Songpi: May 6, 2026
A fresh influx of refugees from Myanmar’s Chin State has reached southern Champhai district, Mizoram, after recent airstrikes and renewed fighting. A local Young Mizo Association leader in Saikhumphai said 42 people have taken shelter in the border hamlet since May 2, crossing the Tiau river from villages near Falam township.
The first group of 27 refugees arrived from Khawpuichhip, Satawm, and Saek villages after Myanmar warplanes bombed Khawpuichhip and Saek. A May 1 airstrike on Khawpuichhip killed seven civilians, six of them children, including a five-month-old infant. Three of the children and the infant were sons of Lalnunfela, 29, the lone adult victim, the YMA leader told TOI.
Another 15 people from five families in Tlauhmun village near Falam city reached Saikhumphai in two batches on Monday and Tuesday. They carried family belongings and plan to stay in Mizoram for some time, with possible relocation to Vaphai village. The earlier group of 27 said they hope to return home “as soon as possible.”
The exodus from Tlauhmun follows intensified clashes between Myanmar junta troops and Chin Brotherhood militias, despite the military recapturing Falam town on April 25. Falam had been held by Chin resistance groups and allies for nearly a year after they seized it on April 8, 2025.
Saikhumphai lies under Vaphai village council on the banks of the Tiau river, within walking distance of Myanmar’s Leilet village. Falam, the only Chin State township with an airport, hosts key state and district offices, though the state capital was shifted to Hakha.
