Fresh Myanmar clash sparks refugee surge in Mizoram

AIZAWL: More than 1,000 people from Myanmar's Chin state crossed into Mizoram 's Zokhawthar village Saturday, fleeing intense fighting between two anti-junta militias that left one fighter dead and six wounded.

Mizoram is already hosting over 32,000 refugees from Myanmar, with numbers fluctuating due to frequent cross-border movement.

Cadres of Chinland Defence Force (Hualngoram) and Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) opened fire on each other around 8.45am, with gunfire continuing until 2.30pm, said Medala, a member of Young Mizo Association. A CDF (Hualngoram) cadre was killed in the clash. Six members from both sides suffered wounds and were taken to Zokhawthar for treatment.

One refugee drowned while attempting to flee across Tiau river that separates Chin from Mizoram.

Chin National Defence Force seized all eight camps of the rival faction by the end of the day, forcing a fresh wave of civilians to flee across the border into India.

Assam Rifles sealed the border gate at Zokhawthar, cutting off access for Myanmar nationals attending school in the village or seeking medical treatment in hospitals.