New violence in Myanmar has seen a new set of refugees move to border regions of Mizoram, following alleged airstrikes by the Myanmar military in Khawpuichhip village. At least seven individuals, six of them being children, were killed in the bombing, according to local sources, and this led to widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure.
The police station, at Zokhawthar, reported that the airstrikes caused panic among the people and many fled across the border into India. It is reported that more than 50 refugees entered Zokhawthar on Friday night, aiming to get immediate protection. Other reports indicate that some of the displaced villagers might have relocated to other nearby regions like Vangchhia and Lianpui, which lie near the international border.
Jacob V Zawma, who is a spokesperson of the Chinland Council that represents the Chin state of Myanmar, told the media that although there are no verified figures, there are clear signs of an increasing number of refugees. He also affirmed that 15-20 buildings were destroyed during the attacks.
Myanmar military allegedly reportedly used its air force to attack several civilian sites in the village as per the initial reports. Local officials argue that no resistance camps existed in the region and the attack could have been there to spread fear among the populace.
It is thought to be one of the larger attempts to take control back of Chin state by the junta. The situation is under tight watch by authorities in Mizoram where humanitarian issues are increasingly taking center stage along the sensitive border region.