Mizoram: Bad weather delays repatriation of surrendered Myanmar soldiers

The anticipated repatriation of 29 Myanmar Army soldiers who surrendered on November 16 has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions in Mizoram. The soldiers, who had engaged in a four-hour gun battle with the People's Army CNDF near the Mizoram border, were expected to return to Myanmar today.

Sources report that the Indian Air Force (IAF) chopper scheduled for the repatriation could not land in Mizoram due to relentless rain, creating an unforeseen setback in the agreed-upon timeline.

The surrender occurred after a fierce clash between the Myanmar Army and CNDF forces in the Tuibual area, merely 13 km from the Mizoram border. The confrontation, which transpired on November 15, resulted in two Myanmar soldiers losing their lives and three others sustaining minor injuries from CNDF forces.

Following intense negotiations between CNDF leaders and the Myanmar Military, an agreement was reached, compelling the 29 soldiers to surrender. Originally set for November 15 in Saikhumphai, Mizoram, the process faced delays due to navigational challenges.

The troops eventually arrived in Saikhumphai at 2:15 p.m. on November 16, complying with the agreement by relinquishing their arms to the Mizoram Police. Guns, ammunition, and bombs were among the items surrendered by the Myanmar soldiers.

A warm welcome was extended by Mizoram Police, along with the Vaphai Village Council (VC) and Vaphai Branch Young Mizo Association (YMA), to the surrendered soldiers. Subsequently, the soldiers were handed over to the Assam Rifles for further processing.