Border tensions escalate: 5,000 Myanmar nationals, 39 army personnel cross into India

Approximately 5,000 citizens of Myanmar, including 39 army personnel, entered India on Sunday night and Monday morning, seeking refuge following clashes between rebel groups and the military in villages near the Indian border. Rebel outfits such as Peoples Defence Force, Chinland Defence Force, and Chin National Army reportedly attacked Myanmar army posts in Rihkhawdar and Khawmawi villages, prompting retaliatory gunfire.

The situation escalated as residents fled to the Indian side across the Tiau river. On Monday, the Myanmar army bombed border areas, leading to the mass exodus of around 5,000 people who entered India through Zokhawthar, where they surrendered before the Mizoram police.

Lalbiakthanga Khiangte, Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) of Mizoram Police, mentioned that among the 5,000 entrants, 21 sustained injuries. Eight seriously injured individuals were transferred to Aizawl for treatment, while the others received care at the district hospital in Champhai.

There are reports that an Indian Air Force plane transported all 39 Myanmar army personnel back to their home country on Tuesday. The situation on the Myanmar side has reportedly calmed since Monday, but authorities remain vigilant for potential further incidents.