According to officials at the Zokhawthar Police Station in Mizoram, panic spread rapidly among residents across the border following reports of aerial bombardment. More than 50 Myanmar nationals fled into the Indian village of Zokhawthar on Friday night after learning of the attack.
Jacob V Zawma, spokesperson for the civilian administration under the Chinland Council in Chin State, stated that the exact number of displaced villagers remains unconfirmed. However, preliminary inputs suggest that many civilians crossed into Indian territory seeking shelter in Vangchhia and Lianpui villages, located approximately two kilometres from the international border.
Zawma confirmed that seven individuals were killed in the strike, including six children, while at least 15 to 20 buildings were destroyed. He cited ground reports indicating that Myanmar’s military deployed air force assets to carry out what he described as indiscriminate bombing of civilian locations in Khawpuichhip on Thursday. He added that there were no resistance force camps in or around the targeted village, suggesting that the attack may have been intended to instil fear among the civilian population.
The Chinland Council spokesperson further linked the assault to broader military objectives, stating that the Myanmar junta has intensified operations in recent weeks in areas such as Teddim, Falam, and Kalay. He asserted that the ultimate strategic goal appears to be regaining control over Kalay airport.
Myanmar's Chin state, which shares over 500 kilometres of border with India, has witnessed sustained and escalating aerial attacks by the military regime. The Chin Human Rights Organisation has reported that non-military targets, including schools and religious institutions, are frequently struck in an effort to weaken civilian morale and resistance support.
Despite the military campaign, ethnic resistance groups reportedly maintain effective control over nearly 90 percent of Chin state. Key towns such as Matupi, Leilenpi, and Rihkhawthar—a critical trade hub along the India-Myanmar border—are said to have been secured by resistance forces. In response, the Myanmar military has increasingly relied on air power to suppress opposition in the region.
The latest incident underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis along the Indo-Myanmar border, with civilian populations bearing the brunt of escalating conflict and forced displacement continuing to impact border communities in northeastern India.
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