Due to fierce firing, 1400 Myanmarese had to take shelter in Mizoram.

Aizawl: Over the past 48 hours, approximately 1,400 individuals from Myanmar, including women and children, sought refuge in eastern Mizoram’s Champhai District following ongoing armed clashes between Myanmar’s Tatmadaw (military) and the pro-democratic group People’s Defence Force (PDF), officials confirmed on Tuesday.

According to Indian officials, the prolonged and intense confrontation between the military and the People’s Defence Force in Myanmar compelled this fresh influx of refugees into Indian territory.

V.L. Hruaimawia, the District Organiser in Champhai district, reported that on Monday, around 1,400 people, comprising men, women, and children, fled from Myanmar’s Chin region and sought shelter in the district.

“We have provided food, relief materials, and necessary medical aid to these distressed evacuees,” Hruaimawia conveyed to IANS during a phone interview from Champhai.

With this recent arrival, the count of Myanmar refugees seeking refuge solely in Champhai District has escalated to 7,004. Hruaimawia suggested that these newly arrived individuals might consider returning to Myanmar once the situation stabilizes.

Media sources indicated that the clashes between the Army and the PDF ensued after the latter launched attacks on military bases in Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state near the Indian border. Reports stated that the PDF successfully gained control of the Myanmar military base at Rihkhawdar on Monday, resulting in casualties with seven reported deaths and 20 individuals injured.

Eastern Mizoram’s six districts—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial, and Saitual—share a 510-km-long unfenced and mountainous border with Myanmar’s Chin state. The influx of refugees began in February 2021 following the military coup in Myanmar, with 32,000 individuals seeking shelter in Mizoram since then. Many live in relief camps, government buildings, or with relatives, while others reside in rented accommodations.

The Mizoram government, along with Church bodies, the Young Mizo Association, NGOs, and numerous individuals, continues to extend support to the Myanmar refugees, predominantly belonging to the Chin tribal community. These refugees share close ethnic ties, language, and lifestyle similarities with the Mizos.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga has corresponded with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central ministers, appealing for financial and logistical assistance for the Myanmar refugees. Despite these requests, the Union government is yet to respond regarding support for the refugees.