Fresh Influx into Mizoram’s Champhai After Myanmar Border Clashes

Aizawl: Mizoram's Champhai district witnessed a fresh wave of Myanmarese nationals seeking refuge following a violent gunfight between two pro-democratic armed groups in Myanmar's Chin State, officials confirmed on Saturday. The clash reportedly occurred at Khawmawi, a village in Myanmar located across the Tiau river, which acts as a natural border with Zokhawthar village in Mizoram. The conflict involved two Zo ethnic outfits — the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF)-Hualngoram, both fighting for control over the region. While the exact number of people crossing the border into India is yet to be determined, authorities confirmed that many locals have fled Khawmawi to escape the ongoing violence. A Young Mizo Association (YMA) leader from Zokhawthar said the gunfire has sparked tension among border residents. “We have urged both groups not to aim their weapons towards Indian territory, as several houses in Zokhawthar were struck by stray bullets,” he said. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in the Indian village so far. Tragically, one individual drowned in the Tiau river while trying to cross into India. YMA volunteers have launched a search operation to recover the body. The situation remains tense, with local authorities and civil society groups closely monitoring developments and extending support to those fleeing the violence.