Aizawl: A severe humanitarian situation is unfolding along the Indo-Myanmar border as renewed violent clashes between two armed Chin factions, the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), have forced over 3,000 civilians to seek refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district since Saturday morning. Police officials report a significant displacement, with most individuals finding shelter in Zokhawthar village, either with relatives or in local community halls where civil society groups are providing crucial aid.
The latest wave of displacement was triggered by intense fighting that erupted in Myanmar’s border villages of Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar. Champhai district police authorities have officially counted at least 2,845 refugees, though they acknowledge the true number could be considerably higher, citing the difficulty in counting all children amidst the large influx across the Indo-Myanmar bridge and the Tiau River.
The conflict intensified around noon on Saturday, Myanmar time, in the villages of Satawm, Lianhna, and Tuichirh. The CNDF launched a major offensive at approximately 8:30 AM, with heavy gunfire persisting for six hours until 2:30 PM. This assault proved devastating for CDF-Hualngoram, resulting in the loss of 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, confirmed that their forces “didn’t surrender, but were overwhelmed and were forced to retreat.”
The human toll of the conflict is evident, with casualties reported on both sides. Five injured CDF-Hualngoram members were evacuated to Zokhawthar, with one fighter requiring treatment at Champhai District Hospital for a facial gunshot wound. Local Young Mizo Association leaders also confirmed that two wounded CNDF fighters received medical attention in the village. The violence has claimed its second confirmed life since hostilities began on July 2, with C. Lalhmuakmawia, a 37-year-old CDF-Hualngoram fighter, killed in Saturday’s clashes. His body was released by the CNDF and transported to Aizawl’s Chanmari West locality for burial on Sunday, following the earlier death of Lalliandinga.
Fresh violence flared up on Sunday when Chin National Army (CNA) fighters attacked a CNDF camp near Leilet village, situated opposite Saikhumphai in southern Champhai district. This renewed fighting has led to even more refugees crossing into Mizoram, with many expressing reluctance to return home due to persistent 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, confirming that the ongoing fighting in Leilet was indeed driving additional civilians across the border.
Read More: Tripura Police Uncover Mammoth Cough Syrup Smuggling Bid