Mizoram Braces for 2nd Refugee Wave from Myanmar as Troops, Anti-junta Protesters Clash
AIZAWL- Mizoram is bracing for a second wave of refugees from Myanmar as supporters of the Burmese government-in-exile, National Unity Government, which called for a nationwide uprising earlier this week, clashed with the military junta’s forces, reports PTI .
Already over 150 more people have moved across the border in the wake of the military crackdown after the uprising call on Tuesday, September 7.
Sounds of a fierce gunfight between the supporters of NUG and Myanmar army, which took place at a Myanmar village, was heard from Thingsai, the nearest border village in Mizoram’s Hnahthial district, on Friday morning, officials said.
The Myanmarese NUG has been formed by elected legislators who were ousted by the military. Hnahthial district deputy commissioner H. Dolianbuaia said that about 60 Myanmar nationals entered the district since Thursday fleeing armed struggle between civilians and the Myanmar military.
“Our district has already hosted about 700 refugees from Maynmar. More people are likely to enter following the nationwide uprising in the neighbouring country,” he told PTI over phone.
Mizoram, which shares a 510 km long international border with Myanmar, is already home to thousands of Myanmar nationals, who fled their country after the Myanmar Army (Tatmadaw) seized power from a democratically elected government on February first this year.
Maria CT Zuali, the deputy commissioner of Champhai district, which borders Myanmar, also told PTI that at least 35 people from the neighbouring country sneaked into the district on Wednesday following the national wide uprising.
Officials in Lawngtlai, the southernmost district of the state bordering Myanmar, also said that around 60 people from the neighbouring country crossed over some two days ago.
