Aizawl (Mizoram) [India], July 8: Amid escalating violence between the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) in Myanmar, the Mizoram government has heightened security along the Indo-Myanmar border, deploying Mizoram Police and Assam Rifles to prevent any breach.
The violent conflict erupted on July 5 in Khawmawi, a village on the Myanmar side of the border near Zokhawthar, and has since intensified, triggering a mass exodus. According to Mizoram Home Minister Pu K Sapdanga, nearly 3,000 civilians have fled into Zokhawthar, seeking refuge from the ongoing gun battles.
Key Developments:
🚨 Border Patrolling & Security
- Mizoram Police and Assam Rifles are conducting round-the-clock patrols to maintain vigilance and prevent infiltration.
- The Home Minister noted concern over previous incidents involving armed Myanmar soldiers crossing into Indian territory.
🛖 Refugee Shelter & Humanitarian Response
- The Young Mizo Association (YMA) is providing temporary shelters and coordinating relief with the government.
- Champhai District authorities have been instructed to activate emergency relief measures.
- The state government, with support from MLAs, student unions, and civil society groups, is ensuring aid reaches those displaced.
📜 Protocol Concerns
- Although India mandates ID and registration for entrants from Myanmar, officials acknowledge that those fleeing armed conflict may not be able to comply.
- Refugees are currently being advised to remain in Zokhawthar and not disperse to other parts of the state.
🔫 About the Conflict
- CDF-H and CNDF are ethnic Chin armed groups, both part of the broader Zohnathlak community.
- Their internal conflict, fueled by unclear alliances and regional instability, has now led to significant cross-border impact.
The Mizoram government has reiterated its call for peace and urges a peaceful dialogue between the warring factions to prevent further escalation and ensure civilian safety.
This is not the first time Mizoram has hosted refugees from Myanmar, but officials say the scale and urgency of this latest influx make it particularly alarming.