Thousands flee to India amid intense fighting in Myanmar

Over 2,000 Myanmar citizens flee to India's Mizoram amid escalating conflict between army and ethnic insurgents


AFP November 14, 2023
Kachin residents flee the fighting between the Myanmar army and ethnic insurgents. PHOTO: AFP

More than 2,000 people fleeing Myanmar have crossed into neighbouring northeastern India as an offensive against the military widens, Indian media reported Tuesday.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency reported more than 2,000 Myanmar citizens from western Chin state had crossed into India's Mizoram state since Monday, with at least 17 people taken to hospital for their wounds.

Almost 50,000 people have been displaced by fighting in northern Myanmar after an alliance of ethnic armed groups launched an offensive against the junta two weeks ago, according to the United Nations.

Read also: Myanmar rebels seek to control border with India after early wins

PTI, quoting government statistics, said Mizoram was already home to more than 30,000 Myanmar nationals.

The first group of refugees -- including police officers and soldiers -- fled into Mizoram when violence escalated in 2021.

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