Over 1k refugees from Myanmar flee to Mizoram as 2 Chin groups clash

Time of India

05-07-2025

Aizawl: Over 1,000 refugees from Myanmar's Chin state have taken shelter at Zokhawthar village in
Mizoram
's Champhai district following fierce clashes between two Chin groups in the neighbouring country.
The clashes between Chinland Defence Force - Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) cadres at Rihkhawdar village and Khawmawi have resulted in the death of a CDF-Hualngoram cadre, a leader of Young Mizo Association (YMA) unit in Zokhawthar said.
Medala, a YMA leader, told TOI over the phone that gunfire began on Saturday at around 8:45am (IST) and continued until approximately 2:30pm.
He added that the number of refugees must be over 1,000 or even more.
The gunfire stopped after the CNDF militias overran and captured all 8 camps of the CDF-Hualngoram, including the main camp at Tuichirh village, a leader of Hualngoram People's Organisation (HPO), the civilian administration in the area adjacent to Mizoram, said.
While no casualties have been reported, a refugee from Tahan in Kalaymyo town of Sagaing district drowned in the Tiau River at the Myanmar border.
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The refugee attempted to return to Myanmar early Saturday morning but fled back to Mizoram after the firing began. Reports said four members of the CDF-Hualngoram and two members of the CNDF were injured in the clash and have been brought to Zokhawthar for treatment.
Due to the clashes near the Mizoram-Myanmar border, the Assam Rifles has sealed the India-Myanmar gate at Zokhawthar, citing security concerns. This closure has caused significant issues for Myanmar students attending classes in Zokhawthar and individuals seeking medical treatment in India, local leaders said.
The CDF-Hualngoram operates under the Chinland Council (CC), while the CNDF and its political wing, the Chin National Organisation (CNO), are part of the Chin Brotherhood (CB) alliance and its political wing, the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC).
The conflict between the two Chin armed groups began around 12:30am (Myanmar time) on Wednesday, following the death of Lalliandinga, a CDF-Hualngoram cadre.
CDF-Hualngoram spokesperson Jacob Vanlalzawma accused CNDF cadres of setting up camps in their territory and attacking Satawm and Lianhna villages with drones. Meanwhile, CNDF sources claimed their soldiers were surrounded and attacked by CDF-Hualngoram militias at Tuichirh village on July 2.
The CNDF/CNO asserts that the area occupied by CDF-Hualngoram is within Falam township and under their control, while CDF-Hualngoram is attempting to establish their own territory within Falam township of Chin state.
A member of the 'Advocacy Group for Peace in Chinland,' formed by Mizoram CM Lalduhoma, told TOI that they are mediating between the two groups to reach a ceasefire, as internal conflict is detrimental to the ethnic Mizos' fight against the Myanmar military junta.