AIZAWL, July 7: More than 3,000 civilians from Myanmar’s Chin State have taken refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district since Saturday, following intense armed clashes between rival Chin rebel groups near the Indo–Myanmar border. The sudden surge of refugees—primarily from Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar villages—has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the border village of Zokhawthar.

Mizoram Chief Minister’s political adviser, Lalmuanpuia Punte, on Sunday crossed into Chin State to hold talks with leaders of both warring factions—the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF)—in an effort to de-escalate the violence.

The conflict flared up on July 2 and escalated significantly on Saturday when CNDF fighters, reportedly backed by the Chin Brotherhood, launched a massive offensive at around 8:30 a.m. local time. They captured all eight CDF-Hualngoram camps, including the key Tuichirh base, after several hours of fierce gunfire.

According to police officials in Champhai, 2,845 refugees have been documented, though the actual figure could be higher, with many children and elderly individuals yet to be accounted for. “They’re crossing over both via the border bridge and through the Tiau River,” said a senior officer.

The displaced have been largely sheltered by local families and civil society groups, including the Young Mizo Association (YMA), which has mobilized relief efforts, opening community halls to provide food and temporary shelter.

Five wounded CDF-Hualngoram fighters were evacuated to Zokhawthar, with one in critical condition transferred to Champhai District Hospital. Two injured CNDF members also received medical aid. The CNDF later handed over the body of slain CDF-Hualngoram member C. Lalhmuakmawia (37), who was buried in Aizawl on Sunday.

Fresh clashes were reported on Sunday near Leilet village across from Saikhumphai in southern Champhai, where Chin National Army (CNA) fighters attacked a CNDF camp—further inflaming tensions and displacing more people.

Adviser Punte confirmed that the ongoing violence is driving more civilians into Mizoram. “Many refugees are unwilling to return due to fear of renewed fighting,” he said.