A fresh influx of over 150 refugees from Myanmar has reached Zokhawthar village in Mizoram's Champhai district following a devastating airstrike on Khawpuichhip village in Falam township of Chin state. The attack on Friday killed seven people, including six children, according to village leaders.
Details of the Airstrike
Village leaders in Zokhawthar told reporters that the aerial bombing occurred at around 3:20 PM (Myanmar time) when two bombs were dropped on Khawpuichhip, a village located a few kilometers from the Mizoram-Myanmar border river Tiau. The deceased were identified as Lalnunfela (29) and his three sons—Lalrinzuala (5 months), Lalhuapzauva (4), and Malsawmmawia (5)—along with Lalrinnunga (10), Lalhriatkima (5), and Jedidia Lalduhsaka (3). All were ethnic Mizos. An unspecified number of people, including women and children, were also injured.
Reactions from Local Organizations
Leaders of the Hualngoram People's Organisation (HPO) and Chinland Defence Force–Hualngoram stated that there was no presence of Chin armed groups or Myanmar junta soldiers in Khawpuichhip, and no reason for an airstrike on the village. “This airstrike is another stark example of disregard for the lives of innocent civilians by the Myanmar military junta,” HPO leader Hminga said from Chin state.
Refugee Accommodation and Movement
In Zokhawthar, village leaders reported that most of the new arrivals have moved in with relatives and friends, while others will be accommodated in government and public buildings, including community halls. Refugees have also taken shelter in Vaphai village, south of Zokhawthar, and in Saikhumphai hamlet near Vaphai at the last frontier. While the exact number entering Vaphai and Saikhumphai is yet to be determined, the village council president confirmed that at least over 20 have taken shelter in Vaphai, where more than 900 refugees are already staying.
Border Restrictions
Across the border river, movement has slowed after security restrictions. A leader of the Young Mizo Association in Saikhumphai said a number of refugees attempting to cross the Tiau river have been stranded on the Myanmar side after the Assam Rifles, guarding the Mizoram-Myanmar border, disallowed the refugees from crossing the international border.
The situation remains tense as local authorities and humanitarian groups work to provide aid to the newly arrived refugees, while calls for international action against the Myanmar junta's attacks on civilians continue.
