In the aftermath of intense clashes between rebel groups and the military in Myanmar, a significant number of individuals, including 39 Myanmar army personnel, sought refuge in India. The escalating violence, marked by gunfights and subsequent bombings in villages near the India-Myanmar border, triggered an exodus of nearly 5,000 citizens from Myanmar into the neighboring Indian territory.
Rebel outfits such as Peoples Defence Force, Chinland Defence Force, and Chin National Army reportedly attacked Myanmar army posts in the villages of Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi in Champhai district of Mizoram on Sunday night. Retaliatory gunfire ensued, leading residents to flee across the Tiau river, which serves as the border between the two countries, seeking safety on the Indian side.
The rebel groups reportedly seized control of the military posts, compelling army personnel to flee. Subsequent retaliatory actions by the Myanmar army, including bombings in the border areas on Monday morning, further intensified the crisis. Around 5,000 residents from the affected villages entered India via Zokhawthar, seeking safety and shelter.
Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) of Mizoram Police, confirmed that among the 5,000 Myanmar nationals, 39 army personnel surrendered before the Mizoram police at Zokhawthar on Monday evening. Following the directives of the Union Home Ministry, they were handed over to Assam Rifles personnel stationed at the border.
Reports suggest that all 39 Myanmar army personnel were transported back to their home country by an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane on Tuesday. However, this development remains unconfirmed by Mizoram Police officials, and Assam Rifles has not responded to inquiries.
Amid the influx, 21 individuals sustained injuries, with eight of them, severely wounded, transferred to Aizawl for treatment. The remaining injured individuals are receiving medical care at the district hospital in Champhai. Tragically, one elderly person, who had entered India last year and resided in Zokhawthar, succumbed to injuries inflicted by a stray bullet from the Myanmar side.
While the situation on the Myanmar side has reportedly calmed since Monday, authorities remain vigilant, warning villages on the Indian side of the border to exercise caution as the potential for fresh bombings or gunfights persists.
