Aizawl, July 5, 2025: Around 300 refugees from Myanmar crossed into Zokhawthar village in Mizoram’s Champhai district following intense clashes between rival Chin armed groups across the border. The violence, which erupted in the Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi areas of Chin State, involved the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), both composed of fighters from the Zo ethnic group.
The fierce gun battle reportedly began around 8:45 AM on Saturday and continued into the afternoon, forcing residents to flee across the Tiau River into India. Tragically, a refugee from Tahan in Myanmar's Sagaing Region drowned in the river while attempting to cross into Zokhawthar amid the chaos. His body was still missing as of Saturday evening.
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Zokhawthar, which lies directly on the Indo-Myanmar border, saw stray bullets hitting homes and damaging property, including a car window. Though no Indian civilians were injured, the incident has raised serious security concerns. At least six combatants - four from CDF-Hualngoram and two from CNDF — were reportedly injured and brought to Zokhawthar for medical treatment.
The Young Mizo Association (YMA) of Zokhawthar has appealed to the warring groups to avoid targeting the Indian side, after bullets landed dangerously close to civilian homes. One YMA leader confirmed that tensions remain high, and locals are fearful of further escalation.
In response to the conflict, the Assam Rifles sealed the Zokhawthar border gate, halting movement between the two countries. This has disrupted the daily lives of many, including students from Myanmar attending schools in Zokhawthar and patients seeking medical treatment in Mizoram.
According to a senior official, over 33,000 Myanmar nationals, including more than 12,500 children, are currently sheltering across 11 districts in Mizoram. Most are housed in relief camps, rented homes, or government buildings. Additionally, around 7,800 Kuki-Zo refugees from Manipur, displaced by ethnic violence since May 2023, remain in the state.
The ongoing conflict between Chin factions has been fueled by territorial disputes. CDF-Hualngoram, aligned with the Chinland Council, has accused the CNDF - a member of the Chin Brotherhood alliance - of encroaching into their area and launching drone attacks. The CNDF, in turn, claimed that its bases were surrounded and attacked earlier this week.
Security forces in Mizoram have intensified surveillance and patrols along the border to prevent further infiltration and ensure the safety of local residents. The situation remains volatile, with continued concerns over the humanitarian and security implications for India’s northeastern frontier.
