Myanmar Chin Conflict: Displaced Civilians Begin Returning Home After Factional Clashes

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Aizawl
• Jul 13, 2025
• 506

Following violent clashes between two Chin armed groups in Myanmar, around 2,500 displaced civilians who had sought refuge in Mizoram’s Champhai district have begun returning to their villages.

The conflict erupted on July 5 between the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-Hualngoram) and the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF), forcing nearly 2,845 residents of Khawmawi and Rihkhawdar to flee across the border into Zokhawthar, India.

While many found shelter with relatives, others were accommodated in community halls with support from local civil society groups such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA), which provided food and essentials.

The fighting intensified on July 5 after a CNDF offensive targeted CDF-Hualngoram positions in multiple villages, resulting in CNDF seizing eight camps, including the main base at Tuichirh. Several injured fighters from both sides were treated in Zokhawthar, with at least one critically wounded individual referred to Champhai District Hospital.

Two CDF-Hualngoram members were confirmed killed, including C. Lalhmuakmawia (37), whose funeral was held in Aizawl on July 7.

To ease tensions, Lalmuanpuia Punte, Political Adviser to the Mizoram Chief Minister, visited Zokhawthar and entered Chin State to mediate between the groups. With relative calm restored, officials report that many of the displaced have started returning voluntarily to Myanmar.