Mizoram: Indian authorities safely repatriate 40 stranded Myanmar military personnel

The cross-border incident highlights the complex and delicate situation in Myanmar, where conflict between the military junta and rebel forces has forced civilians to seek refuge in neighbouring regions. The ongoing war has led to approximately 5,000 civilians taking shelter in Mizoram, creating a humanitarian challenge for the authorities.

The incursion occurred after the Myanmar military’s camps were taken over by allied forces, prompting the 42 military personnel to seek refuge in Indian territory. Notably, Indian authorities were aware of their presence, and the repatriation was carried out in collaboration with the Myanmar government.

In coordination with relief agencies, the Mizoram government is actively addressing the displaced population’s needs. The influx of refugees adds urgency to the international community’s calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Myanmar, emphasising the impact it has on neighbouring countries.

In a tumultuous turn of events, 40 personnel from the Myanmar army, including two officers, have sought refuge in Mizoram, India, following an attack by rebel forces. The insurgents, identified as members of the Chin National Front (CNF) and People Defence Force (PDF), reportedly captured two Myanmar army posts, prompting the army personnel to cross the border.

The injured Myanmar army personnel are currently receiving treatment at Champai district civil hospital in Mizoram. Mizoram Police Inspector General L Khiangte disclosed that out of the 42 Myanmar army personnel, 39 surrendered to Mizoram police, while two were captured by Assam Rifles and subsequently handed over to Mizoram police. One severely injured army personnel is undergoing treatment at Champai civil hospital.

The incident unfolded on the evening of November 13, marking an international affair that now awaits the final decision of the Indian government. IGP Khiangte emphasised that the situation involves over five thousand Myanmar nationals seeking shelter in two Mizoram villages along the border. Among them, 20 individuals sustained injuries and were admitted to Champai civil hospital. Eight critically injured people were transferred to Aizawl Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment. Tragically, one civilian with a bullet injury succumbed to the injuries at the civil hospital on the night of November 13.

While the Indo-Myanmar border has experienced relative calm since the night of November 13, ongoing heavy gunfights persist on the Myanmar side. The conflict was initiated by the Myanmar army’s fighter attack near the border on the 13th afternoon, resulting in widespread displacement of civilians caught in the crossfire between the PDP, CNF joint forces, and the Myanmar army.

The roots of the turmoil trace back to the Chin province of Myanmar, where over 100 fighters from the CNF and PDF, anti-Junta forces, attacked and overran two Myanmar army posts. Subsequently, the Myanmar army personnel communicated with Assam Rifle posts along the border and entered Indian territory to seek refuge, surrendering to Indian authorities as per established procedures.

The 40 Myanmar army personnel were airlifted by an Indian Air Force MI 17 helicopter and transported to Tamu in Myanmar, near the border town of Moreh in Manipur. Recognising the gravity of the situation, Assam Rifles has deployed additional forces along the border in Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

This incident echoes a similar occurrence in mid-October, when 55 Myanmar army personnel crossed into Indian territory amid fighting between rebel forces and the Myanmar army in Chin province. With Indian authorities’ permission, they were subsequently repatriated to Tamu in Myanmar by the Indian army.

The conflict between the Myanmar army and the People Defence Forces has intensified over the last 15 days, resulting in the capture of many strategic army posts by rebel forces. The Junta army has responded with aerial attacks on both rebels and civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments at the Myanmar-India border.

This incident underscores the importance of regional cooperation and diplomatic efforts to manage the fallout of conflicts in neighbouring nations. The safe repatriation of Myanmar military personnel by Indian authorities demonstrates a commitment to maintaining stability and adhering to international norms amid the challenging circumstances in the region.