On Thursday, reports emerged that an additional 29 Myanmarese soldiers crossed over to Mizoram after their camp was captured by a local militia group aligned with the pro-democracy movement, as confirmed by a senior police officer.
Earlier this week, at least 45 personnel from the Myanmar army entered Mizoram, fleeing attacks after militia groups, known as the People’s Defence Force (PDF), overran their military camps at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar—two border villages in Myanmar’s Chin state, close to the Indian border.
According to a NENow report, Mizoram Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, the 29 Myanmarese soldiers escaped from their camp at Tuibual in Chin state, a few kilometers from the Indo-Myanmar border. The Chin National Defence Force (CND), a local militia group, reportedly attacked and captured the Myanmar army camp at Tuibual on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
It was reported that Mizoram State police and Assam Rifles received the soldiers at Saikhumphai village in Champhai district near the Tiau river, which separates India and Myanmar, on Thursday. With this, a total of 74 Myanmar soldiers have fled to Mizoram due to recent conflicts with ethnic armed groups, as reported by Khiangte.
While 45 Myanmarese soldiers have already been repatriated to their country, an official from the Assam Rifles reportedly said that the 29 soldiers who entered Mizoram on Thursday are yet to be sent back.
The report also claimed that sources in the Chin National Organisation (CNO), a political wing of CNDF, stated that all Myanmar army camps along the border areas of Chin state and Mizoram have been captured by resistance forces, with no military presence along the border areas adjoining Mizoram.
‘India deeply concerned’
Meanwhile, India expressed deep concern about the fighting between Myanmar’s anti-junta groups and government forces near the border, resulting in Myanmar nationals seeking refuge in Mizoram. India called for a cessation of violence and constructive dialogue, emphasizing a clear stance for peace, stability, and democracy in Myanmar.
According to the Hindustan Times, the external affairs ministry spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, addressed these concerns during a regular media briefing, refuting suggestions that India is supporting the junta.
The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has led to a significant number of citizens seeking refuge in India, primarily in Mizoram, since the military coup in February 2021. Bagchi reiterated India’s commitment to engaging with Myanmar based on its interests and responsibilities.
The latest fighting along the border with India erupted as anti-junta groups led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance expanded its ‘Operation 1027’, an offensive named after the date when it started that had focused on areas in Shan State along Myanmar’s frontier with China. Since then, fighting has also spread to Kachin State and Sagaing Region, which border India.
The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), an advisory body to Myanmar’s government-in-exile, have called on India to end its relationship with the State Administration Council (SAC), which has ruled Myanmar since the 2021 coup, and to engage with the ethnic resistance organizations since they represent the voice of the people of Myanmar.