AIZAWL, July 14: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday to brief him on the escalating refugee crisis in the state following fresh clashes between anti-junta groups in neighbouring Myanmar’s Chin State. The gunfights, which began earlier this month, have forced over 4,000 people to flee across the border into Mizoram, compounding the ongoing refugee challenge the state has faced since the 2021 Myanmar military coup.

According to an official statement, Lalduhoma apprised the Prime Minister of the situation and the humanitarian challenges arising from the influx of refugees, who primarily entered through the Zokhawthar area in Champhai district. Most of the displaced individuals belong to Khawmawi village, located just across the Tiau River. While many have returned to Myanmar following a retreat by the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) from Khawmawi and Rih Khawdar villages, several others remain in Mizoram with local relatives.

In addition to the Myanmar border situation, the Chief Minister discussed key development initiatives in the state, including the Thenzawl Peace City Project, the improvement of the national highway between Aizawl and Thenzawl in Serchhip district, and the progress of the Rs 9,265 crore Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) piped gas project in Aizawl.

One of the major highlights of the meeting was Lalduhoma’s official request for Prime Minister Modi to inaugurate the newly constructed Bairabi–Sairang railway line and Sairang railway station. The Prime Minister agreed to visit Mizoram for the inauguration at the earliest convenient date, the statement added.

Officials said the two armed groups involved in the conflict in Chin State—CNDF and Chinland Defence Force (CDF)—have been battling for control over strategic areas, displacing civilians caught in the crossfire. Mizoram, which shares a porous international border with Myanmar, has provided shelter to over 32,000 refugees since the coup in 2021.