AIZAWL: At least 40 of the 43 Myanmarese soldiers, seeking refuge in Mizoram after a militia group known as the People’s Defence Force (PDF) overran two military bases in Myanmar’s Chin state, were handed back to the Myanmar military government on Tuesday.
The soldiers approached Mizoram police at Zokhawthar in Champhai district on November 13 after the PDF successfully raided the two military bases at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi in Chin state, an official told a national news agency.
Approximately 40 Myanmar soldiers were then handed over to the Assam Rifles, which, in turn, facilitated their return to the Myanmar military government at Tamu in Myanmar on Tuesday. The remaining soldiers are expected to be repatriated as well, according to the official.
A senior state home department official shared that between 2,500 to 5,000 individuals from Chin state have sought refuge in Mizoram, escaping the heavy gunfight between the Myanmar army and pro-democracy rebel groups since November 12.
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In retaliation, the Myanmar army responded with airstrikes at both locations.
Zokhawthar village council president Lalmuanpuia also informed that at least seven members of the PDF were allegedly killed in the airstrikes.
Earlier on November 13, over a thousand Myanmarese nationals sought refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district following a bombing incident near Khawmawi.
According to initial reports, one person is dead and 16 others have sustained injuries.
Champhai Deputy Commissioner, James Lalrinchhana, confirmed to the press that all the refugees originate from Khawmawi, and those with severe injuries have been referred to Aizawl for advanced medical care.
Lalrinchhana added that no injuries occurred within the Indian territory.
While denying reports of any casualties among the refugees, Lalrinchhana said that temporary shelters have been arranged in schools and community halls for them.
Zokhawthar and Khawmawi are situated in close proximity, divided by the Tiau River along the Indo-Myanmar border, while Rihkhawdar is approximately 4 km from Zokhawthar.
Tensions persist in the region as the situation unfolds, with concerns escalating over the impact of the conflict on both sides of the border.
