Champhai, July 7: Intense fighting between rival Chin armed groups in western Myanmar has triggered a major crisis along the India-Myanmar border, with more than 3,000 civilians fleeing into Mizoram’s Champhai district since Saturday, police said.
The displaced—primarily from Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar villages near the international border—have taken refuge in Zokhawthar, a border village on the Indian side. The violence stems from escalating hostilities between the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF).
“At least 2,845 refugees have arrived so far, but the number could be higher as many children may not have been counted during the influx,” said a senior Champhai police official.
The fighting erupted on Saturday morning in the villages of Satawm, Lianhna, and Tuichirh, with reports indicating that CNDF launched a major offensive around 8:30 a.m. (Myanmar time). Heavy gunfire continued for nearly six hours, culminating in the seizure of all eight CDF-Hualngoram camps, including their main base at Tuichirh.
A leader of the Hualngoram People’s Organisation (HPO), the political wing of CDF-Hualngoram, confirmed that their fighters were forced to retreat after being overwhelmed but did not surrender.
Five injured CDF-Hualngoram fighters were brought to Zokhawthar, with one suffering a serious gunshot wound to the face and later transferred to Champhai District Hospital. Two wounded CNDF fighters also received treatment in Zokhawthar, according to local Young Mizo Association (YMA) members.
The CNDF also released the body of C. Lalhmuakmawia (37), a CDF-Hualngoram member killed in the fighting. His remains were transported to Aizawl and buried at Chanmari West on Sunday. He is the second confirmed casualty from the CDF-Hualngoram side, following the death of Lalliandinga earlier in the week.
Adding to the instability, fresh violence was reported on Sunday, when Chin National Army (CNA) fighters launched an attack on a CNDF camp near Leilet village, just across the border from Saikhumphai in southern Champhai. The renewed clashes have triggered another wave of displacement.
Lalmuanpuia Punte, Political Adviser to the Mizoram Chief Minister, visited Zokhawthar on Sunday and crossed into Chin State to meet with leaders from both factions. He confirmed that the ongoing violence in Leilet has driven more people into Mizoram, with many refugees unwilling to return amid fear of fresh clashes.
Also Read: Grand celebrations in Arunachal Pradesh mark 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
