Over 3,000 civilians flee to Mizoram as rival Chin groups clash in Myanmar

Violent clashes between two armed Chin factions have triggered a humanitarian crisis along the Indo-Myanmar border, with more than 3,000 civilians crossing into Mizoram's Champhai district since Saturday morning, according to police officials.

 

The mass displacement began after intense fighting erupted between the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) in Myanmar's border villages of Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar. Most refugees have sought shelter in Zokhawthar village, either with relatives or in community halls where local civil society groups are providing emergency aid.

 

Senior Champhai district police officials report that at least 2,845 people have been officially counted, though the actual number may be significantly higher. "The number may be higher, as many children may not have been counted due to the large influx of refugees crossing the Indo-Myanmar bridge and the Tiau River," an official said.

 

The conflict began around noon Myanmar time on Saturday in the villages of Satawm, Lianhna, and Tuichirh. CNDF forces launched a major offensive at approximately 8:30 am, with heavy gunfire continuing for six hours until 2:30 pm. The assault proved devastating for CDF-Hualngoram, which lost all eight of its camps, including its main base at Tuichirh.

 

A leader from the Hualngoram People's Organisation, the political wing of CDF-Hualngoram, stated that they "didn't surrender, but were overwhelmed and were forced to retreat."

 

The human cost became evident as casualties mounted on both sides. Five injured CDF-Hualngoram members were evacuated to Zokhawthar, with one fighter suffering a facial gunshot wound requiring treatment at Champhai District Hospital. Two wounded CNDF fighters also received medical care in the village, confirmed local Young Mizo Association leaders.

 

The violence claimed its second confirmed life when C. Lalhmuakmawia, a 37-year-old CDF-Hualngoram fighter, was killed in Saturday's clashes. His body was released by the CNDF and transported to Aizawl's Chanmari West locality for burial on Sunday. He joins Lalliandinga as the second confirmed casualty since hostilities began on July 2.

 

Fresh violence erupted on Sunday when Chin National Army (CNA) fighters attacked a CNDF camp near Leilet village, across from Saikhumphai in southern Champhai district. The renewed fighting has driven additional refugees into Mizoram, with most refusing to return home due to fears of further clashes.

 

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 continued fighting in Leilet had prompted more civilians to flee across the border.