7 Myanmar nationals detained in Champhai

Aizawl: Seven Myanmar nationals, suspected to be refugees taking shelter in Champhai town, were detained by local volunteers of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and were recently deported to Chin state of Myanmar by handing them over to the Chin militant group, YMA leaders of Champhai said on Saturday.

The YMA leaders told TOI over phone that one of the deportees, Bawineisuma alias Lalneihchhunga, residing at the Dinthar neighbourhood in Champhai town, the headquarters of Champhai district bordering Myanmar, was restrained and detained for brandishing a dao (machete) and threatening the local people in the streets. He threatened by saying that he is a member of the Chin Defence Force (CDF), more popularly known in the border areas as ‘mipui sipai' or the people's soldier. "As Bawineisuma's action could be dangerous to the people of the locality, he was restrained and detained by the volunteers of the YMA unit of Dinthar," a YMA leader said.

In another incident, six Myanmar nationals, also reportedly refugees — Vanlalrinchhana, Bawihliana, Siangthachhung, KD Liana, Vanbawiha and Sangbawihthang were detained by YMA volunteers at New Champhai locality while drinking openly at a farm house.

These people reportedly claimed that they are cadres of the Chin National Front (CNF)/Chin National Army (CNA) ‘on leave'. The YMA leaders handed over the seven Myanmarese nationals to the police officials who, in turn handed them over to the CNF/CNA authorities.