14-11-2023 (YANGON) A fierce gun battle broke out between Myanmar’s ruling junta-backed forces and the People’s Defence Force (PDF), a militia group, near the Indian border on Sunday evening, according to reports from our correspondent in New Delhi.
The clash occurred in Chin state, Myanmar, near the border shared with six districts of Mizoram, a northeastern Indian state. The districts include Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial, and Saitual, and span a 510-kilometer-long boundary.
The skirmish commenced after the PDF launched an attack on two military bases located at Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar in Chin state, close to the Indian border. Deputy Commissioner James Lalrinchhana stated that the fighting has persisted until today.
Over 2,000 individuals from Khawmawi, Rihkhawdar, and neighboring villages in Chin state sought refuge in Zokhawthar, a town in Champhai district within India, Lalrinchhana reported.
According to the official, the PDF successfully seized control of the Myanmar military base in Rihkhawdar earlier today, while the base in Khawmawi was also taken over by them this afternoon.
In response, the Myanmar army carried out airstrikes on the villages of Khawimawi and Rihkhawdar today, Lalrinchhana revealed.
At least 17 individuals injured during the gunfight were transported to Champhai for medical treatment, as stated by Lalrinchhana.
Tragically, a 51-year-old civilian from Myanmar, who had been residing in Zokhawthar, lost his life during the cross-border gun battle, the Deputy Commissioner added.
Lalmuanpuia, the president of the Zokhawthar Village Council, informed PTI that five members of the Chin National Army (CNA), which is part of the PDF, were killed in the exchange of fire.
Lalmuanpuia further disclosed that over 6,000 people from Myanmar had already been residing in Zokhawthar prior to the onset of the gunfight.
