Myanmar Border Clashes Spark Exodus: Nearly 5,000 Citizens, Including 39 Army Personnel Seek Refuge In India

In a swift response to intensified clashes between rebel groups and the Myanmar military near the Indo-Myanmar border, a significant influx of nearly 5,000 Myanmar citizens sought refuge in India.

The skirmish, involving rebel outfits like Peoples Defence Force, Chinland Defence Force, and Chin National Army, targeted Myanmar army posts at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi.

In retaliation, residents fled across the Tiau river to the Indian side, seeking safety.

As per reports by Hindustan Times, The unrest took a severe turn on Monday (13 November) when the Myanmar army bombed border areas, prompting approximately 5,000 villagers to enter India via Zokhawthar.

Notably, 39 Myanmar army personnel surrendered to Mizoram police on Monday evening, as confirmed by Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) of Mizoram Police.

Following Union Home Ministry directives, they were handed over to Assam Rifles personnel stationed at the border.

Among the entrants, 21 individuals sustained injuries, with eight critically injured residents transferred to Aizawl for treatment. The rest were admitted to the district hospital in Champhai.

As of Tuesday (14 November), the situation on the Myanmar side appeared calm, with no reported hostilities since Monday.

However, authorities remain vigilant, issuing alerts to Indian border villages about the potential for fresh bombings or clashes in the region.

The fate of the 39 Myanmar army personnel, reportedly flown back to Myanmar by an Indian Air Force plane, remains unconfirmed as Mizoram Police officials and Assam Rifles did not respond to queries.