In a fresh wave of displacement, at least 89 civilians from Myanmar's conflict-ridden Chin state have sought sanctuary in Mizoram, India, over recent days. This exodus comes as the Myanmar military junta escalates its attacks on villages and resistance groups, with observers linking the offensive to upcoming staged elections in the region.
A Harrowing Escape Across the Border
The refugees arrived in two distinct groups, fleeing aerial bombardments and ground assaults in their home villages. The first group, consisting of 47 individuals from 11 families in 'K' Haimual and surrounding villages, made their perilous journey on November 28. They crossed the natural border of the Tiau river near the Saikhumphai hamlet in Mizoram. By December 2, these displaced people were relocated to Vaphai village, where they are currently taking shelter in the local community hall.
A second group of 42 refugees from Hrumhrang village followed shortly after. They are being temporarily housed at the Fiaratui Middle School in Vaphai. However, their stay is uncertain, as local leaders have indicated the need to find alternative accommodation once the school reopens on January 7.
Accounts of Terror and Loss
Speaking from their temporary shelters, the refugees shared chilling stories of the violence that forced them to abandon their homes. They described coordinated attacks involving jet fighters, gyrocopters, and drones, which paved the way for ground troops to storm their villages. The soldiers reportedly killed livestock and set homes ablaze.
"We had no choice but to flee into the dense jungles, and after days of hardship, we managed to cross into Mizoram," recounted Kham Lian Thang, one of the refugees. His life has been upended, having lost both his job and his ancestral home in Falam township. His primary concern now is the uncertain future of his two young sons, especially regarding their disrupted education.
The Election Context and Strategic Objectives
The timing of this military escalation is viewed with deep suspicion. The ruling junta has announced a two-phase election process for Chin state. The first phase is scheduled for December 28 in Tedim and Halkha townships, followed by a second round on January 11 in Falam, Tonzang, and Thantlang.
Regional observers and analysts believe the intensified offensive serves a dual purpose: to instill fear in the civilian population and compel them to participate in the polls under duress, and to militarily reclaim strategic camps and areas that had been seized by Chin resistance forces in earlier clashes. This creates a climate of coercion ahead of the vote.
The situation highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis along India's northeastern border, where Mizoram has repeatedly opened its doors to those fleeing the civil war in neighboring Myanmar, straining local resources but upholding a tradition of ethnic and kinship solidarity.
