AIZAWL, July 11: As the humanitarian crisis along the India-Myanmar border deepens, the Young Mizo Association (YMA) has stepped forward with ₹5 lakh in aid to support the growing number of Myanmar refugees taking shelter in Mizoram’s Champhai district. The displaced individuals, mostly from the Chin state, have fled escalating clashes among rival Chin armed groups.

According to a press release by the YMA, the relief includes food and essential items worth ₹3 lakh handed over to the Zokhawthar unit, and additional supplies valued at ₹2 lakh delivered to the Vaphai unit. A contingency fund of ₹1 lakh has been allocated to the YMA Champhai sub-headquarters, which is coordinating relief distribution across four border villages—Zokhawthar, Vaphai, Saikhumphai, and Farkawn.

In a parallel effort, the Salvation Army’s Emergency Relief and Disaster Services under the India Eastern Territory also mobilized aid on Thursday. Volunteers distributed 10 quintals of rice, eight quintals of lentils, 15 cases of cooking oil, and 1.5 quintals of salt to refugees across the affected villages. Hygiene essentials such as soaps, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, and toothpaste were also provided.

Official estimates now indicate that at least 3,852 refugees are currently residing in and around the Zokhawthar border trade centre, with around 850 others scattered across neighboring villages. The influx began on Sunday following renewed fighting between the Chin National Front (CNF) and its military wing, the Chin National Army (CNA), against the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), the armed wing of the Chin National Organisation (CNO).

Speaking to Zofa Journal, CNF/CNA spokesperson Salai Htet Ni called for an end to internal conflict among Chin groups and urged unity in the resistance against Myanmar’s military regime. He emphasized that disputes over territorial control must be deferred until the military dictatorship is dismantled. Htet Ni warned that continued aggression by the CNDF would prompt the CNA to reclaim lost areas in western Chin state by force.

Meanwhile, fresh clashes erupted near Satawm village on Thursday, with reports of CNA fighters deploying at least 10 IEDs via drones in an effort to dislodge CNDF forces. Explosions were reportedly heard from the Indian side of the Tiau river border, underscoring the proximity and volatility of the conflict to Mizoram’s frontier villages.

With tensions escalating and humanitarian needs growing, local organisations and international observers continue to urge coordinated aid and a peaceful resolution to the Chin state conflict.