Over 2,500 Myanmar nationals head home from Mizoram after armed clashes subside in Chin State

Following days of violent conflict between two Chin armed groups in Myanmar, approximately 2,500 displaced civilians who had sought refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district have begun returning to their villages.

The exodus occurred in the wake of fierce fighting between the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), which erupted on July 5. The hostilities prompted nearly 2,845 residents of Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar—border villages adjoining Mizoram—to flee across the border into Zokhawthar.

According to officials, many of the displaced civilians took shelter with relatives in Zokhawthar, while others were accommodated in community halls, where local civil society groups, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), ensured the provision of food and basic necessities.

The conflict reportedly escalated around 8:30 a.m. on July 5, when CNDF launched a major offensive on CDF-Hualngoram positions in Satawm, Lianhna, and Tuichirh villages. The intense gunfire continued until about 2:30 p.m., resulting in the CNDF capturing all eight CDF-Hualngoram camps, including their main base at Tuichirh.

Amid the clashes, five injured fighters from CDF-Hualngoram were evacuated to Zokhawthar, with one individual—suffering a gunshot wound to the face—later referred to Champhai District Hospital. Additionally, two wounded CNDF combatants received medical assistance in Zokhawthar, as confirmed by YMA leaders.

One of the deceased fighters, C. Lalhmuakmawia (37) of the CDF-Hualngoram, who was killed in the July 5 clashes, was handed over by the CNDF and brought to Chanmari West in Aizawl for his funeral, which was conducted at 3 p.m. on Sunday. He was the second confirmed casualty from the group since fighting began on July 2—the first being Lalliandinga.

In an attempt to ease tensions, Lalmuanpuia Punte, Political Adviser to the Chief Minister of Mizoram, visited Zokhawthar on July 6. He also crossed into Myanmar’s Chin State to hold discussions with leaders from both factions, aiming to mediate peace.

Officials have confirmed that with the situation appearing to calm, the displaced have begun voluntarily returning to Myanmar.