Panic in Mizoram’s Farkawn Village after Myanmar Launched Airstrikes on Rebel Camp Near Border

Myanmar military attacked Camp Victoria, the headquarters of the Chin National Army, one of many ethnic armed groups in the Southeast Asian country that has a history of conflict with the Myanmar Army. Camp Victoria is located on the India-Myanmar border, directly across the Tiau River, with a small bridge connecting the two countries.

As per sources, at least two bombs were dropped inside Indian territory as the Myanmar military launched an airstrike on a prominent training camp for pro-democracy forces near the Indian border.

A Mizoram government official based in Champhai district told that a state-registered truck on the Indian side of the border was damaged in the strikes. The official stated that they were 'keeping a close watch' on the area, but that no 'immediate significant' impact had occurred.

"One bomb damaged a truck from our side, which was parked near the Tiau River. Following the bombing, some people from Myanmar's side crossed the border, and residents in our village are assisting them and the injured. We could see that the bombing was carried out by three fighter jets and two helicopters," said the president of Farkawan village council.

The report further said at least 5 people from the Myanmar side crossed over on Wednesday morning. A representative from the Young Mizo Association (YMA) who lives near Farkawn and visited the area on Wednesday said there was a ‘atmosphere of fear and tension’ among the villagers. 

It is the first time the junta has targeted Camp Victoria in Chin with aerial bombings. Because of the camp's proximity to the Indian border, the rebel commanders said they did not expect an aerial strike.