In a dramatic turn of events, 151 Myanmar soldiers, identified as ‘Tatmadaw,’ sought refuge in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district after their camps near the international border were captured by the Arakan Army fighters. The soldiers, armed and critically injured, approached the Assam Rifles at Tuisentlang on Friday.
According to an Assam Rifles officer, intense gunfights between the Myanmar Army and Arakan Army had been ongoing near the Indian border in recent days. The fleeing soldiers received initial medical assistance from the Assam Rifles at Parva in Lawngtlai district and are currently under their safe custody.
Efforts are underway for their return to Myanmar as discussions between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Myanmar military government progress. This incident follows a similar occurrence in November when 104 Myanmar soldiers sought refuge in Mizoram after their camps were overrun by the pro-democracy militia, People’s Defence Force (PDF).
The recent developments highlight the escalating conflict in the northern part of Shan state, where the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, forming the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched a coordinated offensive on October 27. The ongoing clashes pose a significant challenge for the Myanmar military government, which has been grappling with a nationwide uprising since February 2021.
