Image Credits - The Hindu
On November 14, Indian defense authorities repatriated 39 soldiers from the Myanmar military who sought refuge in Mizoram following the takeover of their camp by ethnic armed groups supporting the pro-democracy movement in Myanmar.
On Sunday night, close to 5,000 citizens from Myanmar, including 39 army personnel, entered India. This influx occurred after a confrontation between rebel groups and the military, along with bombings in two villages near the border on the Indian side.
Security sources revealed that out of those who entered India, 21 sustained injuries during the clash. Rebel groups such as the Peoples Defence Force, Chinland Defence Force, and Chin National Army reportedly launched an attack on Myanmar army posts at Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi, near Zokhawthar in Champhai district of Mizoram on Sunday night. The ensuing retaliatory gunfire persisted throughout the night.
Following the ongoing retaliatory gunfire throughout the night, residents sought refuge on the Indian side by crossing the Tiau River, marking the border between the two nations. Reports indicate that rebel groups have seized control of the military posts, compelling army personnel to evacuate. In response, on Monday morning, the Myanmar army conducted bombings in the border areas, prompting the remaining approximately 5,000 residents of the two villages to enter India through Zokhawthar in search of safety and shelter.
Anti-junta forces in Myanmar’s Chin state are attempting to secure a section of the porous border with India by capturing two military outposts on the mountainous frontier, according to a rebel commander. This action is part of a broader offensive against the military junta, with dozens of rebels engaging in a day-long battle on Monday to seize control of two camps adjacent to India’s Mizoram state, as reported by Chin National Front (CNF) Vice Chairman Sui Khar.
The Inspector General of Police (headquarters) for Mizoram, Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, informed reporters that among the 5,000 individuals who entered India, 21 sustained injuries. Eight of the seriously injured were transferred to Aizawl for treatment, while the others are receiving care at the district hospital in Champhai.
According to security sources, all 39 army personnel from the neighboring country were repatriated by an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane on Tuesday.
Security sources also reported an incident involving an elderly individual, a Myanmar national who had entered India last year and was residing in Zokhawthar. He was injured by a stray bullet from the Myanmar side and subsequently passed away at a Champhai hospital on Monday.
Since Monday, there have been no further incidents of gunfire, and the situation has been peaceful. Security sources noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs is closely monitoring the situation.