Myanmar rebel infighting triggers fresh influx of refugees into Mizoram

Fresh violence in Myanmar's restive Chin State has triggered a wave of panic and displacement, with around 300 refugees fleeing to Mizoram's Zokhawthar village after gun battles broke out between two pro-democracy insurgent groups—the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF)-Hualngoram.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Zokhawthar, a quiet border village in Champhai district, has been rattled by the spillover of the conflict, as stray bullets fired during the clash hit several homes in the Indian territory. While no injuries have been reported, the situation has left residents shaken. Local leaders have appealed for calm and restraint.

The Young Mizo Association (YMA), a prominent local civil society body, said the organisation has urged both sides not to point their weapons toward Zokhawthar. Stray bullets have already damaged some houses.

The border gate at Zokhawthar has been sealed by the Assam Rifles while security forces remain on high alert.

Meanwhile, one person reportedly drowned in the Tiau River, which separates Zokhawthar from Myanmar's Khawmawi village, while attempting to cross into India. YMA volunteers have launched a search operation.