AIZAWL, July 5: Mizoram’s Champhai district witnessed a renewed influx of refugees from Myanmar on Saturday following a fierce gunfight between two Chin rebel groups across the border. The clashes reportedly forced several civilians to flee into Indian territory, with the exact number of displaced persons yet to be confirmed by authorities.
The violence erupted in Khawmawi village, Myanmar, situated directly across the Tiau River from Zokhawthar in Mizoram.
According to local sources, the armed conflict involved the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF)-Hualngoram.The two outfits have been fighting over the last few days over control of the area, they said.
A leader of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in Zokhawthar said the border village is on high alert. “The gunfight has created panic among residents, and stray bullets have hit a few houses. Fortunately, there have been no casualties reported so far,” the YMA leader stated. He added that the organization has urged both armed factions not to direct their fire toward Indian territory.
Tragically, one person reportedly drowned in the Tiau River while attempting to flee the violence. YMA volunteers are engaged in search operations to recover the body.
