hualnogram, who have been engaged in combat against the Myanmarese military. This renewed violence is believed to be linked to territorial disputes between the groups.

Lalmuanpuia Punte, a political advisor to the Chief Minister of Mizoram, confirmed that around 4,000 refugees have fled from the Chin state in Myanmar.

Since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, many individuals, primarily from the Chin state, have relocated to Mizoram. The border between the Chin state and Mizoram stretches approximately 510 km and is known for its porous nature.

The Chins of Myanmar and the Mizos share deep ethnic connections, belonging to the broader Zo ethnic group. They communicate in similar Tibeto-Burman languages and uphold comparable customs and traditions.

As of April, Mizoram had welcomed nearly 40,000 Chin refugees from both Myanmar and Bangladesh.