Hundreds of new refugees have crossed the border into India’s Mizoram State to escape the escalating conflict between the regime and the Arakan Army (AA) in Paletwa Township, southern Chin State.
The entire village of Myeikwa on the border with India fled fighting with the Burma Army (BA), which has been bombarding the area with fighter jets during clashes with AA. The BA flew two airstrikes on the village, says an aid worker who didn’t want to reveal his name.
According to a committee helping civilians affected by the conflict, 589 people from Myeikwa have sought shelter in Lawngtlai Township in Mizoram State. Of these, 115 have settled in Zochachhuah village, 210 in Hmawngbuchhuah village, 127 in Laitlang village and 137 in Dumzautlang village.
Since the coup, 5,909 refugees from the region have fled to the Indian state, where most people are housed in a camp unless they have relatives in the country with whom they can stay.
The Lawngtlai District Level Committee on Myanmar Refugees convened to discuss what humanitarian assistance was available for the new arrivals. The group is providing food, blankets, hygiene items and materials to build shelters.
The Central Young Lai Association, based in Lawngtlai town, has donated 55 bags of rice. Doctors Without Borders is providing healthcare for the refugees.