Fresh Exodus From Myanmar: 1,500 Chin Refugees Seek Shelter In Mizoram After Clashes Between Armed Rebels-Army

A new wave of Chin refugees from Myanmar has begun entering Mizoram as clashes intensify between the Myanmar military and certain ethnic armed groups in the country, New Indian Express reported.

Violence erupted in Khawmawi, Myanmar, resulting in the death of at least one person and numerous injuries. Khawmawi is located near Zokhawthar, a town in the Champhai district of Mizoram.

A joint attack by the Kuki Independent Army, Kuki National Army, and Chinland Defence Force resulted in the overrun of a Myanmar Army camp on Sunday evening. This led to a gunbattle between the armed groups and the Myanmar Army.

According to James Lalrinchhana, the Deputy Commissioner of Champhai, around 1,500 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in Mizoram following the recent outbreak of violence. These refugees are primarily from Khawmawi.

According to Lalrinchhana, there are injuries among people from across the border, with 16 injured individuals seeking refuge on our side. The injured individuals are receiving treatment in Champhai. If any of them require advanced medical care, they will be referred to a hospital in the state capital, Aizawl.

According to locals, a person who was injured has died from their injuries. However, Lalrinchhana stated that he does not have any information about this.

There have been no reported cases of Myanmar refugees being shot in Mizoram. It has been reported that the fighting in Myanmar ceased on Monday.

The refugees are currently being housed in schools and community halls, receiving support from the district administration, NGOs, and local villagers.

In light of the humanitarian crisis, he emphasised the need to provide food, clothing, and shelter to all those affected. Some individuals may seek refuge in the homes of their relatives as a means of support.

"When things normalise, they typically return to their previous state. We are hopeful that the situation in Myanmar will improve in the near future," he added.

The arrival of Chin refugees in Mizoram began in early 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar. Over the past two and a half years, more than 37,000 refugees have sought shelter in Mizoram, with many settling in various locations across the state, including Aizawl.

Chins, Mizos, Kukis, Zomis, Hmars, and Kuki-Chins are all part of the Zo community and share a common ethnic background. Those Chins and Mizos who live near the international border have relatives on both sides of the border.