Fresh unrest along the India-Myanmar border has led to a renewed influx of refugees into Mizoram’s Champhai district, as armed clashes between two pro-democracy rebel groups in Myanmar spilled over into Indian territory. The situation remains tense in the border village of Zokhawthar, where stray bullets from across the border reportedly struck local homes, raising fears among residents.
According to local officials and community leaders, the gunfight broke out between the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force (CDF)-Hualngoram in Khawmawi, a village located just across the Tiau River, which separates Myanmar from India’s northeastern state of Mizoram. The two groups—both composed of fighters from the same Zo ethnic community—are reportedly battling for territorial control in Myanmar’s Chin State.
The violence prompted several Myanmarese nationals to flee their homes and cross into Indian territory, seeking shelter in Zokhawthar and surrounding villages in Champhai district. However, the exact number of people who have crossed the border so far remains unconfirmed.
Local accounts from Zokhawthar describe a tense atmosphere, as the sound of gunfire echoed across the river. Some houses in the village were struck by stray bullets from the Myanmar side, according to the Young Mizo Association (YMA), a prominent civil society group active in border relief efforts.
“We have seen multiple instances where bullets have landed near homes. Thankfully, no one has been injured so far,” said a YMA leader from Zokhawthar. “We have urged both rebel groups not to direct their arms towards our village. People are scared, and we don’t want a repeat of previous violence.”
Residents, especially children and elderly people, are reportedly staying indoors, while community volunteers and local authorities are working to accommodate the refugees with temporary shelter, food, and medical support.
Tragedy struck during the latest influx when one person drowned while attempting to cross the Tiau River to enter India. According to YMA volunteers, the individual was part of a group fleeing from Khawmawi under the cover of darkness when he slipped into the river.
“Efforts are on to recover the body. Our volunteers have been searching since last night,” said the YMA official. “Crossing the river is extremely dangerous, especially when the current is strong due to recent rains.”
The river, though shallow during dry seasons, becomes treacherous during monsoon months, making refugee crossings risky. Over the last two years, several such tragic incidents have been reported during similar refugee movements from Myanmar into Mizoram.
